Tara Gellene

Tara Gellene has a diverse work experience spanning over the years. Tara started their career in 2003 at Stanford University, where they worked as a researcher and curriculum developer for the Education Program for Gifted Youth. During their time there, they developed a computer-based Language Arts curriculum and initiated a pilot program in Title I school.

In 2007, Tara became self-employed as an independent writer and editor. Tara worked on various projects, including academic articles, books, dissertations, dossiers, and grants in humanities, sciences, and social sciences. Tara provided support to clients such as Children's Hospital Los Angeles, UCLA, and the University of Southern California in securing funding from NIH grant programs.

Tara joined Leadership Enterprise for a Diverse America in 2008, where they held multiple roles. Starting as a writing instructor and director of writing instruction, they helped develop the organization's writing course goals, methods, and assignments. Tara also taught a section of the writing course and supported scholars throughout the college application process.

In 2014, Tara became the senior program officer and director of writing instruction at Leadership Enterprise for a Diverse America. In this role, they directed the organization's academic writing program, developed the writing curriculum, and implemented assessment methods to demonstrate learning outcomes. Tara also led efforts to gather outcome data across departments.

In 2015, Tara was promoted to the role of senior director of college pathways at Leadership Enterprise for a Diverse America. During their tenure, they managed a 60% increase in students served and significantly increased students' admissions to prestigious universities like Stanford, MIT, and Ivy League schools.

From 2018 until now, Tara has been serving as the senior director of programs at Leadership Enterprise for a Diverse America. In this position, they oversee a five-week residential summer program for high school juniors at Princeton University, managing a team of 45 on-site staff. Their responsibilities include enrollment, programming, staffing, training, budgeting, state licensing, and ensuring health and safety measures. Tara also designed and led a successful full-time virtual Summer Institute program during the Covid-19 pandemic, incorporating innovative asynchronous learning and community-building components.

Additionally, Tara has worked as an instructor at Barnard College from 2012 to 2014 and at NYU Gallatin from 2010 to 2014.

Tara Gellene earned their B.A. in English and Creative Writing from Stanford University, graduating in 2002. Tara then pursued further education at Columbia University, where they obtained an M.A. and M.Phil in English and Comparative Literature from 2004 to 2011. Recently, in 2019, Tara Gellene obtained an Executive Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership from Baruch College.