About our Founder

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Erin Defossé

Introducing Our Founder

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Erin Defossé

Meet Erin Defossé, the visionary founder of the Magellan International School. Back in 2009, Erin saw a need for a school in Austin that offered a progressive, multilingual, and international education—much like the one he cherished as a child at the American Foundation School in Mexico City. Inspired to give other children, including his own, the same opportunity, he launched Magellan so they could all pursue their dreams.

Erin’s professional journey is pretty incredible. He started his career at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory as an aerospace engineer, where he worked on missions for interplanetary spacecraft. He'll tell you that living his childhood dream of working at NASA was largely thanks to the education he received. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin, a Master of Science in Aeronautics and Astronautics from Stanford University, and an MBA from the Texas McCombs School of Business.

Beyond founding Magellan, Erin is a successful technology executive and entrepreneur who has started and led several tech startups. He has held leadership roles at well-known companies like Bazaarvoice and Aceable and Slingshot Aerospace. He also gives back through other non-profit initiatives, including the Bazaarvoice Foundation, which helps empower kids with entrepreneurial skills.

The greatest validation of Erin's dream comes from a place close to home. Both of his children, after graduating from Magellan's middle school program, went on to have successful college experiences at the University of Texas at Dallas and George Washington University. Their achievements prove that the curriculum Erin helped create truly prepares students for a bright future. It’s a wonderful reminder that Magellan isn't just a school—it's a vibrant community built on a foundation of passion and a deep commitment to helping every child reach their full potential.

Connect with Erin here.

The Erin Defosse Inspirational Leadership Award

Building on Erin's incredible legacy, Magellan International School established the Erin Defossé Inspirational Leadership Award in 2019. This special honor is given each year at our Noche de Gala fundraiser to an outstanding member of our community whose dedication and support for the school are truly exemplary. It was created to recognize those who embody the same insight, leadership, service, and commitment that gave Erin the strength and courage to not only create Magellan but to grow it into the strong, vibrant, and bilingual community we all love today.

- Founder Erin Defossé at Magellan's 15th Anniversary Celebration in 2024
- Erin speaks at Magellan Opening Day Ceremony in August 2009
- Erin with his two children in Magellan's early years