Dr. Annemarie Grassi Amefia is a visionary leader and social entrepreneur renowned for her transformative work in education and youth development. As the founder of Open Doors Academy (ODA) and the Center for Out-of-School Time Advancement, she has dedicated her career to breaking the cycle of multi-generational poverty. Under her leadership, ODA flourished from serving 20 children to over 600, earning statewide and national recognition for its impactful model and outstanding results.

With over 17 years of experience at ODA, Dr. Amefia has demonstrated expertise in entrepreneurial leadership, program development, evaluation, and strategic planning. Her commitment to excellence extends beyond ODA, as evidenced by her pivotal role as President & Chief Operations Officer at Argonaut, a nonprofit enterprise empowering urban youth in aerospace and maritime careers.

Dr. Amefia's influence transcends organizational boundaries, as she has contributed to numerous boards, mentored nonprofit founders, and shaped large-system frameworks in education and workforce development. A sought-after speaker, she shares her insights on education, youth development, and nonprofit leadership at regional and national forums.

Dr. Amefia's academic journey reflects her dedication to advancing education and social impact. She holds a Bachelor of Arts with Honors in Psychology from Ohio University, a Master of Science in Education in Child and Adolescent Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania, and a Ph.D. in Urban Education from Cleveland State University. Complementing her academic achievements, she holds a Certificate in Non-Profit Management from Case Western Reserve University.

Dr. Amefia's unwavering commitment to empowering youth and fostering social change embodies her vision of a brighter, more equitable future.