About Amanda Shaffer

Amanda Shaffer’s Washington, DC-based practice serves higher education and mission-driven organizations and is known for coaching that is thoughtful, strategic, and grounded in both human complexity and institutional reality.

With 35+ years of experience in higher education, the arts, nonprofit management, and social justice, I am equally comfortable working with scientists, artists, nonprofit leaders, and activists. Whatever your field, I meet you where you are, immerse myself in your specific obstacles, challenges, and opportunities, and work alongside you as a guide and partner.

My professional background includes leadership roles in faculty development and diversity education, extensive work with NSF ADVANCE initiatives, and deep experience helping individuals and institutions create conditions where people can contribute, grow, and thrive.

Prior to my career in academia, I was the founder and artistic director of the nonprofit Red Hen Productions Feminist Theatre, a founding member of The Working Theater, and Producing Director at Cleveland Public Theatre from 1986-1994. I was also a working actor and director until 2001.

An avid reader, I blend my interests in archetype psychology and enneagram, with philosophy and social justice. My insights and guidance always come with actionable steps (and sources cited!) I am relentlessly logical, practical and direct, as well as deeply empathetic and kind. I truly care about the outcomes of the people I work with.

Whether coaching or volunteering, my work is always defined by my dedication to equity, inclusion, and social progress. In my free time I visit museums, coffee shops, book stores, and spend time with family and friends visiting the Washington DC area.

Credentials reflect my training and the standards I follow, but they don’t show you what I do with it. Below are some artifacts to provide context for my experience and interests.