Katharine Thompson
Penn State Professor & Nonprofit Founder | Anthropologist studying systems of risk in climate & public health | Sharing solutions by communities to create lasting change
- Role
- Founder & Director at The Amani Foundation & Initiatives
- Location
- State College, PA, US
- LinkedIn followers
- 500 followers
About Katharine Thompson
How do how people navigate the juncture of biodiversity, livelihoods, and even…
Experience
Founder & Director
The Amani Foundation & Initiatives
Jan 2015 — Present · State College, PA, US
I founded and direct the Amani Foundation & Initiatives, which works to strengthen family-based care systems in Tanzania and reduce the risks that lead to child institutionalization. In this role, I oversee organizational strategy, program design, and daily operations across both U.S. and Tanzanian teams. I design and implement programs that reunify children with their families, expand access to education, and provide wraparound psychosocial and health support.I contribute to the development of women-led livelihood initiatives (including small livestock projects and climate-smart agriculture) that improve nutrition and household stability. I coordinate monitoring and evaluation frameworks to track child wellbeing and family resilience, and I use evidence to inform ongoing program adjustments. I guide staff leadership, ensure compliance with nonprofit governance standards, and facilitate training to build local capacity. I focus on building systems that connect family welfare, education, and sustainable livelihoods in order to create long-term resilience for children and caregivers.
Education
Penn State University
Bachelor of Science (BS), Community, Environment and Development
2010 — 2014
Stony Brook University
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Physical and Biological Anthropology
2014 — 2019
Penn State University
Bachelor of Arts (BA), Anthropology
2010 — 2014
Find verified contacts for anyone on LinkedIn
Unifers gives sales teams verified emails and direct dials, enriched profiles, and outreach that lands in the inbox.
Free plan included · No credit card required
This profile is compiled from publicly available professional sources. Unifers is not affiliated with or endorsed by LinkedIn. Request removal of this profile.