Meet The Team - Marianne

Our Meet the Team posts will give you some info on who we are and what we do. Now, when you get emails from us or read our social media posts, you'll know who you're hearing from!

Meet Marianne Woodward

Marianne has been with Adoption Learning Partners for six years. She oversees all of ALP, so she’s responsible for all aspects of the operation. Marianne spends most of her time working on strategic partnerships and the direction of the organization.

The best part about her job...
I enjoy the team. We have a great team of people here. I also enjoy being able to make a positive impact in adoptive families’ lives.

Challenges....
I think one of the biggest challenges is reaching people with the education we offer who would find it helpful, but might not realize the challenges they have in their family are adoption related.

Before joining the ALP team
Marianne comes from the world of business. She received her master’s degree in business administration from the University of Chicago and spent eight years as a partner with a private equity group.

At 35, she decided she wanted to do something that mattered more – to the world and to her. That’s when she discovered social entrepreneurship, which uses business disciplines to accomplish social goals. She taught social entrepreneurship at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management before joining ALP, a social enterprise focused on improving adoption outcomes.

Out of the office...
Marianne adopted as a single mom and has two daughters, ages 13 and 11. They live in the Evanston area along with their dog, cat and two pet rats. She enjoys playing cards, watching her daughters at games and shows, and playing practical jokes.

Fun facts...
She’s been skydiving and bungee jumping in spite of her fear of heights. She’s also a Chartered Financial Analyst.