Amy Jaffe Barzach joined The Women’s Advancement Initiative as Director in November 2011. Under her leadership, the innovative LEAD (Leadership Education and Development) program for undergraduate students was launched in 2012.
Amy has a passion for inclusive leadership and inclusive communities, in addition to professional experience in marketing, community relations, non-profit management, and executive coaching. Amy was the founding executive director of Boundless Playgrounds, the first national nonprofit dedicated to helping communities create inclusive, barrier-free playgrounds where children, with and without disabilities, could play and learn together. During her tenure as its founding executive director, this award-winning organization defined a new standard for playgrounds and partnered with 135 communities in 25 states to develop inclusive playgrounds at schools, parks, state parks, and hospitals.
When elected into Ashoka's Global Fellowship of Social Entrepreneurs in 2002, Amy was one of the first Ashoka Fellows in North America. Prior to founding Boundless Playgrounds, Barzach served as vice president of marketing for The Hutensky Group, marketing manager for the Rouse Company, and regional marketing director for the Pyramid Companies. In addition, she conducted training for the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s National Main Street Center in Washington, D.C. She earned a bachelor of science in economics from the University of Albany, and a master of business administration from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Amy is a life-long learner and is pursuing her doctorate of educational leadership at the University of Hartford.
“It is a personal and professional pleasure to continue the legacy of Hartford College for Women in my role as the executive director of The Women’s Advancement Initiative at the University of Hartford. Thanks to the support of people like you—Hartford College for Women alumnae and women and men who believe in advancing the potential of women—The Women’s Advancement Initiative is able to enhance women’s education, empower women to lead, and build community.”
If you would like to join us in making a difference in the lives of today’s students, please email barzach@hartford.edu.