Aryana Bolourian is a researcher and strategist dedicated to advancing equity and innovation in education. She conducts research and analysis to support strategic design for a wide range of organizations, leveraging mixed methods approaches to inform policy and practice. Aryana collaborates with philanthropic organizations such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s Washington State Initiative (WSI) team, where she led stakeholder research in the K-16 space to inform place-based investment strategies and engagement plans. She also conducts research on educator diversity and well-being for the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, contributing to efforts that support a more inclusive and sustainable education workforce.
In addition to her research work, Aryana has played a key role in the organizational development of the Alliance for Learning Innovation (ALI), contributing to its three-year strategy, mission, vision, and operational structure. She is also an experienced facilitator, specializing in the design and execution of communities of practice and network-based learning events.
Aryana’s background in education includes serving as a middle school math teacher in Rhode Island before transitioning into policy and advocacy as a fellow at the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE). Her work is grounded in a commitment to equity, strategic collaboration, and systems-level impact.
