Alison Thurston
About Alison Thurston
Alison Thurston is a Junior Engineer at Sendwave, with a diverse background in program management and talent development across various organizations. She has worked in multiple countries and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Comparative Politics from Princeton University.
Work at Sendwave
Alison Thurston has been employed as a Junior Engineer at Sendwave since 2021. In this role, she contributes to the company's international remittance services. During her tenure, she has authored initial content for employer branding, which was crucial during a period of significant growth for the organization. Additionally, she facilitated the company's first virtual retreats in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating her adaptability and commitment to team cohesion.
Previous Experience
Prior to her current role, Alison Thurston held various positions that contributed to her expertise. She worked as a Talent and Culture Lead at Wave Mobile Money from 2019 to 2021, where she managed team dynamics in Dakar and remotely. Her experience also includes serving as Interim Program and Operations Manager at EQUIP Health from 2016 to 2017 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and as a Program Assistant at USAID/Bureau for Global Health from 2014 to 2016 in Washington D.C. Metro Area.
Education and Expertise
Alison Thurston studied at Princeton University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Comparative Politics from 2008 to 2012. She further enhanced her technical skills by studying Full Stack Web Development at 4Geeks Academy, completing her studies in 2020. This educational background provides her with a strong foundation in both political analysis and software development.
Background
Alison Thurston has significant experience working in diverse cultural environments. She has held various roles across multiple countries, including serving as a Regional Manager for Viamo in Dakar, Senegal, and as a Princeton in Africa Fellow with the Lutheran World Federation in Kampala, Uganda. Her early career included internships, such as with Conde Nast and the US African Development Foundation, which helped shape her professional trajectory.
Achievements
Throughout her career, Alison Thurston has achieved notable successes. She played a key role in improving her previous company's Glassdoor rating from 3.5 stars to 5 stars, reflecting her impact on workplace culture. Additionally, she successfully planned and executed teamwide events for over 60 people in Senegal, showcasing her organizational skills and ability to engage teams.