Alumna Profiled: Ann Mettler
Current Role: Vice President, Europe, Breakthrough Energy
At Breakthrough Energy – an organization founded by Bill Gates in 2015 – Ann is working with European partners to accelerate cleantech innovation in the pursuit of climate neutrality and net-zero emissions. Previously, she served as Director-General at the European Commission, where she ran the internal strategy department and reported directly to the President. An entrepreneur at heart, Ann set up her own think tank, which she ran for more than a decade. Her career started at the World Economic Forum, where she led the European department. She holds MA degrees in political science and European law and economics and graduated with distinction from the University of New Mexico, USA, and Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-University in Bonn, Germany.
Social Media
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annmettler/
X (twitter): @AnnMettler @breakthrough
Q&A
Q: What are three enduring values Deree has taught you?
Courage
Respect for other cultures/perspectives
Responsibility
Q: Describe Deree in three words.
Engaging
Interesting
New
Q: Which is your fondest memory from your time at Deree?
Finding my passion for social/political sciences. I studied business but realized I needed to course-correct after taking a sociology class that I enjoyed tremendously. At a young age, these are important and catalytic transitions in life, and Deree was that intellectual and professional springboard.
Q: Where was your favorite spot on campus?
The library where I spent many hours.
Q: After graduation, have you maintained a relationship with your school and classmates?
I only studied at Deree for two years, then transferred to a US university. I retained two good friends from my time at Deree.
Q: Looking back, how did your time at Deree help you become the person you are today?
Moving to – and studying in – another country starting at age 19 was a tremendously valuable experience for me. I loved my time in Greece and Deree and have always felt pride that I was able to persevere without much money and my family. It made me resilient, curious, and confident, and for that, I will be forever grateful.
Q: What advice would you give a new Deree student?
Take it all in. Studying at an American university outside of the US is a very special and unique experience.
Q: Where do you get your inspiration from?
Many places: intellectual stimuli, interesting people, engaging topics and feeling that I can make a difference. Inspiration can be derived from many sources.
Q: What is your motto in life?
I’m a success because I tried.
ACG Alumni: We Stay Connected!
