Amanda Harrington 2024 Alumni Award of Excellence Recipient
Amanda Harrington (she/her) is the Director of Community Safety Design & Implementation with the City of Minneapolis. In her role, she’s responsible for the direction and strategic coordination of the city’s community safety system, as well as the innovation, implementation and evaluation of new programs.
Harrington was previously manager of Be@School — a Hennepin County Attorney’s Office program focused on reducing truancy. She has also been an attorney with Hennepin County Attorney’s Office’s Child Protection and Juvenile Prosecution divisions.
Harrington has a bachelor’s of science from the College of St. Catherine, a master’s degree in social work from the University of Minnesota, and a J.D. from the University of St. Thomas School of Law.
Current Job
Director of Community Safety Design & Implementation with City of Minneapolis
CEHD Degrees
MSW, Social Work
What is your favorite memory from the University of Minnesota?
During my social work program I traveled to Ghana with Professors Priscilla Gibson and Megan Morrissey. Reading about the slave trade could never compare to being in a dungeon and walking past the door or no return. I carry the memories of that trip with me today. I also loved making a display at the school that included art I brought home from the trip.
What was the impact and benefit of your educational experience in CEHD?
The education I received in CEHD has been useful in every job I've had. I've been able to work in various jobs benefiting children and families with one degree. From play therapy to school social work the U of M prepared me to succeed. Even when I changed careers to practice law, the interpersonal skills I learned are constantly being put to use.
What gets you excited about work?
I'm most excited when I know I can be of use. I've spent my career trying to help children and families through social work, law, and now design and implementation of a city's ecosystem. In my current role I don't get the immediate satisfaction of working directly with clients but the larger system work promises to have a bigger impact than I ever could have imagined.