Jessica Collis
DIRECTOR OF ADVOCACY AND CHANGE MANAGEMENT
Jessica Collis is committed to empowering individuals to overcome obstacles created by poverty, social disenfranchisement and the consequences of misguided policies. As HCM’s director of postsecondary advocacy and change management, Jessica brings that passion to her work as the lead for several client initiatives centered on student advocacy and research, systems change, and emerging degree pathways. She project manages Lumina Foundation’s Strategy Labs, and supports state-level projects focused on learner voice, postsecondary value, affordability and degree attainment. She also serves as the operational management lead for HCM’s new business initiatives. Jessica prides herself in HCM’s work to craft and promote good policy and draws from a diverse personal and professional background in her furtherance of HCM’s mission.
A Chicago native, Jessica earned her bachelor’s degree in international relations at Beloit College, and credits the intimate learning environment of a liberal arts college with helping her to excel in a variety of educational pursuits. While in school, she worked for Beloit’s office of admissions, where she guided countless students and their parents through the enrollment process and gained a keen understanding for the impact of financial aid policies on students’ ability to pursue postsecondary education. Jessica also holds a certificate in project management from Georgetown University.
Jessica currently lives in Washington, D.C., where she can be found exploring the city and feeding her inner foodie through the pursuit of the perfect brunch destination.
Publications
Beyond Sticker Prices: How States Can Make Postsecondary Education More Affordable
BOOSTing Student Success Through Equitable and Affordable Transfer Pathways
BOOSTing Transfer Pathways Through Strategic Finance and Affordability
BOOSTing Transfer Partnerships to Promote Equitable and Affordable Transfer Pathways