Branden Ballard

Branden Ballard, MA, currently serves as the Director of the Gismondi Neighborhood Education Program at the University of Pittsburgh, a role held since November 2022. Previously, Branden was the Associate Director of Training and Programs at Carnegie Mellon University, where responsibilities included managing the Tartan Scholars Program and supporting academic success for over 300 low-income students. Branden's extensive experience in educational equity includes roles at Pittsburgh Public Schools, where co-management of the We Promise Mentoring program led to significant improvements in student outcomes, and at Public Allies Pittsburgh, where a targeted recruitment initiative enhanced diversity. With a Doctor of Education in Social and Comparative Analysis in Education from the University of Pittsburgh, alongside a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership from Gonzaga University, Branden has demonstrated a strong commitment to fostering community and educational advancement.