BA, Religious Studies, Minor in Arab Studies, American University
MSW, Concentration in Domestic Social & Economic Development, Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis

Amanda Rae Gardner joined ArchCity Defenders in July of 2022 as the Community Collaborations Associate. Prior to joining ArchCity Defenders, she served as a social work intern at Legal Services of Eastern Missouri in their Neighborhood Vacancy Initiative and as a social work intern with the Missouri State Public Defender in St. Louis City. She also served a VISTA service year with Criminal Justice Ministry, supporting their communications and development work. Before moving to St. Louis in 2020, Amanda’s organizing experience spanned from refugee issues in the Middle East, to housing rights in the Favelas of Rio de Janeiro, to environmental campaigns in Philadelphia. She spent three years in a corporate environment prior to starting her Masters degree. In her current role, Amanda works on ACD and partner campaigns on issues such as housing, environmental racism, and the criminal legal system.

Fun fact: She was an international karate competitor in high school.