Chen ’12 receives Young Alumni Achievement Award

Cornell College awarded Lisa Chen ’12 with the 2023 Young Alumni Achievement Award.

The Young Alumni Achievement Award is presented by the Alumni Association during Homecoming Convocation to one to two alumni annually who have celebrated their 15th class reunion or less. The recipients have demonstrated leadership in their professions, a commitment to service, or a substantial commitment to the college.

Chen came to college with a clear path aimed at making a difference in the world. She imagined attending law school immediately after Cornell. But three significant internships–combined with majors in international relations, women’s studies, and politics–changed her course to educational policy. 

Following graduation, Chen joined Teach For America in New York City. After a few years in the classroom, she transitioned into leadership positions at Success Academy, Harlem Village Academies, and Uncommon Schools, after receiving her master of arts in teaching from Relay Graduate School of Education in 2014.  Chen is now the chief people officer at Prospect Schools, a leading diverse-by-design K-12 charter network in Brooklyn, New York.

Listen to her speech: