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 June of 2022 as the Community Collaborations Associate, anchoring the work of the We the Tenants and Defund. Reenvision. Transform. Campaigns. In her current role as the Social Work Pilot Program Coordinator, Amanda works with her clients to achieve the unmet needs that our criminal justice system punishes but does not address. She envisions a world where the insights and experiences of her clients help shape a new system of public safety free from punishment, incarceration, and surveillance. Prior to joining ArchCity Defenders, Amanda worked a plethora of previous roles at local non-profits, focused on housing and criminal justice advocacy.

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