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By Connor Joyce, DLE Social Media Intern, Finance and Marketing major at Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY
Currently a program manager for Entrepreneurship for All (EforAll), Allison Schmitt is the latest member to join the DLE Culture Chat Planning Committee. With a focus on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), Allison says, “it is something I really hope we can bring to the Berkshires.” That’s where Allison currently lives and works.
A native of Plymouth, MA, Allison grew up as a “military kid.” Her parents were members of the Coast Guard, and she spent her early childhood moving around to different cities in the metro DC area. As a teenager, her family decided to settle down in Western Massachusetts. Allison studied History at Hollins University in Virginia. After graduating, she decided to travel abroad.
Her travels took her to Germany to study the language and Thailand to teach English. She returned to Germany to earn a Master’s degree in International Business Management at the Berlin School of Economics and Law. While abroad, Allison actively volunteered at local animal shelters.
Currently, she serves as program manager with EforAll, where she can act on her passion for implementing DEI practices. In her role, Allison helps underrepresented entrepreneurs develop their businesses from idea to operation. EforAll offers an intensive Business Accelerator for launching a business, which offers networking opportunities with local experts, deep dives on pertinent business topics and pitch contests that offer seed capital to bring ideas to life.
Excited to be part of the DLE, Allison recently became a volunteer on the Culture Chat Planning Team. She notes, “Traveling abroad was awesome, but it didn’t really allow me to volunteer, so I hope to be more involved and to have more of an impact.”
She adds, “I have enjoyed the opportunity to provide some feedback and to share my thoughts.” The DLE is thrilled to have Allison share her energy, experiences and ideas in bringing fresh, relevant programs to our community.
