“The ability to read, write, and analyze; the confidence to stand up and demand justice and equality; the qualifications and connections to get your foot in the door and take your seat at the table — all of that starts with education.” -Michelle Obama
Annelise Blair
9th Grade Humanities Resident
Phone:
619-540-2560
Email:
Location:
San Diego, CA
If You Know, You Know:
Sagittarius, 4w3, ESFJ
A Bit About Me
I am a born-and-raised San Diegan who returned to the land of sunshine and burritos in 2020 after nearly a decade away. After graduating from High Tech High International, I went to Rhodes College, where I majored in political science with a focus on political philosophy and Latin American studies. From there, I moved to Washington, D.C. to pursue a career on Capitol Hill, which led me to work in election campaign consulting and then at The Pew Charitable Trusts. In 2022, I followed my lifelong dream of becoming an educator and joined the San Diego Teacher Residency through High Tech High's Graduate School of Education. In 2023, I started as a teacher-of-record at High Tech Middle as I wrapped up my Master's in Teaching and Learning.
After the school day, I like to go to a yoga class, take a walk, and learn to surf. I grew up skiing, and always make time during winter break to get some runs in. On most weekends, you can find me and my husband, who works in philanthropy at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, hosting friends for a dinner party or taking our pup, Lilo, on an adventure.
Work Experience
August 2022 - June 2023
June 2016 - January 2022
9th Grade Humanities Resident, High Tech High Mesa
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Designed and executed an 8-week project on urban planning and civic engagement, including ten field work sites, class visits from local leaders, and a 200-person Town Hall exhibition.
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Communicated with parents, community partners, and administration on behalf of the teaching team.
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Co-led various elective courses, including: ASB, Anime Club, and Fierce.
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Participated in the Western Association of School and Colleges (WASC) accreditation process, conducting an internal review of community partnership best practices and communicating with assessors.
Various Roles, The Pew Charitable Trusts
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Contributed to a wide array of policy work within the government performance, research and science, and environment portfolios.
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Designed and implemented engagement and advocacy strategy for diverse stakeholders across the globe. Communicated strategy through presentations and regular liaison with internal and external partners.
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Trained new staff on systems and advised on internal processes.
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Managed communications and logistics for key executive leadership projects, including a 10-year strategic planning initiative across Pew’s project portfolio and a new broadband initiative.
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Managed the planning and day-of responsibilities of event planning, ranging from smaller focus groups to large scale convenings.
January - May 2016
Marketing Strategist and Volunteer Coordinator, The Rincon Strategy Firm
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Scheduled and held meetings with bipartisan state representatives and senators in Nashville, Tennessee on various legislation, and produced recommendations for related campaign messaging.
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Provided support for national, state, and local campaigns in mobilizing the Memphis community and predicted voting trends and turnout.
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Directed canvassing groups and oversaw the organization of campaign materials.
August 2023 - Present
7th Grade Humanities, High Tech Middle
May - December 2015
Intern, Office of Congresswoman Susan Davis (CA-53)
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Interacted with other congressional offices, lobbying firms, and visitors to provide effective solutions and prompt responses on behalf of the Congresswoman.
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Communicated in person and via official office correspondence with constituents regarding casework and legislative issues.