Donna Cooper

Donna Cooper is an Instructor at the College of Liberal Arts and currently serves as Executive Director of Children First. Her work focuses on policy development, education, and healthcare initiatives.

Education:

• M.P.A. (Master of Public Administration) from the University of Pennsylvania, Fels Center of Government
• M.I.M. (Master of Intercultural Management) from the School for International Training

Research and Professional Contributions: Donna has dedicated her career to public policy, particularly in early childhood education, public infrastructure, and poverty alleviation. Her roles as Secretary of Policy and Planning for Pennsylvania and Deputy Mayor of Philadelphia highlight her expertise in designing programs to expand healthcare access (e.g., Cover All Kids) and reform education funding. She currently teaches Non-Profit Management and advises on policy through Children First.

Professional Experience:

• Executive Director, Children First
• Senior Fellow, Center for American Progress
• Secretary of Policy and Planning, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (2003–2010)
• Deputy Mayor of Policy and Planning, City of Philadelphia (1999–2002)
• Founding Executive Director, Good Schools