02 Mar Woodstock School Distinguished Alum Awardee 2024 – Liana Gertsch ’80
Woodstock School is honored to present the Distinguished Alum Award posthumously to Liana Gertsch, Class of 1980, to recognize her exceptional leadership and groundbreaking contributions to education reform, international development, and social equity.
Liana dedicated her professional life to promoting educational reform for children worldwide. She began her career with the Bernard van Leer Foundation and Oxfam in the Netherlands before moving closer to regions where she could have the most impact. Liana spent five years at Save the Children in Bangladesh as Chief of Party and another year in Malawi as Director of Programme Development and Quality. She then continued her work at RTI International, serving three years as Director in the Kyrgyz Republic, where she launched the education project Okuu Keremet. In her final year, Liana served as Chief of Party for RTI International in Liberia, where she sadly passed away. She was deeply committed to her work and found joy in being immersed in the communities she served. She is survived by her sisters and three children, and her care for the world will be remembered by many.
As Chief of Party for USAID’s Transforming the Education System for Teachers and Students (TESTS) Activity in Liberia, Liana spearheaded initiatives that substantially improved access to quality education. Her work included implementing inclusive education models, developing innovative curricula, and strengthening teacher capacity. These efforts directly impacted thousands of children and particularly those from marginalized communities, ensuring they received equitable opportunities to learn and thrive. Under Liana’s leadership, the TESTS program fostered systemic reforms that transformed Liberia’s education system, aligning it with international standards and local needs. Her strategic vision addressed immediate challenges and also laid the foundation for sustainable, long-term development.
Liana’s influence extended beyond Liberia, as she contributed to global discourse on inclusive development, poverty alleviation, and educational equity. Her research and advocacy addressed systemic barriers hindering progress and highlighted actionable strategies for breaking cycles of poverty. A skilled collaborator, she built partnerships across governments, NGOs, and grassroots organizations, driving impactful and enduring change.
A respected thought leader, Liana shared her insights in prominent global forums, further amplifying her work’s reach and impact. Her dedication to elevating marginalized voices, fostering local leadership, and championing systemic reform embodies the core values of Woodstock School. We are proud to celebrate Liana’s enduring legacy. Her career reflects a profound commitment to building a more just and equitable world, her remarkable achievements inspiring the Woodstock community and exemplifying the spirit of service, compassion, and leadership.
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