Andrea Gardner graduated as valedictorian of the East High class of 1984. She then enrolled at the University of Colorado - Boulder on a National Merit Scholarship and a CU Regents Scholarship studying applied mathematics and engineering. Ms. Gardner transferred to Stanford University where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics.

She currently works for the CH2M Hill Company, a global full-service engineering, procurement, construction, and operations firm. Operating out of Oakland, CA, she is Project Manager; Southwest Regional Manager for Sustainable Solutions. Ms. Gardner assits the firm's clients with sustainable long-term solutions that respond to critical global issues. Her engineering expertise combines over fifteen years of planning, policy, and technical acumen in addressing a range of environmental issues.