Abby Perez

Abby joins Study Smart Tutors as an RFP Assistant with a heart for service and a deep belief in the power of education to change lives. She brings years of experience in proposal development and nonprofit work, but at her core, she believes opportunity should never depend on circumstance.

As a first-generation professional, Abby earned her bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Louisville, followed by a Master’s degree in English Composition and Rhetoric from Morehead State University, and a Ph.D. in Urban and Public Affairs from the University of Louisville. Her doctoral research centered on an ethnographic study of houseless individuals, exploring how systems, policy, and lived experience intersect. That work strengthened her commitment to listening deeply, honoring people’s stories, and advocating for those whose voices are often overlooked.

Throughout her career, Abby has supported mission-driven organizations focused on behavioral health, housing stability, youth programs, and community services. She has led complex proposal development efforts, collaborated across multidisciplinary teams, and helped organizations secure resources to expand programs serving children, families, and marginalized communities.

Before joining Study Smart Tutors, Abby worked closely with nonprofit leaders and community partners to translate vision into actionable plans and measurable outcomes. What matters most to her is not the proposal itself, but its impact: supporting students, strengthening families, and giving communities the tools to thrive.