Helene Wright

Experience

• 

  The Lantern Network

  Director of Programs

  Aug 2024 - Present

  • Led overall program strategy and operations for The Lantern Network—defining program model (Inspire, Guide, Propel), curricula, and metrics to measure mentee progress and program impact.
  • Built and sustained partnerships with corporate sponsors, nonprofit partners, and conference organizers to expand internship and exposure opportunities for mentees.
  • Scaled volunteer and mentor pipelines through targeted outreach, training, and structured mentorship frameworks to ensure consistent, high-quality mentor engagement.
  • Directed fundraising and donor stewardship initiatives (monthly giving, Lantern Lighters) to stabilize program funding and enable year-round cohorts and workshops.
  • Implemented program governance: planning cadence (cohort launches, business reviews), reporting, and continuous improvement processes to increase placement and retention outcomes.
• 

  Two Degrees (Remitly)

  Senior Executive Business Partner to Chief Legal and Corporate Affairs Officer

  May 2025 - Sep 2025

  Two Degrees

  • Served as Senior Executive Business Partner to the Chief Legal & Corporate Affairs Officer, providing high-touch executive support and acting as a central liaison across legal, corporate affairs, and cross-functional stakeholders.
  • Managed complex calendars, prioritized executive commitments, and coordinated high-stakes meetings, briefings, and travel logistics to maximize executive time and effectiveness.
  • Prepared executive-level materials including briefings, status reports, and confidential communications for board, legal, and regulatory stakeholders.
  • Led cross-team project coordination for special initiatives (process improvements, vendor engagements, external counsel interactions) to ensure timely deliverables and alignment.
  • Maintained strict confidentiality and handled sensitive legal and corporate information with professional discretion.

• Amazon Prime Air

  Executive Assistant II

  Jun 2024 - Jan 2025

  Amazon is guided by four principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, commitment to operational excellence, and long-term thinking.

  • Provided executive-level administrative support to senior leadership within Prime Air: calendar management, travel coordination, and meeting preparation across engineering and operations stakeholders.
  • Facilitated cross-functional communication between operations, engineering, and corporate teams to ensure alignment on key initiatives and timelines.
  • Coordinated logistics for high-visibility events and leadership offsites, managing agendas, materials, and follow-up actions to drive decision-making.
  • Handled confidential documents and executive communications, ensuring accuracy and timeliness under high-pressure deadlines.
  • Streamlined administrative processes and vendor interactions to improve operational efficiency for the executive office.
• 

  Amazon Web Services (AWS)

  Digital Global Program Manager II

  Jan 2023 - Jun 2024

  Amazon is an international e-commerce website for consumers, sellers, and content creators.

  • Led digital program initiatives for AWS Skill Builder supporting ~$64M in revenue across small, mid-market, enterprise, and public-sector segments.
  • Operationalized sales strategy across global teams by managing the Rhythm of the Business (annual planning, quarterly reviews, ROB deliverables) and ensuring cross-region alignment.
  • Improved sales operations by defining processes, removing roadblocks, and coordinating account coverage, quota planning, pilots, renewals, and data reporting.
  • Supported co-selling motions and delivered guidance to field sellers through office hours, structured communications, and enablement content.
  • Served as Voice of the Customer—collecting product feedback, translating it into actionable requirements for product and engineering teams, and producing executive-level presentations and reports.
• 

  The Lantern Network

  Director of Programs (Part-Time)

  Jan 2023 - Jun 2024

  Our mission is to strengthen America by providing examples of success stories, roadmaps, and resources to young Black Americans, so they can realize their dreams and more fully contribute to building our More Perfect Union.

  • Designed and managed cohort-based mentorship programming including Spring Mentoring Cohorts and targeted workshops (financial literacy, professional development) to increase mentee readiness for internships and early-career opportunities.
  • Coordinated mentee exposure to industry (conference placements at CLRM and EFMR) to expand networks and create real-world career visibility.
  • Recruited, onboarded, and supported volunteers and mentors; improved mentor–mentee matching to strengthen retention and outcomes across 21+ states.
  • Managed donor and partner engagement campaigns (monthly giving, sponsor recognition, Vision Dinners) to secure program funding and expand service capacity.
  • Produced program communications, impact reporting, and workshop materials to support program delivery and community growth (newsletter, donor updates).
• 

  Amazon Web Services (AWS)

  Executive Assistant

  Feb 2021 - Jan 2023

  • Provided executive-level operational leadership for the VP of AWS Training & Certification overseeing programs across 26 countries and supporting teams of 3,000+ employees.
  • Directed the Rhythm of Business (quarterly business reviews, talent reviews, strategic planning) to align global priorities and reporting.
  • Led and developed a global team of 10 Executive Assistants—standardizing best practices, improving administrative effectiveness, and scaling operational support.
  • Coordinated major global events, international travel, and high-visibility initiatives with precision, ensuring risk mitigation and on-time execution.
  • Spearheaded process improvements, documentation, and knowledge management to enhance global readiness and executive responsiveness.
• 

  Valparaiso University

  Adjunct Associate Professor

  Jan 2019 - Jun 2019

  • Developed and delivered undergraduate coursework aligned to program learning objectives, incorporating experiential learning and industry-relevant examples.
  • Mentored and advised students on course projects, career pathways, and academic development to support retention and professional readiness.
  • Prepared course materials, assessments, and feedback to maintain academic standards and continuous improvement.
  • Collaborated with departmental colleagues on curriculum updates and student engagement initiatives to strengthen program outcomes.
• 

  Valparaiso University

  Executive Assistant/Administrative Manager to VP Advancement

  Aug 2017 - Jun 2020

  We’re a different kind of university in Indiana, where you’ll find everything you need to build your future. Learn more about our private college in Indiana.

  • Provided C-level administrative and operational support to the Vice President and Associate VP of Advancement, managing executive schedules, donor communications, and board engagement materials.
  • Planned and executed high-impact fundraising events, council/committee meetings, and executive-level briefings to support advancement goals.
  • Prepared board reports, resolutions, and executive updates; maintained rigorous follow-through to ensure action items and donor commitments were completed.
  • Managed a $2M operating budget—overseeing requisitions, contracts, projections, and expense processing to ensure fiscal accuracy and compliance.
  • Led and developed a team of five administrative staff and coordinated HR activities (recruiting, onboarding, performance cycles) to improve workflow and operational clarity.