Staff Spotlight: Five Questions with Marissa Molina. Get to know our Director of Career Competitive Learning
Today, get to know Marissa Molina: A Director of Career Competitive Learning with HCM Strategists.
Marissa Molina, the Director of Career Competitive Learning at HCM Strategists, brings a profound dedication to making education accessible and equitable, shaped by her experience as an undocumented immigrant. As the first DACA recipient to serve on a Colorado state board and a former high school teacher, Marissa has spent her career advocating for students, ensuring they have the support and opportunities needed to succeed. At HCM, she focuses on bridging the gap between education and real-world career readiness, striving to equip students with the skills and networks necessary to thrive.
To learn more about Marissa, 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 came to the United States from Mexico when I was nine and grew up undocumented. My family immigrated with nothing more than a suitcase and big dreams, one of which was that my siblings and I would be able to go to college. There were moments when I didn't think I'd be able to continue my education, but I was fortunate to have mentors and educators who believed in me and were willing to advocate for me. In 2012, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program protected me and thousands of others from deportation and work authorization, allowing us to continue pursuing our dreams.
These experiences instilled in me a deep commitment to advocate for others who face similar challenges. It led me to become a high school teacher and later to serve as the Colorado State Director of a national immigrant rights organization. My work in this role, focused on protecting DACA and supporting undocumented students, ultimately led to my appointment as the first DACA recipient to serve on a Colorado state board, specifically at Metropolitan State University of Denver. Throughout my journey, my goal has been to ensure that students don’t have to rely on luck to succeed but instead have systems and policies that nurture and support their aspirations.
HCM is dedicated to making educational systems more accessible, affordable, accountable, and equitable. What drives you to do this work?
→ As a high school teacher, I had the incredible opportunity to witness firsthand the transformative power of education. Teaching Spanish to native speakers at DSST Green Valley Ranch High School allowed me to connect deeply with my students, many of whom faced similar challenges. Being able to guide and support them reminded me of my journey as a DACA recipient, where I had to overcome numerous obstacles to pursue my education—my time in the classroom solidified my belief in the potential of every student, regardless of their background, and the importance of creating an inclusive environment that nurtures their aspirations. This experience shaped my commitment to advocacy and deepened my resolve to ensure that all students have access to the opportunities they deserve.
What does career-connected learning mean to you, and why is it important to focus on this?
→ Career-connected learning is about bridging the gap between education and real-world opportunities. I've often heard that a college degree provides economic mobility, and while earning a degree is crucial, the path to that degree must also equip students with career-ready skills and the network to land a job. As a first-generation student myself and a teacher of students who were also first-generation college students, I know how vital that second part is. Simply earning a degree isn't enough; students need to graduate with the ability to navigate the job market, build professional networks, and apply their education to advance their careers. Career-connected learning ensures that students are academically prepared and have the practical skills, experiences, and connections they need to thrive in their chosen fields, making their education an actual launchpad for economic mobility and personal fulfillment.
Why do you think postsecondary education enrollment rates right out of high school are declining? What is something every state can do to address this?
→ There is a growing narrative that higher education is too expensive and doesn't adequately prepare students for careers, leading parents and students to approach the decision to attend college with greater caution, especially when students are unsure of what they want to study. While it's true that the cost of college can be daunting, the reality is that there are still many affordable options available, along with financial aid that can make higher education attainable. However, many families and students lack access to clear, accurate information that helps them fully understand the true cost of college and the resources available to help them pay for it.
To address this, every state can take a leading role by ensuring that high school students and their families receive comprehensive college financial planning, starting early in their educational journey. This includes transparent information on the actual costs of various postsecondary options, the availability of scholarships and grants, and the long-term benefits of a college degree. By demystifying the process and making financial planning resources widely accessible, states can help students make informed educational decisions.
When not working, what can people find you doing?
→ When I’m not working, you’ll often find me spending quality time with friends and family. I particularly enjoy exploring new restaurants with my husband, Brad, and taking long walks with our dog, Loki.