Full name: Anna Yu
Current title & company: Chief Growth Officer, Citizen Schools
Brief description of who you are professionally w/ concise accomplishments:
I drive strategy and operations support for the growth of Citizen Schools to achieve scale and sustainability. Prior to joining Citizen Schools, I spent 20 years in branding, marketing and advertising across a breadth of industries: education, healthcare, government, non-profit, financial services, real estate, professional services, technology, and a range of consumer products/services. My teams have been awarded Rosoff Awards (for diversity and inclusion), Effies, Webbys and DxMA Awards (for Device and Diagnostic Marketing).
Why did you join TWT and what are you hoping to achieve as a member of the organization?
My first introduction to the group was through my membership in Boston Women’s Leadership Council. I’ve long admired TWT and felt there was a special community created with genuine dedication toward uplifting women and creating networks that support female leadership. I would like to expand the reach and impact of TWT.
What is one of your most proud professional moments and what are you most looking forward to professionally in the next five years?
My proudest professional moments are usually tied not to my own accomplishments but team achievements. As a manager and mentor for over 15 years, I am always proud to see my team succeed professionally and many of them now run their own marketing departments.
I’m most looking forward to pushing myself and my teams toward innovation and challenging us to make the greatest long-term impact for students in underserved communities.
What do you do in your “free” time?
I’m a total nerd so I read about a book a week. As a former English major and life-long learner, it’s my form of personal growth, escape and quenches my thirst to learn more. Ask me for a book recommendation any time or share one with me!
3 core values:
Curiosity, perseverance and teamwork
Fun fact:
Whenever possible, I like to ground myself with a trip to the beach or yoga and bring up the energy with a Zumba class. Give me an excuse to go dancing–I’m not picky about the style and I’m there!