partners
in change
We are a network of leaders committed to building an equitable future.
Senior Manager of Network Experience
Mara Timmeney is senior manager of network experience at StriveTogether. In this role, she works to ensure Cradle to Career Network members have access to and engage strategically in network supports to advance along the StriveTogether Theory of Action™.
Hailing originally from Kalamazoo, Michigan, Mara was raised in a community that champions placed-based education and workforce development initiatives, including The Kalamazoo Promise. Mara believes in the power of connecting and uplifting the knowledge and resources within communities to drive economic equality.
Prior to joining the StriveTogether team, Mara coordinated network operations and member experience for multiple networks, including the Next Gen Sector Partnership Community of Practice and the Higher Ed Equity Network. She has served in roles at Catalyst:Ed, The Institute for Networked Communities, and College Possible, driving network and student experience through strategic communication, project management and operations support. With a background in coordinating and managing the network member experience, Mara leads with a human-centric and results-focused approach.
Mara resides in Chicago, Illinois. Outside of work, she can be found near the water and is always up for a large scoop of Mackinac Island Fudge ice cream. Mara received a dual bachelor’s degree in psychology and sociology from Hope College.
hear from mara
What is a place that shaped you, and how does it give you purpose?
I was raised in a community that invests in equitable education pathways. Kalamazoo, Michigan taught me the importance of “place” and what can happen when we leverage and celebrate the resources within our communities. With the lessons from my hometown as my foundation, I am driven by a desire to support communities as we connect and uplift shared knowledge and resources to best support students, families and community members.