Audra Watson

Audra M. Watson is the Chief of Youth Civic Programs leads C&S’ youth-facing initiatives. Our programs seek to activate young people so that they have the skills needed to discuss important topics that divide us and can constructively engage in problem-solving within their communities.

Before this role she served as the Senior Program Director, WW Teaching Fellowship, Indiana Education Leaders Fellowship, Civic Spring Fellowship, and the Youth Civic Impact Fellowship, at the Institute for Citizens & Scholars. She lead programming for teachers, school leaders, and youth that provides the tools, experiences, and resources to do their most impactful work.

Previously, Audra held several leadership positions within the New York City Department of Education. In her role as Executive Director, she spearheaded strategies dedicated to supporting and retaining early career teachers within the school district. Serving as the Director of Mentoring & Induction, Audra took the helm in creating a district region-wide induction plans tailored for new educators. She earned her BA in Political Science from Carleton College, MA in Education from Columbia University, and Ph.D., in Urban Education Policy from the City University of New York Graduate Center.

Audra enjoys traveling, laughing at a good comedy show, and loves fur babies of all kinds. She is actively engaged in her community, serving as the co-chair of her church’s board of trustees, faculty in the EdD in Community-Based Leadership program at the College of Staten Island, volunteer Dean for the University of the People, reviewer for the Urban Review journal and a member of the TPI-US Board of Directors.