Andrew Brennen

As a Black, LGBT high school student in Lexington, Kentucky, Andrew (he/him) experienced the impact of education injustice first hand. In response, he co founded the Kentucky Student Voice Team which helps to amplify and elevate students as partners in improving Kentucky schools. Nine years later, the Kentucky Student Voice Team has grown to over 100 members, led multiple successful legislative campaigns, published original, peer reviewed research and changed the narrative in Kentucky about the role students can play in creating more just and democratic schools. In 2020 Andrew was named a National Geographic Education Fellow and a Forbes 30 under 30 honoree for his work co leading these efforts as well as supporting youth led movements worldwide.

Today, in addition to serving as a “senior” advisor to the Kentucky Student Voice Team, Andrew serves as an associate at The Omidyar Network where he facilitates grants to people and organizations seeking to strengthen American democracy and grow youth power. In addition to the Kentucky Student Voice Team, Andrew serves on the Board of Directors of Seek Common Ground, Student Voice, and the National Parent Teacher Association. He also serves on the advisory boards of the Center For Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE) as well as Vote 16 USA.

Andrew holds a Master’s in Education Policy & Management from Harvard University and a Bachelor’s in Political Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.