Jana Kiser

Jana is the founder and CEO of Libertiva.  Jana Kiser’s personal history as a mixed heritage Puerto Rican woman who has lived and worked throughout the world has infused her professional path with empathy, passion, and a powerful capacity for bridge-building and change. 

From 2013-2019, Jana served as the Executive Director of Redwood City 2020 (now called Redwood City Together), a collective impact organization consisting of hundreds of governmental and nongovernmental organizational partners dedicated to wellness, education, and equity.  Among other initiatives, Jana spearheaded a broad anti-racism program that used the power of dialogue to create change.  Jana designed and facilitated dialogues on race, racism, immigration, and other related topics for hundreds of people in diverse settings ranging from government agencies and schools to places of worship and community-based nonprofit organizations. 

Jana founded Global Learning (GL), an international, nongovernmental organization dedicated to education for peace and justice.  Beginning in 1998, Jana led Global Learning for eighteen years, during which time the organization became a standout leader in diversity, equity, and inclusion.  GL’s community-driven programming gave 20,000 children from underserved communities in Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Mexico, and the United States access to life-changing learning opportunities that addressed severe educational inequity. Jana is experienced designing and facilitating group activities and trainings that create a brave space for staff and leaders to discuss and work through challenging topics, with the result being a disruption to racism and other bigotry and a fostering of equitable collaboration and authentic partnership. 

Jana’s academic training has augmented her professional background.  Jana has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Peace and Justice Studies from Wellesley College, with an emphasis in International Community Development.  As a George Mitchell Scholar, Jana earned a Master of Arts degree in International Relations from the University of Limerick (Ireland).  Jana also has a Master of Arts degree in International Education Policy from Harvard University.