Amy has dedicated her career to transforming education for learners of all ages through the lens of entrepreneurship. Discover how Amy uses her experiences to advise entrepreneurs and facilitate change at the intersection of educational media and technology.
Amy currently runs her own consulting practice, Bevilacqua Advisors LLC, where she advises angel and private equity investors on early and mid stage education investments and provides growth and innovation strategies for clients in education and social entrepreneurship. With over 25 years of experience in the education, media, and technology sectors, she has effectively provided strategic brand leadership, high impact partnerships, and growth opportunities for organizations.
As an entrepreneur herself, Amy is committed to supporting and advising early stage entrepreneurs, with the goal of helping them accelerate social change. She is also an advocate for equality and committed to expanding opportunities for women. She currently serves on the the Board of Directors for the Sewall-Belmont House and Museum, which celebrates the history of women’s progress toward equality through educational programs, tours, and research. Also, as a proud Yale alumna, Amy co-founded YaleWomen, an independent nonprofit with a global network of over 35,000 female alums.
LEARN MORE ABOUT AMY’S WORK AND CRITICAL LEARNING MOMENTS:
TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF. WHAT ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT? WHAT MOTIVATES YOU?
There is too much friction in the on-ramp to, and the off-ramp from, higher education. I would love to see more offerings that increase the quality of decision-making between high school and college, and offerings that tighten the connection between what is learned in college and what is needed in the workforce.
IF YOU HAD THE CHANCE TO START YOUR CAREER OVER AGAIN, WHAT WOULD YOU DO DIFFERENTLY?
I love what I do, but if I could have more than one career at a time, I would get an advanced degree in art history and be an art consultant. At the same time, I would continue doing what I’m doing!
WHAT PROMPTED YOUR INTEREST IN SERVING AS A MENTOR TO EDTECH ENTREPRENEURS AND WHAT SPECIFICALLY EXCITES YOU ABOUT THIS INITIATIVE?
I love the inherent creativity and stamina that entrepreneurs bring to problem solving–the idea that an entrepreneur cannot HELP but try to find a solution to a persistent problem. I myself am most interested in solving problems around access, quality and equity in higher education and if I can share some of my “scar tissue” in working in this sector for many years, and accelerate someone else’s learning curve, I’m thrilled to do that!
PLEASE SHARE A QUOTE THAT HAS GUIDED YOUR PERSONAL/PROFESSIONAL PATH.
“Do or do not. There is no try.” –Yoda
WHAT ADVICE ABOUT LEADERSHIP HAVE YOU GAINED FROM YOUR OWN MENTORS?
There is nothing more powerful than a leader who is open, collaborative, and authentic. Everyone wants to be able to bring their whole selves to work, and they need to see that their leader is someone who makes that possible for everyone on the team.
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY ARE THE TOP THREE SKILLS NEEDED TO BE A SUCCESSFUL ENTREPRENEUR?
Persistence
Empathy
Humility
WHAT’S YOUR MORNING RITUAL?
Making sure my kids get off to school on time!
WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT THUS FAR AND WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO ACHIEVE IN YOUR CAREER LONG-TERM?
Personally–raising two thoughtful, well-adjusted, fun kids who have lots of ideas for how they want to contribute to the world. Professionally–running a company by the time I was 40, on top of just returning to the workforce from maternity leave with my second child.
I hope to, in a small way, make it easier for learners of all ages to find the best learning experiences and environments for them as individuals.
WHAT’S THE BEST CAREER ADVICE YOU’VE TAKEN AND OFFERED?
As soon as you think that you’ve come too far, have become too senior, or have paid enough dues to not do something that looks too challenging, or might not have an immediate payout–you know you have to rethink things. This might be doing a project pro bono, acting more in someone else’s best interest than your own, or taking a bigger risk than you might be comfortable with. None of us should be done with doing the hard things and the right things.
WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU AREN’T WORKING?
I am passionate about women’s causes, and in addition to supporting women entrepreneurs, I sit on the board of our newest National Monument that was just dedicated by President Obama this past April. Located in Washington, DC, the Belmont-Paul Women’s Equality National Monument is a 19th century home that served as the historic headquarters for the National Woman’s Party who organized to fight for women’s right to vote, then kept up the fight for full equality through the Equal Rights Amendment. We have made a lot of progress, but the work toward true equality continues. It is truly unfinished business.