In Memory of Rebecca Rhodes

Group Submission Type: Special Session

Description of Session

Rebecca Rhodes, Senior Education Specialist at USAID Center for Education following a long career at Education Development Center (EDC), was an outspoken champion for improving foundational learning for children and youth. She provided technical guidance on the design, implementation, and evaluation of reading, literacy, and numeracy programs in over 40 countries, and was instrumental in shaping USAID's focus on learning outcomes, particularly in early grade reading. Rebecca worked tirelessly to ensure that all children and youth should have equal access to education opportunities, including girls, children and youth with disabilities, LGBTI and other marginalized groups. She was a mentor, colleague, and friend who supported the professional development of countless education professionals around the globe. The passion she brought to each team with whom she worked reflected not only her technical expertise, but also her deep understanding of and love for each of the countries they represented. Rebecca’s dedication to education and energy for her work were legendary, and her impact on the global education sector is monumental. Colleagues and friends are invited to gather at this session to remember Rebecca, honor the incredible legacy she leaves behind, and share about the impact she had and continues to have on our work in international education.

Sub Unit

• General Pool

Chairs

• Emily Markovich Morris, The Brookings Institution

• Saima Sohail Malik, USAID Bureau for Policy, Planning, and Learning

Discussants

• Michael C. Lisman, USAID

• Melissa M Chiappetta, USAID

• Mariam Britel Swift, USAID

• Rina Dhalla, USAID/ME Bureau

• Jennifer Swift-Morgan, Chemonics International