It is with a heavy heart that the Institute for Training and Development (ITD) shares the news of the passing of our co-founder and former President, Linda Abrams.
When Linda and Dan Moulton co-founded ITD in 1985, they envisioned a trailblazing organization dedicated to international development and experiential education. To keep their mission vibrant and relevant, they thought to strategically engage graduate students from the University of Massachusetts’ Center for International Education as trainers and facilitators. This approach established ITD as a pioneer in immersive, participatory education, empowering participants to drive lasting change in their home communities.
Under her visionary leadership as President from 1985 to 1997, and later through her continued stewardship as a member of the Board of Directors (1997 to 2004), ITD grew into an organization capable of changing lives across the globe.
John Comings, a CIE alum and one of ITD’s original board members who worked alongside Linda during her time at CIE, recalls the profound impact she made from the very beginning:
“As a member of the CIE faculty, she was a breath of fresh air. She had no personal agendas; she just wanted to help students succeed and enjoy learning.”
Linda touched countless lives throughout her long, dedicated association with ITD. She was a brilliant educator, a compassionate mentor, and an unyielding pillar of support for our staff, partners, and participants.
The Institute for Training and Development remains deeply dedicated to honoring Linda’s legacy. We will continue to keep her passionate vision for a more just, equitable, and connected world alive in everything we do. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with her family, friends, and the global community she so beautifully shaped.
