Avonda Fogan

KIPP DC Alumna

Avonda Fogan was born and raised in Washington, DC and attended KIPP DC: Key Academy. After KIPP, she went to Maret School as an A Better Chance scholar. Upon graduation from Maret, she received the George Washington University (GW) Stephen Joel Trachtenberg Scholarship, a full four-year scholarship. Avonda majored in International Affairs and began learning Mandarin given China’s rising influence in the world. Her sophomore year, she spent two semesters studying abroad at Minzu University in Beijing, China and picked up Chinese Literature and Language as a second major upon returning to GW. After graduation, she worked at the US-China Strong Foundation, a nonprofit organization that seeks to strengthen US-China relations by investing in a new generation of leaders who have the knowledge and skills to engage with China. During her three and a half year tenure, she assumed the roles of Research Assistant, Special Assistant to the CEO, and finally Director of Administration. As the Director of Administration, she managed the organization’s programming & strategic initiatives, finances & fundraising, human resources, and served as the Secretary to the Board of Directors. Avonda currently serves as a Project Assistant on the Sustainable Finance team at JPMorgan Chase & Co, where she supports projects related to the firm’s environmental, social & governance policies, impact finance initiatives, and sustainability efforts. Outside of work, Avonda mentors high school girls of color from the United Minority Girls Mentorship group in Arlington County and is training to become a yoga teacher.