Newsroom
Ken Garfield: Echo
Ken Garfield of Charlotte, N.C., has been part of The Echo Foundation from the start. As a reporter for The Charlotte Observer, he covered its creation. As a board member, he helped guide its growth. Now as a freelance writer, he tells the story of Echo and Stephanie Ansaldo, who brought it to life. As Echo looks to build a bridge to the future, we look back on the journey that continues to touch so many lives.
The Echo Foundation Announces Leadership Transition: Stephanie Ansaldo to Pass Torch to Stacey Schanzlin
Dear fellow humanitarians, colleagues and friends,
As the new Chair of the Board of Trustees of The Echo Foundation, I would like to share that after 27 years of dedicated leadership, Stephanie Ansaldo, President and Co-Founder, has stepped down from her role, effective January 1st, 2025. Stacey Schanzlin, a seasoned leader with a distinguished record of past engagement with Echo, has been appointed as the new President.
A Message from Stephanie Ansaldo: Echo’s Next Chapter
As I step down as President of The Echo Foundation, I am filled with gratitude for having had the extraordinary opportunity to create and lead an organization whose mission speaks directly to my heart. Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, Elie Wiesel's 1997 words to me following his visit to Charlotte, "You can't stop now, you must do more, and I will help you!" were not only a mandate; they were also a dream, a dream that became Echo.
2024 Annual Award Against Indifference
Echo is pleased to present the 26th annual Award Against Indifference to former Bank of America President and Executive in Residence at UNC Charlotte, Charles Bowman, honoring his commitment to keeping Charlotte a great place to live.
An Evening Devoted to Ukraine
Enjoy a recording of An Evening Devoted to Ukraine on October 3, 2023 when Echo Student Ambassadors, Interns and Musicians presented their collaborative experience of the Footsteps Global Initiative Ukraine and introduced the new curriculum, Ukraine: The Price of Freedom.
Invitation: An Evening Devoted to Ukraine
Please join us for an extraordinary evening on Tuesday, October 3rd as Echo Student Ambassadors and Student Interns share their intensive study of Ukraine and their journey to European locations impacted by Russia’s war.
2023 Echo Award Against Indifference
The Echo Foundation is pleased to present its 2023 Echo Award Against Indifference on March 6, 2023, to Eugene A. Woods at the organization’s 25th Anniversary Celebration event.
2023 Student Dialogue with Dr. Aaron Ciechanover
On March 6, 2023, 600+ students from 20 area high schools traveled across Charlotte Mecklenburg Co. to engage in person with Nobel Scientist, Dr. Aaron Ciechanover.
2023 Summer Internship Opportunity
Applications are now open for Echo's 2023 Summer Internship!
The Echo Foundation seeks 2-3 academically driven and achievement oriented high school and university students who can make a commitment for the entire internship. Read more for detailed information and application materials.
The Echo Foundation 25th Anniversary Celebration
Please plan to join us March 6, 2023, for The Echo Foundation 25th Anniversary Awards Event & Gala Reception. As we celebrate a quarter-century of education and global service, we welcome Dr. Aaron Ciechanover to Charlotte as our Keynote Speaker and will present the 25th Anniversary Echo Award Against Indifference to Eugene "Gene" Woods.
2023 Echo Footsteps Global Initiative - Applications Open
The Echo Foundation is pleased to announce applications are now being accepted for Echo’s 2023 Footsteps Global Initiative: Ukraine.
2023 Curriculum: UKRAINE: Calculus for Democracy
On October 12, 2022 The Echo Foundation introduced its newest curriculum UKRAINE: Calculus for Democracy. It is currently available online at echoukraine.org.
2022 Echo Footsteps Global Initiative: Galapagos
Through Echo’s 2022 Footsteps Global Initiative: Galapagos, ten Echo Student Ambassadors were chosen to study and travel to the Galapagos Islands.
Following six months of intensive study in Charlotte using the Echo curriculum, ECHOLOGIC, the students traveled to Galapagos this past summer. Their exploration focused on climate change and the environment with specific attention to this extraordinary archipelago off the coast of Ecuador.
2022 Summer Internship Opportunity
Applications are now open for Echo's 2022 Summer Internship!
The Echo Foundation seeks 2-3 academically driven and achievement oriented high school and university students who can make a commitment for the entire internship. Read more for detailed information and application materials.
2022 Faculty Workshop and Curriculum Announcement
On January 11, 2022, The Echo Foundation brought together a group of teachers from across the Charlotte area for the annual Faculty Workshop and the introduction of our newest curriculum ECHOLOGIC: Our Planet. Our Opportunity.
2022 Echo Footsteps Initiative: Galapagos
The Echo Foundation is pleased to announce applications are now being accepted for Echo’s 2022 Footsteps Global Initiative: Galapagos.
2021 Echo International Student Dialogue with Nicholas Kristof
On April 13, 2021, The Echo Foundation hosted an informative and inspiring morning with students, teachers and friends of Echo at our 23rd Annual Global Student Dialogue.
2021 Echo Award Against Indifference
The Echo Foundation was pleased to present its 2021 Echo Award Against Indifference on April 13, 2021, to Katie Belk Morris, Tim Belk, and Johnny Belk at the organization’s Annual Award Event. Katie, Tim, and Johnny have lived a life of service which stands as an inspiration to all who know them.
2020 Student Dialogue with Dr. Denis Mukwege
On February 26, 2020, The Echo Foundation welcomed Dr. Denis Mukwege, 2018 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate to Charlotte as the keynote speaker at our 22nd Annual Student Dialogue.