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Kendra Ross

Head of Social Impact at Duolingo

Dr. Kendra Janelle Ross, a visionary leader at the intersection of arts, education, and social impact, serves as Head of Social Impact at Duolingo. She oversees corporate giving, employee engagement, and community partnerships aligned with the company’s mission to make education accessible. Dr. Ross is also a dedicated board member for the Pennsylvania Early Learning Investment Commission (appointed by Governor Josh Shapiro), Allegheny Regional Asset District Board (appointed by Mayor Ed Gainey), World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh, Watering Hole Media Action, and Instituto Cimarrón. A proud Pittsburgh native, Dr. Ross holds a BM in Music Business from NYU and two master’s degrees in Liberal Studies (Brooklyn College) and Anthropology (The New School for Social Research). She earned her PhD in Community Engagement at Point Park University, where her research highlighted Black women cultural workers in Pittsburgh’s Hill District. Dr. Ross spent two decades in New York City’s entertainment industry, managing label operations at Universal Music Group while cultivating her artistry as a songwriter, vocalist, and producer. Returning to Pittsburgh, she has championed local arts through #ArtsInHD and her consulting firm, ACT3 Consulting Partners. Passionate about community engagement, she uplifts creative ecosystems and advocates for equity through education, culture, technology, and philanthropy.
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