Stephany Andrade, a student at the University of Pittsburgh, is making a significant impact on the field of education through her various initiatives and community service work. As the founder of APPLE (Assisting Philanthropic Professionals Lead Education), Andrade is dedicated to improving the lives of learners and educators in Pittsburgh and beyond.
Starting with her role as a resident assistant in Holland Hall, Andrade is committed to helping first-year students thrive at Pitt. Her residents on the eighth floor of Holland Hall describe her as “the perfect RA” who has made their college transition a wonderful journey.
Andrade, a first-generation American and college student, received mentorship from TRIO Student Support Services during her own first year. Now, she works as a peer mentor for TRIO SSS, guiding first-generation students through the challenges of college life.
Beyond Pitt, Andrade has interned at Faison K-5 School in Homewood, where she implemented the Playlab framework to facilitate socioemotional learning for students. She believes in the power of play to help children cope with trauma and form connections in the classroom.
Andrade’s passion for education extends to her involvement in Strong Women Strong Girls, a mentorship program for young women. She emphasizes the importance of helping mentees grow into themselves and become leaders in their chosen paths.
Looking ahead, Andrade plans to pursue a career in education policy, starting with teaching before aiming for a congressional position. She believes that educators should be at the forefront of shaping education policy.
Through her work as a student liaison at the University Center for Teaching and Learning, Andrade is exploring the integration of generative AI in the classroom to enhance student learning.
Andrade’s dedication to educational improvement and community service stems from her genuine care for students’ lives. She believes that serving the community should come from a place of genuine care, not just as a resume booster.
In conclusion, Stephany Andrade’s commitment to education and community service is making a lasting impact on the lives of students and educators in Pittsburgh and beyond.