Andrea Blinkhorn
Andrea Blinkhorn’s career reflects a commitment to tackling global challenges and shaping public policy. Her journey began at The Ohio State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and International Studies. During her time at OSU, Andrea embraced opportunities that pushed her beyond her comfort zone—study abroad, research, and leadership in student organizations—all of which prepared her for a career of impact.
From 2012 to 2014, Andrea served as a Teach for China Fellow, working to address educational inequality in rural China. “In China, over 70% of kids growing up in urban areas will go to college, but only 1.7% of kids from rural areas will have that chance,” Andrea explains. As part of the organization’s fourth-ever class of Fellows, she not only taught students but also helped shape the program’s growth. Her advice to students: “Take risks! Don’t be afraid to try new things and push your boundaries. Your educational experience at Ohio State is what you make of it.”
Andrea went on to earn a Master’s in Public Policy from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government, concentrating in International and Global Affairs and earning a Certificate in Management, Leadership, and Decision Sciences. She then joined Deloitte’s Public Sector practice, supporting civilian and defense clients on strategy development and crisis management.
Her experience also includes work in Democratic politics, from speechwriting in the Obama administration to constituent support for Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Sherrod Brown.
Today, Andrea serves as Vice President of Global Public Policy & Sustainability at FIS, where she leads U.S. federal relations, sustainability initiatives, and financial inclusion efforts. Prior to this role, she was a Project Manager with REDI Cincinnati, a leading economic development organization.
Andrea credits Ohio State for shaping her global perspective: “My classes in Political Science taught me to think as a global citizen, and now I’m living abroad and experiencing the world in a whole new way.” She encourages students to build relationships with faculty and pursue research opportunities: “The Political Science department was one of the main reasons I chose Ohio State. The faculty are accessible and getting involved in research is a great way to explore career paths.”