Heather Simpson Email & Phone Number

As Chief Program Officer, Heather Simpson leads Room to Read’s Literacy Program, the Girls’ Education Gender Equality Program, and the Research, Monitoring and Evaluation unit. Room to Read is a global organization transforming the lives of millions of children in low-income communities by focusing on literacy and gender equality through education. Room to Read works in collaboration with local communities, partner organizations and governments to develop literacy skills and a habit of reading among primary school children and ensure girls can complete secondary school with the skills necessary to negotiate key life decisions.

Served as deputy of the education and child protection team, responsible for programming and advocacy to support children’s early development, basic education, school health and nutrition, and child protection in more than 40 countries, concentrating on marginalized children—those living in extreme poverty, caught up in conflict and other catastrophes, migration, living in remote locations, as well as girls and ethnic minorities. Provided technical leadership for education and child protection policy, advocacy, and communications efforts—with a focus on equity and learning in the sustainable development framework negotiations. Provided technical assistance to Save the Children’s country offices to strengthen the impact of education and child protection programming. Provided programming guidance and technical assistance to enhance the quality of Save the Children’s education and gender programs; and assisted with mobilizing new resources and enhancing existing programs to amplify Save the Children’s organizational commitment to education and child protection programming. Led the cross-cutting functions of the education and child protection team including strategy development and reporting. Supervised the operations, management, and administrative team. Provided guidance and feedback to the Associate Vice President and International Program leadership about operational progress and challenges, performance against quality standards, and performance in comparison to other industry leaders. Represented Save the Children at the World Bank, UNGA, UNESCO, Brookings Institution, Society for International Development, Global Campaign for Education, and Basic Education Coalition and technical working group meetings; and engaging with the U.S. Agency for International Development and State Department officials as Save the Children’s education and child protection representative.

Ba, Anthropology

Activities and Societies: Gymnastics, TD Freshmen Counselor, Sub RosaAnthropology

Med, Social Foundations Of Education

Social Foundations in Education

Education record

Bachelor Of Arts, Anthropology, Anthropology

Education record