Staff Spotlight: Five Questions with Brenae Smith. Get to know our Associate Director
Today, get to know Brenae Smith: An Associate Director with HCM Strategists.
Brenae Smith, the Associate Director at HCM, contributes to client projects by conducting research and analysis. She became part of HCM in 2023 as a Postsecondary Fellow focusing on examining state budget proposals and developing strategies to enhance outcomes for low-income students. Brenae initiated her journey in student affairs at the University of Michigan before transitioning to the role of Data Project Manager at the university's ICPSR. Holding a bachelor's degree in psychology from Michigan and a master’s degree in education from the University of Pennsylvania, Brenae is deeply passionate about advancing equity-focused initiatives within education policy. Residing in metro Atlanta, she finds joy in walks, with her dog niece, exploring restaurants, and indulging in trivia game shows.
To learn more about Brenae, please visit her LinkedIn.
We’re lucky to have a team with diverse lived experiences. Tell us about your background and how you found your way to this work
→ I’ve always been passionate about education and started my undergraduate career pursuing teaching. However, my interests shifted to the higher ed space as I experienced the challenges of navigating college as a first-generation, low-income student. These challenges were common among my peers with similar backgrounds. It wasn’t until after I graduated that I realized I wanted to transition my career to helping college students succeed with a focus on underrepresented and underserved students. I wasn’t quite sure what that would look like, but I started by applying for jobs in student affairs at my alma mater. I then enrolled in a master’s program in higher education to further my studies and understanding of students and their experiences. Although I enjoyed working directly with students, I quickly became interested in research and policy during my graduate program. From my first course, “College Access and Choice,” I knew I wanted to pursue research in the field and work to inform policy that drives change and creates greater equity. Four years after graduating with my master’s, I am grateful to have landed at HCM Strategists as a fellow and to continue full-time as an Associate Director.
HCM is dedicated to making educational systems more accessible, affordable, accountable, and equitable. What drives you to do this work?
→ My personal experiences throughout my education, as well as the experiences of my peers, drive my work. A person’s background should not predict their success in postsecondary education and beyond. Too often, I’ve seen a lack of access and barriers in higher education deter students, especially those who are underrepresented and underserved throughout their K-12 education. The data and research show that postsecondary education has the power to change the trajectory of lives and make upward economic mobility possible, so our educational systems must be equitable and provide opportunity for all, not some.
Is there a particular data point that animates your work right now and what is it? Why?
→ Our work with LEVEL UP excites me the most. This project (actually a movement) is spearheaded by the dynamic and unapologetic leader, Dr. Keith Curry. Our work is driven by alarming data showing the loss of 600,000 Black learners from higher education over the past two decades. We are working to engage stakeholders in this call to action and drive real change that helps combat enrollment declines, address disparities, and help students achieve Black learner excellence.
Policy or leadership? What do you think comes first?
→ I would like to see us lead and collaborate on restoring public confidence in the value of postsecondary education through deep research and storytelling. Defining and making value explicit is critical these days for students and states looking to fulfill their workforce needs. I hope we can work directly with states on this issue and continue working with clients to demonstrate value and return on investment to learners.
When not working, what can people find you doing?
→ When not working, people can find me enjoying long walks, playing with my dog-niece (Leia), trying new restaurants, and watching trivia/game shows.
