Catherine Holland is the Chief Operating Officer for GripTape, an initiative that fosters deep understanding, tools, and opportunities for youth to drive their own learning and development. Before joining America Achieves, she worked with nonprofits and private-sector companies committed to increasing access to critical information and outstanding educational experiences for children from all socioeconomic backgrounds. Catherine is passionate about engaging with partners, whether youth in schools and community-based programs or the adults who serve them. She has worked with educators, administrators, and technologists to create innovative programs and tools that support powerful, effective learning. Most recently, Catherine served as the Director of Research & Development at Noodle.com following her role as Program Director for the Salvadori Center. Catherine studied at the University of Virginia, the University of Pennsylvania, and in Paris, France. Today, she lives in New York City where she and her husband raised their two children. When she’s not working, you’ll find her reading Civil War biographies, comparing Crossfit bruises with her husband, or practicing her French with anyone who will indulge her.