Meredith Eppel Jylkka
About Meredith Eppel Jylkka
Meredith Eppel Jylkka serves as the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Corporate and Foundation Relations at the University of Massachusetts Boston, where she focuses on aligning support with the institution's strategic priorities. She has extensive experience in education and philanthropy, having held various leadership roles in organizations dedicated to social justice and improving the lives of underserved communities.
Current Role at UMass Boston
Meredith Eppel Jylkka serves as the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Corporate & Foundation Relations at the University of Massachusetts Boston. She has held this position since 2021, where she plays a key role in aligning corporate and foundation support with the university's strategic priorities. Her work focuses on academic excellence, inclusion and equity, innovation, and service, demonstrating her commitment to enhancing the university's mission.
Previous Experience in Corporate and Foundation Relations
Before her current role, Jylkka worked at several institutions in corporate and foundation relations. She was the Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations at Boston Arts Academy from 2017 to 2018. She also served as the Assistant Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations at Wentworth Institute of Technology from 2018 to 2021. Additionally, she was the Founding Executive Director of Arts|Learning, Inc. from 2000 to 2008, where she contributed to the organization's mission and growth.
Educational Background and Qualifications
Jylkka has a diverse educational background. She studied Fine/Studio Arts and Art History/Criticism at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, where she completed her junior year. She earned a Bachelor of Arts with Honors Distinction from Colorado College. She also holds a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) from Tufts University and an EdM in Arts and Learning Concentration from Harvard University Graduate School of Education.
Commitment to Social Justice and Community Engagement
Jylkka demonstrates a commitment to social justice and mission-driven efforts aimed at improving the lives of underserved children, youth, and families. Her work often involves developing strategic partnerships with various stakeholders, including nonprofits, educational institutions, foundations, governmental agencies, and corporate partners. This focus on collaboration reflects her dedication to creating impactful public-private partnerships.
Professional Experience at Harvard University
From 1994 to 2000, Jylkka worked as a Project Manager at Project Zero, part of the Harvard Graduate School of Education. In this role, she contributed to educational research and initiatives aimed at enhancing learning and understanding in various contexts. Additionally, she served as an Adjunct Professor and Field Instructor in Education at Brandeis University from 2002 to 2009, where she engaged with students in the field of education.