NextLevel Current Cohort

Rudolph Chavez

Rudolph Chavez serves as the Perkins CTE Coordinator at the College of Southern Nevada in Las Vegas. He brings extensive experience in student success and support services, having worked in academic advising, TRIO Student Support Services, First-Year Experience instruction, Student Activities programming, and Multicultural Affairs advising and programming.

In addition to his professional roles in higher education, Rudolph has volunteered at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland, Ohio. He also enjoys performing stand-up comedy at venues throughout Las Vegas.  Rudolph looks forward to expanding his leadership and knowledge in Career and Technical Education through the NextLevel Postsecondary CTE Leaders Fellowship program.

Jennifer Curtis

Jennifer Curtis is a Project Manager in Academic Affairs at Chandler-Gilbert Community College (CGCC) in Arizona, bringing more than 20 years of progressive experience across Student Affairs, Academic Affairs, Workforce Development, and Career and Technical Education (CTE). Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Jennifer has built a career defined by collaboration, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to student success and workforce alignment. Jennifer holds a Master’s degree in Education (Higher Education), completed in December 2025, and was selected for the ACTE NextLevel Postsecondary CTE Fellowship in January 2026, a year-long professional development experience designed to develop organizational leadership, strategic management, and systems-level thinking among postsecondary CTE leaders. In her current role, Jennifer manages complex, grant-funded initiatives from concept through implementation, overseeing budgets, funding allocations, and compliance while coordinating grant-related events, equipment procurement, and facility improvements that support instructional quality and workforce readiness. She provides strategic leadership in advancing workforce-focused innovation by translating grant investments into high-impact student outcomes and aligning Academic Affairs, Workforce Development, and industry partners around industry-driven CTE pathways. Jennifer collaborates closely with faculty, staff, administrators, Business and Industry Leadership Team (BILT) advisory councils, and industry partners to design and implement quick-start, workforce-responsive programs aligned with labor market data and regional needs. Her work also contributes to system-wide frameworks supporting emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and advanced technical pathways, helping move pilot initiatives into scalable, sustainable models.

Outside of work, Jennifer values balance and wellness. She enjoys golfing and wake surfing, weightlifting, walking, and traveling. She and her husband, Scott, will be celebrating their 20-year anniversary this year and share their home with their two beloved huskies. Looking ahead, Jennifer aspires to serve as a Director of Career and Technical Education, where she can lead initiatives that strengthen workforce systems, expand equitable access to CTE programs, and create meaningful, future-ready pathways for students. She is deeply committed to working alongside faculty, staff, and industry partners and views the ACTE NextLevel Fellowship as a pivotal opportunity to further develop her leadership capacity, broaden her professional network, and prepare for senior leadership roles in higher education.

Danny Fisher

Danny Fisher serves as Dean of Manufacturing, Industrial Technology, and Trades at GateWay Community College in Phoenix, Arizona, where he leads programs that prepare students for careers in advanced manufacturing, semiconductor technology, and the skilled trades. His work focuses on building strong partnerships between education and industry to ensure students are prepared for evolving workforce opportunities and emerging technologies.

Fisher’s career reflects a broad commitment to career and technical education across multiple levels. He previously served as Career and Technical Education Director for Park City School District in Utah and Mesa Public Schools in Arizona, and as Principal and Chief Operations Officer at the East Valley Institute for Technology (EVIT), a career and technical education high school in Mesa, Arizona. Earlier in his career, he worked in construction trades, pharmaceuticals, nonprofit organizations, and both small and Fortune 500 companies, experiences that continue to shape his practical, workforce-centered leadership approach.

He currently leads major initiatives, including the Future48 Semiconductor Workforce Accelerator, a $20+ million project developed in partnership with the Arizona Commerce Authority, and collaborates with college systems across Arizona to establish consistent semiconductor technician curriculum and industry-recognized credentials that support statewide workforce development.

Fisher holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Westminster College in Utah, as well as a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Policy from the University of Utah. Outside of work, he enjoys camping, hiking, kayaking, mountain climbing, and spending time outdoors with his family. He joined the NextLevel Postsecondary CTE Leaders Fellowship to further strengthen his leadership skills and expand career pathways that create lasting opportunities for students, their families, and their communities.

Renato Freitas

Renato Freitas is the Program Coordinator for the How I Reach Employment (HIRE) Program at Fort Myers Technical College in Fort Myers, Florida. In this role, he leads a post- secondary transition program designed to support students with intellectual disabilities as they develop workforce skills, earn industry-recognized certifications, and transition into meaningful employment. Renato holds a Master’s degree in Education with a focus on Pedagogy from East Carolina University and brings close to two decades of experience in education, workforce development, and student support services.

Throughout his career, Renato has been a strong advocate for inclusive career and technical education. He has played a key role in expanding access to CTE programs for students with unique abilities by collaborating with instructors, employers, and community partners to create supportive, skill-based learning environments. Under his leadership, the HIRE Program has grown to offer innovative instructional models, work-based learning opportunities, and credential pathways aligned with local workforce needs. Renato also works closely with district and state partners to manage grants, ensure program compliance, and promote sustainable program growth.

Beyond his professional work, Renato is deeply involved in his community and passionate about mentorship, leadership development, and youth sports. He serves in leadership and advisory roles focused on workforce inclusion at Southeast Post Secondary Education Alliance (SEPSEA), as Vice Chair for Career & Technical Education, and regularly collaborates with regional organizations to expand employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Outside of work, he spends time with his family and coaches youth and high school soccer in his community. Renato applied to the NextLevel Postsecondary CTE Leaders Fellowship to continue developing his leadership skills, expand his national network, and contribute to conversations that advance equitable access to high-quality postsecondary CTE. He is committed to learning from fellow leaders and using those insights to strengthen programs that empower all learners to reach their full potential.

Dr. Kristin Heathcock

Dr. Kristin Heathcock serves as the Dean of Associate in Science Programs at the Brandon Campus of Hillsborough College in Tampa, Florida. With twenty years of experience in both faculty and administrative roles at Hillsborough College, she brings deep institutional knowledge and a strong commitment to student success. She earned her Doctorate in Educational Technology from the University of Florida and holds both a Master’s in Library and Information Science and a Bachelor’s in Psychology from the University of South Florida.

As a fearless and innovative leader, Dr. Heathcock is widely recognized for championing meaningful initiatives and delivering high-impact results. She played a pivotal role in launching the Institute of Financial Technology, home to only the second Associate of Science degree in Financial Technology in the nation. Her leadership has also driven several major college-wide initiatives, including the Zero Textbook Cost program launched in 2022, which has saved students at least $10 million in its first three years. The team then developed an Open Educational Resource (OER) creation program and subsequently one of the nation’s first AI-supported OER development programs. Earlier in her career as a librarian faculty member, she established the Hotspot Library Lending program—expanding it from just six hotspots to 200 within three years—and secured grant funding to launch the college’s first laptop-lending initiative. Outside her professional work, Kristin is an avid runner who participates in and volunteers at races throughout Florida. A highlight of her volunteer service includes serving as the General Hydration Station 3 Group Lead for the 2024 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials in Orlando, Florida.

Kristin is excited to join the NextLevel Postsecondary CTE Leaders Fellowship program to expand her knowledge and amplify her impact on workforce development programs—both within Hillsborough College and across the broader community.

Melissa “Missy” Hibbard

Melissa “Missy” Hibbard is a higher education leader and educator based in Ohio, currently serving in allied health and postsecondary education with a focus on online program delivery. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration with a concentration in Health Information Systems from the University of Phoenix and a Master of Science in Education from St. Joseph’s College of Maine. Like many of the learners she serves, Missy earned the majority of her degrees and credentials in an online modality, an experience that deeply informs her approach to teaching, leadership, and student support. Professionally, Missy brings more than 20 years of experience in healthcare prior to transitioning into education, providing a strong foundation in real-world practice, compliance, and patient-centered care. She is a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT), Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS), Certified Professional Coder (CPC), Certified Professional in Health Informatics (CPHI), and a Certified Allied Health Instructor (AHI). She also has 10 years of experience in K–12 education, most recently serving as an Intervention Specialist, which continues to inform her approach to student support, persistence, and instructional design in postsecondary settings. In her role as Program Director at Miller-Motte College, she leads and supports a team of 40 adjunct faculty, focusing on instructional quality, academic rigor, and student success across multiple allied health programs. Teaching remains central to her identity, and she approaches the classroom with both rigor and passion, measuring success through graduates who earn credentials and secure meaningful careers in their chosen fields. Beyond her professional role, Missy is deeply rooted in her community and family life. She lives in a suburb of Dayton, Ohio, with her husband, Bob, and their sons, Joey and Bobby, and views family as a central pillar that shapes her leadership, service, and commitment to others. An ordained minister, she serves as Executive Director of Stillwater Church and volunteers extensively, including as Treasurer of the Northmont Band Boosters and President of the Northmont Optimist Club, reflecting her passion for mentorship, youth development, and community-building. Missy applied to the NextLevel Postsecondary CTE Leaders Fellowship to further strengthen her leadership capacity, expand her impact in career and technical education, and contribute to scalable, inclusive systems that support both learners and educators. She is motivated by a desire to lead with purpose, elevate student outcomes, and collaborate with fellow leaders who are shaping the future of postsecondary CTE.

Misty G. Hull

Misty G. Hull serves as Dean of Academic Success for Allied Health at the Community College of Aurora (CCA), where she oversees programs in Behavioral Health, Health Sciences, and Public Service. A Colorado Licensed Professional Counselor, she grew up in Lubbock, Texas, and has called Colorado home since 1998. After teaching psychology for over two decades at Pikes Peak State College (PPSC), where she co-authored Scientific American Psychology and Scientific American Presenting Psychology with Deborah Licht and Coco Ballantyne, she held progressively responsible administrative roles before transitioning to CCA to help shape the future of healthcare and first responder education in the Denver Metro region. Misty brings experience in building career and technical education programs that respond to workforce needs. At PPSC, she helped build the Behavioral Health program from the ground up alongside colleagues throughout the Colorado Community College System, developing stackable credentials that build from certifications into an Associate of Applied Science and ultimately a Bachelor of Applied Science. She also helped establish the ASPIRE (Achieving Success through Personalized Inclusive Real-world Education) program, which serves students over 18 with intellectual disabilities. At CCA, she now applies this experience to programs preparing students for careers in emergency medical services, fire science, nursing assisting, phlebotomy, and behavioral health at a time when the region is experiencing critical workforce shortages. Outside of work, Misty is a mom of four emerging adults. She loves the sunshine, the beach, and the Colorado mountains. She has volunteered with the Southern Colorado Children’s Hospital Family Advisory Council for over a decade and volunteers with her therapy dogs, Hazel and Gus, through Go Team Therapy, Crisis and Airport dogs around the region. Misty joined the NextLevel Fellowship to learn from CTE leaders across the country about strategies for making curriculum more responsive to industry needs. Joining during ACTE’s centennial year feels like the right time to anchor herself in a community that has spent a century advocating for career and technical education.

Kimberly Lea

Kimberly Lea is a seasoned higher education and workforce executive serving as Dean of Workforce Education and Development at Palm Beach State College in Palm Beach County, Florida. With more than three decades of experience in academic leadership and institutional advancement, she has built a career centered on expanding access, strengthening workforce pathways, and aligning education with regional economic needs. Raised with a strong appreciation for education and community, she earned a Bachelor of Science from Shippensburg University, an MBA from Florida Atlantic University, and an Education Specialist degree from Keiser University. She is currently completing her Doctor of Education at the American College of Education

In her current role, Kimberly provides districtwide oversight of workforce programs across fi five campuses, driving enrollment growth, securing multimillion dollar public and private funding streams, and expanding high demand technical pathways. She has increased enrollment by more than 10 percent through strategic scheduling, program development, and dual enrollment partnerships

Her leadership includes collaboration with academic deans to ensure program alignment with accreditation standards and institutional policy

Previously, as Campus President at Keiser University, she led all academic and operational functions of a SACS Level VI institution, overseeing enrollment growth, faculty leadership, accreditation processes, and the launch of new professional programs.  She oversaw enrollment, financial aid and student services departments that functioned at a high level.

Throughout her career, she has held progressive leadership roles including Dean of Academics, Associate Dean of Career and Technical Education, and faculty member, demonstrating sustained expertise in academic affairs, workforce integration, and organizational transformation

Beyond her institutional responsibilities, Kimberly is an active civic and professional leader. She has served in board leadership roles including Board Chair of the Chamber of the Palm Beaches and Leadership Palm Beach County.

Her work has been recognized with awards such as the Leadership Excellence Award, the Giraffe Award, and the Woman of Worth Award

She is also deeply committed to mentoring women leaders through her S.H.E. (Smart. Honest. Effective.) initiatives and through community-based organizations focused on educational attainment and workforce advancement.

Outside of her professional work, Kimberly is a lifelong learner who values travel, mindfulness, and community engagement. She resides in Jupiter, Florida, where she enjoys time with her four adult children and five grandchildren,

Her volunteer leadership and community involvement reflect her belief that education is a catalyst for both personal transformation and regional prosperity.

Kimberly  applied to the NextLevel Postsecondary CTE Leaders Fellowship program to further refine her leadership within career and technical education, contribute to national conversations on workforce innovation, and collaborate with peers committed to building scalable, high quality pathways that lead to economic mobility. Her current goal is to continue advancing integrated academic and workforce strategies that expand opportunity, strengthen institutional capacity, and prepare learners for sustainable careers in a rapidly evolving economy.

Tyler Love

Tyler Love is a faculty member in the Department of the Built Environment at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES). In addition to his faculty role, he serves as the Director of CTE programs, including Work-Based Learning (WBL), Career Counseling, and Technology and Engineering Teacher Preparation. Professor Love, a native of Palmyra, Pennsylvania, is deeply committed to the land-grant and Historically Black College and University (HBCU) mission of UMES, his alma mater. He earned his bachelor’s degree in technology education as an honors program student and a Division I student-athlete at UMES. He earned his master’s and doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction from Virginia Tech, with graduate certificates in Integrative STEM Education and Higher Education Administration. As the only tenured professor of CTE in Maryland, Tyler has been instrumental in expanding CTE, WBL, career counseling, and Training and Education educator preparation efforts across the state. He led the development of Maryland’s first higher education commission-approved undergraduate and graduate certificate programs in CTE teaching licensure, work-based learning (WBL), and career counseling. Through the development of these online and hybrid certificate programs, Maryland has made CTE teacher, WBL coordinator, and career counselor preparation more accessible to help advance career and college readiness. Professor Love has successfully secured over one million dollars in grants aimed at providing STEM and CTE professional development, and the recruitment of students from underrepresented populations into STEM teacher education programs. A significant portion of Professor Love’s research has focused on safety issues related to CTE and STEM education facilities, instruction, and learning. He has authored or co-authored over 100 scholarly works consisting of books, book chapters, journal articles, conference papers, state safety guides, academic standards documents, and other items. His research has been instrumental in raising awareness about critical safety issues (e.g., overcrowding in instructional spaces) while maintaining valuable experiential CTE and STEM learning opportunities.

He recently co-authored new STEM education safety guides for the Delaware Department of Education and the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The impact of his research and the practitioner-geared resources that he has developed for educators is evidenced by over 46,000 reads of his publications on ResearchGate, a h-index of 20, and an i10-index of 39 according to Google Scholar. In recognition for his outstanding work related to CTE, he was named the 2018 safety educator of the year by CareerSafe, and the 2025 ACTE Region I Teacher Educator of the Year.

As a former college athlete, Tyler enjoys attending sporting events and cheering on his Virginia Tech Hokies, Philadelphia Phillies, and Philadelphia Eagles. During his free time, he enjoys getting back to his technology and engineering education roots through various renovation projects at his 1900s farmhouse. Professor Love hopes to expand his perspective on CTE and leadership through his experiences with the ACTE NextLevel Postsecondary CTE Fellowship cohort. This includes developing a deeper understanding of the strengths and challenges experienced by various postsecondary partners to help improve career and college readiness across P-16 education. His future ambitions include serving in leadership roles at the state and national levels, and pursuing an upper administration position at a postsecondary institution or education agency.

Vance Miller

Vance Miller is an experienced workforce education leader and transportation industry professional who currently serves as Director of Adult Education at the York County School of Technology. With more than three decades of combined experience in career and technical education, transportation operations, and regulatory compliance, he has built a reputation for developing high-performing programs, strong instructional teams, and industry-aligned training partnerships. In his leadership roles across multiple career and technology centers, he has overseen large multi-program departments, led curriculum design and implementation, ensured regulatory compliance, and hired and mentored instructors to deliver high-quality, job-focused training. He is especially recognized for his strengths in safety, compliance, communication, and process development. Before transitioning into education leadership, Vance founded and grew a successful trucking company from the ground up, scaling operations from a single truck to a multi-vehicle fleet with over a dozen employees and seven-figure annual revenue. His industry expertise has led to work as a professional witness in commercial vehicle crash investigations and as a third-party safety and compliance officer for trucking companies. His strength in communication has helped build impactful industry partnerships, including securing corporate support for technical training facilities. Known for his collaborative leadership style, he focuses on team development, continuous improvement, and creating programs that produce real-world career success. Vance enjoys the outdoors, whether it’s golfing, hiking, or boating; summer is definitely the time of year he desires. As a cancer survivor and community advocate, he was nominated for Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Man of the Year in 2015. Vance intends to use any knowledge gained in the Next Level Program, as well as any other organization, to better shape CTE and carry over to his next chapter in life, whatever that might be.

Felita Murphy

Felita Murphy is an Associate Director for Career and Technical Education (CTE) with the Illinois Community College Board, based in Springfield, Illinois. Originally from Chicago, Felita relocated to central Illinois to pursue her education and professional goals, earning both her undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Illinois at Springfield by 2016. That move marked a turning point, one that grounded her commitment to education and public service in communities across the state. While completing her studies, Felita worked as a substitute teacher in secondary schools throughout the Springfield and Chatham areas. Those years in the classroom, particularly serving students in underserved communities, deeply shaped her professional purpose. She spent five years encouraging students to recognize their potential, believe in their abilities, and understand how postsecondary skills and credentials could open doors to lasting opportunity. Felita’s firsthand classroom experience sparked a desire to support students beyond the school walls, leading her into educational administration. She joined the Illinois Community College Board over four years ago and now works in the Workforce Education Division within the CTE Department. In this role, she focuses on expanding access to high-skill, in-demand credentials that allow Illinois students to leverage their skills and pursue meaningful, high-value careers throughout the state. With a strong commitment to both personal development and meaningful impact, Felita’s passion for education inspired her to apply to the Next Level Fellowship, seeking mentorship and guidance to continue developing as a leader. She views the fellowship as an opportunity to collaborate with leaders across states, gain new perspectives, and strengthen efforts to expand educational access for underserved communities. Through this experience, Felita aims to further enhance her communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills to support her work more effectively. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys spending quality time with her young adult children and four grandchildren, creating meaningful memories together, as well as traveling, reading, and staying active.

Joy Pak

Joy Pak is the Operations Manager for the Business & Social Science Division at Harper College in Palatine, Illinois. With over 15 years of experience in adult and higher education, Joy is recognized for empowering learners and strengthening program effectiveness through data‑driven decision‑making, collaborative partnerships, and a commitment to operational excellence. She holds a J.D. and an Ed.M. in Educational Policy, Organization, and Leadership. Her unique combined background of law, education, and policy allows her to bring a forward-thinking, equity-centered perspective to her work in creating innovative and accessible pathways for adult learners. Joy is passionate about advancing equity, accessibility, and continuous improvement across institutional systems. She has led program‑wide initiatives to streamline workflows, enhance process integrity, and align daily operations with long‑term strategic goals. Her work reflects a deep commitment to cultivating a culture of belonging, excellence, and opportunity for all students and educators. Outside of her professional role, Joy has a strong interest in personal growth and well-being. She enjoys exploring local community events and spending quality time with her family and friends. Joy is excited about the opportunity to participate in the NextLevel Postsecondary CTE Leaders Fellowship to further develop her leadership skills, expand her impact on operational excellence, and champion learning communities where all students and educators can thrive, belong, and advance.

Michael L. Pate, Ph.D.

Michael L. Pate, Ph.D., is a Professor and Graduate Program Director in the Applied Sciences, Technology, and Education Department at Utah State University in Logan, Utah. A former agriculture teacher from Arkansas, he has spent more than 15 years advancing high-quality, engaging agricultural and career and technical education. He brings extensive experience in instructional development, graduate education, and research mentorship, shaped by his work with educators across the country.

Dr. Pate’s professional focus centers on teaching and mentoring online graduate students pursuing degrees while working full-time. He guides master’s and doctoral researchers in developing strong methodological skills, provides support across interdepartmental committees, and helps students build professional networks through conference participation and collaborative scholarship. His work has resulted in 46 peer-reviewed journal articles and a co-authored textbook, with publications appearing in journals such as the Journal of Agromedicine, NACTA Journal, Journal of Agricultural Education, and Journal of Agricultural Safety and Health. He also contributes nationally through workshops, youth agricultural safety training, and USDA‑ and NIOSH-supported research.

Beyond his academic contributions, Dr. Pate remains dedicated to supporting agricultural educators and mentoring emerging scholars. He enjoys long-distance running and flyfishing. His commitment to helping students develop their scholarly identities reflects his belief in fostering both professional growth and meaningful impact. He is applying to the NextLevel Postsecondary CTE Leaders Fellowship to expand his leadership in strengthening equitable, high‑quality CTE pathways and to contribute more broadly to national CTE innovation.

Maryann Reid

Maryann Reid is an award-winning author, educator, and nationally recognized advocate for young adults and family empowerment, with more than two decades of experience transforming individuals and communities through education, faith-based initiatives, and storytelling. A former teacher and professor with the NYC Board of Education, Fordham University, the University of Miami, and the City University of New York, she has dedicated her career to equipping young adults with the skills, character, and purpose needed to thrive. Her work bridges education, workforce preparation, and community development, making her a trusted voice at the intersection of learning and life transformation.

As a 7-time award-winning novelist published by St. Martin’s Press, Reid has authored several bestselling novels. She is also the author of Christian Souls at Night: A 90-Night Prayer Planner. Her storytelling background allows her to illuminate real-life journeys of faith, work, and purpose—shifting the focus from love stories to life stories of transformation.

Reid is a recognized advocate for youth, families, and faith-based community programs, and has received national media attention from outlets including The New York Times, USA Today, Newsweek, The Christian Science Monitor, ABC News, CBS, NBC, and The New Yorker. She is a member of Rotary International and the founder of The Fortitude House, serving aged-out foster youth. Her programs and writing—featured in Forbes, Black Enterprise, Stanford Social Innovation Review, Glamour, USA Today, and more—have helped strengthen families and communities, with many participants still thriving decades later.

Today, Reid brings that same transformational focus to workforce development and faith-based vocational education, as cofounder of Purpose to Path, a program that equips Gen Z and emerging adults to pursue meaningful careers in the trades, build strong families, and positively impact their communities. With deep connections to educators, faith leaders, journalists, and policy influencers, she stands as a credible and compelling leader committed to strengthening communities from the inside out. Learn more at www.purposetopath.org or www.maryannreidinc.com.

Michelle Sliczniak

Michelle Sliczniak is the Interim Operations Manager for the Career and Technical Programs Division at Harper College, where she oversees the operational and strategic initiatives that ensure the success of students and programs across Harper College. Based in the Chicago suburbs, Michelle’s family immigrated from Poland, bringing with them a strong work ethic and a commitment to education.

Michelle began her career in education as a private piano instructor, where she not only taught students but also ran her own small business, developed curriculum, and managed all aspects of operational success. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, she transitioned into higher education, gaining experience in Continuing Education before moving into Career and Technical Education. This journey allowed her to combine her passion for teaching with operational leadership, program development, and student support.

Known for her collaborative approach and dedication, Michelle is deeply committed to advancing equitable opportunities for students in CTE programs. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and exploring her creative side through building Lego sets with her husband.

Michelle is excited to grow as a leader in postsecondary Career and Technical Education and looks forward to contributing her skills and passion to the NextLevel Postsecondary CTE Leaders Fellowship.

Dr. Rachel Yager

Dr. Rachel Yager is a leading global innovator specializing in institutional collaboration and maximizing student success. As Founder and CEO of FortuneTimes Group (FTG) and Chief Innovation Officer of RapidPathway™️, based in New York City, she is at the forefront of digital transformation and leverages AI to revolutionize academic and career pathways through the groundbreaking Student GPS™️platform, which provides comprehensive guidance, planning, and support to enhance student outcomes. A Stanford LEAD Distinguished Scholar, Dr. Yager strategically integrates Management Science, Design Thinking, and a Growth Mindset to drive impactful educational initiatives. Her innovative work in Career and Technical Education (CTE) and Dual Enrollment is actively being piloted in partnership with the University of the District of Columbia Community College (UDC), District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS), and the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE). Her core mission is to bridge the worlds of learning and work, ensuring that the path from secondary school to a fulfilling career is clear and deliberate, moving beyond chance. Through the NextLevel Postsecondary CTE Leaders Fellowship, she empowers leaders to co-author a new, strategically aligned narrative that creates a seamless continuum from classroom to career. Dr. Yager holds a Ph.D. in Computer Information Systems and advanced degrees from INSA, France, and NTU, Singapore. A true New Yorker and global citizen, Rachel enjoys cultural immersion and travel. She is an international caregiver for aging family members and channels her passion for wellness into cooking, using her kitchen as an R&D lab to promote longevity and combat illness.

DeAnna Little, Ph.D.

ACTE NextLevel Fellowship Program Advisor

Dona Orr

Postsecondary CTE Manager