Phaedra Wainaina

Phaedra Wainaina is the Director of EWD at LIFT. Phaedra has previously worked as a Technology Program Manager at TechTown and as a Detroit Workforce Leadership Academy Fellow at The Aspen Institute. Phaedra is passionate about helping under-served and under-represented youth achieve their educational goals. In their previous roles, they have advised students on navigating the college-going process, helped them secure financial aid and scholarships, and served as an advocate and liaison for their students. Phaedra is committed to continuing their work in addressing the widening gap in college preparation, counseling, and programming.

Phaedra Wainaina has a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Wayne State University Mike Ilitch School of Business, a Doctor of Law (J.D.) from Wayne State University Law School, and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Political Science & Afroamerican African Studies from the University of Michigan. Phaedra also has a high school diploma from Renaissance High School. Phaedra is certified by Lexis Nexis in Professional Research.

Their manager is Nigel Francis, CEO & Executive Director. They are on a team with James McManus - Senior VP, Sales & Business Development, Victor Claudio - CFO, and Joe Steele - Senior Director, Communication & Legislative Affairs. Some direct reports include Eileen Pickett - Program Manager (Contractor), Jacqui Mieksztyn - Program Manager (Contractor), and External Extended Enterprise - Amatrol, Talent Interest Group.