Q & A with DFA’s Program Director
Meet our new Program Director, Amy Stefanski! In this interview, Amy shares what brought her to DFA, what excites her most about the work, and what’s currently inspiring her. Get to know Amy and her vision for the future by reading the full interview!
What brings you to DFA?
DFA first came onto my radar about three years ago while working with a software company on their EDU/NGO team. In that role, I supported academic institutions and nonprofits worldwide, helping them deploy visual collaboration methodologies for students and members. As I began searching for a new professional challenge, DFA stood out as the perfect fit. It checked all the boxes:
Supporting students on their professional paths.
Engaging in work that impacts local communities.
Utilizing Design Thinking to tackle root causes with testable solutions.
Building a team committed to fostering the growth of the next generation.
Enhancing my skills in business development and non-profit work.
I couldn’t ask for a better match at this stage in my career.
What are you most excited about in this work?
What excites me most isn't just the work I do—it's the students' impact in their communities. I’m thrilled to be a supportive guide and mentor for this next generation. Specifically, I’m passionate about providing a platform where students can explore their passions within the framework of social impact. At DFA, we champion a multidisciplinary approach, encouraging students from all majors and backgrounds to participate. This allows them to address community challenges from diverse perspectives and create more holistic solutions.
What can people ask you about?
I'm an open book when it comes to my work. My sweet spot is anything programmatic at DFA, but I’m also eager to dabble in cross-functional areas and learn new skills. This year, I focus on expanding the studio network and National Projects—whether launching and sustaining new studios, offering professional development to our leaders and mentors, or overseeing national initiatives in collaboration with external partners.
On a personal note, I love discussing our students' future goals—where they want to go and what they aspire to achieve—and offering any support I can. I believe in building strong connections and being a constant source of encouragement in their journey.
Oh, and I could easily waste a ton of time discussing book recommendations. As a former librarian, that’s a habit I just couldn’t leave behind.
What/who is inspiring you right now and why?
What inspires me is the boundless potential of the next generation. They are poised to make transformative changes in our world, which drives my passion as an educator. I am deeply committed to inspiring students to dream of their futures and actively create and build them. Seeing their creativity, ambition, and resilience motivates me to guide them in realizing their visions and making a lasting impact on the world.
What are you dreaming about right now?
Right now, I'm dreaming of quiet, calm, lakeside tranquility and greater equality and accessibility for the wider community.
What question do you think more people should think about?
Why do students go to school hungry?
What are you reading/listening/watching?
Oh, where to begin! I'm an avid fiction reader, always searching for a captivating story. I'm not picky about authors, but I'm instantly hooked if a book includes a map. I'm always open to recommendations! While fiction is my go-to, I occasionally venture into nonfiction when the mood strikes. I’m currently engrossed in Digitally Invisible: How the Internet is Creating the New Underclass by Nicol Turner-Lee.
As for what I'm watching, I just finished the series Will and Grace and decided a full rewatch of Friends.
