Elizabeth Pfiester is a staff writer and special projects research specialist with Ryan&Associates starting in 2010. She has worked on the SUSRIS.com project and as the London correspondent for the SaudiBrit.com project (2011-2012).
Elizabeth completed the International Development and Humanitarian Emergencies MSc at the London School of Economics. She graduated with highest distinction from Bradley University in May of 2010 with a degree in International Studies. She is interested in international development and conducted her senior thesis on the effects of education on poverty reduction. During her undergraduate work, she was heavily involved with the Bradley International Affairs Organization and volunteered with the Red Cross. She also spent time working with the City of Refuge Children’s Home in Tijuana, Mexico. She studied at the University of Seville and has traveled throughout Europe.
EDUCATION
The London School of Economics and Political Science, London, England
MSc International Development and Humanitarian Emergencies,
Bradley University – College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Peoria, IL
Bachelor of Arts, Honors International Studies and Spanish, May 2010
Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
Study Abroad, Spring Semester 2009
EXPERIENCE
The Center for Global Studies at the University of Illinois, Urbana IL
Outreach Assistant, Summer 2008 – Summer 2011
- Coordinated workshops for educators, communicated with presenters and attendees
- Developed articles, documents and presentations as part of a marketing/outreach team
- Executed regular updates on the center’s web site and Facebook CGS membership site
- Assisted the associate director with grant preparation work
Teach for America, Houston TX
Corps Member, Spring 2010 – Summer 2010
- Taught a classroom of 15 sixth grade students for five weeks in July
- Created a class objective of 100% mastery of each child’s individual growth goals
- Underwent intensive training sessions focusing heavily on management, lesson planning, motivation strategies, investing students and families, diversity and inclusiveness, and differentiated instruction strategies
American Red Cross, Peoria IL
Volunteer, Summer 2007 – Spring 2010
- Learned the Red Cross mission, functions of the Disaster Relief and International Services Divisions, and gained experience working in non-profit environment
- Expanded the International Services division through outreach presentations to community groups
Bradley International Affairs Organization, Peoria, IL
President, Fall 2009 – Spring 2010
- Coordinated educational events, planned fundraisers, and invited speakers to campus
- Managed organization funding and created yearly budget proposal
American Diabetes Association: Camp Granada Summer Camp, Monticello, IL
Volunteer Senior Counselor, Summer 2005 – Summer 2008
- Counseled and monitored twelve young diabetics for a week and led educational events
- Worked closely with medical staff to provide a safe and cohesive environment for campers dealing with physical and mental health issues
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
- Bradley University Presidential Scholarship, 2006-2010
- Young Global Leaders’ Summit at the University of Minnesota, Fall 2007
- Volunteer Art and Government Service Trip to Tijuana, Mexico, Spring 2007
- Mary Fasulo Bartel International Studies Scholarship, Fall 2009 – Spring 2010
- International Studies Memorial Award for Outstanding Scholarship, Dedicated
- Public Service and Professional Excellence, Spring 2010