HCM Welcomes Marissa Molina as 2024 Policy Fellow
Originally from Mexico, Marissa was raised on Colorado's Western Slope. She is currently pursuing a Master’s in Public Policy at Princeton University's School of Public Policy and International Affairs. Before her time at Princeton, Marissa served as the Regional Government Affairs Director at FWD.us. In this role, she spearheaded the organization's legislative and advocacy portfolio for immigration policy in Colorado and at the federal level. A committed advocate, Marissa has played a pivotal role in safeguarding the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Her efforts extend to recruiting, training, and empowering others directly affected by immigration issues to lobby for reform in Congress.
A graduate of Fort Lewis College, Marissa's professional journey began as a public-school teacher, a role she assumed as part of her Teach for America service in Denver. In recognition of her impactful work, she was celebrated as a Champion of Change by the White House in July 2015, being one of nine DACA educators to receive this honor. In 2019, Marissa's dedication to education and community service was further acknowledged when she was appointed to the Metropolitan State University of Denver’s Board of Trustees, marking her as the first Dreamer to hold a position on a state board.
Marissa will work with HCM’s policy team on postsecondary access and funding issues by supporting such projects as HCM’s burgeoning portfolio on expanding access to STEM pathways, HCM’s continuing work in affordability and equitable institutional and state funding models, and on a college value typology for states and colleges, among other policy initiatives.
Welcome to the HCM team, Marissa!
“My journey, rooted in my experience as a DACA recipient and driven by a passion for education equity, led me to HCM Strategists. With a background in education advocacy and government affairs, including spearheading legislative efforts for immigration policy, I saw an opportunity to further advocate for increased access to higher education for low income students of color communities. It’s crucial for me that young people across our country have access to affordable higher education that propels them into careers and lives that allow them to live up to their fullest potential. This belief drives my commitment to advocating for policies and reforms that ensure equitable access to quality education for all.”
About the HCM Strategists Fellowship Program
The HCM Strategists fellowship program offers a unique opportunity for professional growth and learning by granting first-hand experience in education public policy.
Our fellowship program is open to collaborative, organized problem-solvers who have a strong interest in education policy and are passionate about improving education for all students through communications and advocacy. Our fellows are enthusiastic, innovative and strategic thinkers with excellent verbal and written communications skills, and have a strong commitment to our clients and our work in the policy field. Our fellows play an important role in supporting leaders across our education team, specifically in the areas of state and federal funding, strategic finance and accountability, reporting systems and data transparency, advancing STEM opportunities for all students, and other areas of education policy.
HCM Strategists is an impact-driven consulting firm that believes in the transformative power of education and work-based learning to improve social and economic mobility for communities that have been marginalized or historically underserved. Our work delivers a consequential impact on the national narrative, policy options and leaders responsible for change.
