Kristin Hultquist, CEO and Founding Partner of HCM Strategists, joins leading experts to explore the vital role of higher education boards in fostering institutional autonomy, building trust, and navigating governance challenges. Read more about their insights and recommendations for impactful leadership in higher education.

HCM welcomes our newest policy Fellow, Paula Nazario!

At SXSW EDU 2025, HCM Strategists’ Director of Advocacy & Change Management, Jessica Collis, will join experts in a crucial discussion on how to measure and communicate the return on investment (ROI) of higher education. Moderated by Jennifer Dirmeyer from the Postsecondary Commission (PSC), the session will explore data insights, communication strategies, and policy connections to help students and families make informed decisions about their educational pathways.

At the Grantmakers for Education 2024 Annual Conference, HCM Strategists led a powerful session on the challenges facing Black learners in higher education. The panel introduced the LEVEL UP & Get REAL Policy Playbook, a comprehensive guide designed to drive institutional and policy change, offering actionable strategies for supporting Black learner excellence. Explore the insights shared by leaders and discover how these efforts are shaping the future of equitable education.

On September 12, the National LEVEL UP Webinar brought together a distinguished panel of experts to address systemic barriers to Black enrollment and retention in higher education. Moderated by Dr. Keith Curry, the discussion highlighted innovative strategies for improving outcomes for Black learners. We extend our gratitude to the panelists and co-sponsors, including Equity Avengers and Gallup, for their invaluable contributions to this important conversation. If you missed it, the full webinar is available for replay.

We are excited to announce key additions to our HCM Strategists team as we continue to transform education through student-centered policies. Tom Allison, Marissa Molina, and Jailain Hollon bring a wealth of experience in state education policy, career learning, and communications. Their leadership and innovative approaches will help us expand access to education, create equitable funding models, and ensure our strategies resonate with diverse stakeholders. We look forward to the incredible work they will do in their new roles!

We are thrilled to announce the promotion of Dr. Julie Ajinkya to Principal at HCM Strategists. Since joining us as a senior advisor, Julie has been instrumental in advancing degree completion for underserved populations, including students of color and working adults. As Principal, she will continue her impactful leadership by focusing on expanding access for working adults and fostering equitable educational opportunities. Please join us in congratulating Julie on this well-deserved promotion as she leads us into exciting new initiatives!

Join us in celebrating Dr. Julie Ajinkya, a senior adviser at HCM Strategists, who will be speaking at the 2024 OCA National Convention in Philadelphia. This event will unite the AANHPI community to focus on civic engagement and solidarity. Don't miss Dr. Ajinkya's insightful session and the opportunity to connect with leaders and community members.

HCM welcomes our newest communications policy Fellow, Jailain Hollon!

HCM welcomes our newest policy Fellow, Celia Cusick!

HCM State Policy Director Stephanie Murphy latest op-ed on state investments and initiatives for short-term credential pathways in Inside Higher Ed.