Women’s History Month: Passion, Joy, and Drive

Reading time: 10 minutes

March commemorates Women’s History Month, which recognizes the strides women have made across society, including in higher education. Despite the sociopolitical and financial challenges that women still face worldwide, they continue to find spaces of joy and liberation while advocating for issues that impact historically marginalized communities. Equity for women, especially women of color, cis- and transgender women, women from low-income backgrounds, and immigrant women, comes with determination, stride, and passion.

To honor Women’s History Month, and to continue a longstanding National College Attainment Network (NCAN) tradition, I asked my colleagues who identify as female to tell me what it means to be a woman working in college access and attainment and how they find joy despite the world’s challenges.

Specifically, I asked these five guiding questions, but did not limit the responses my co-workers could submit:

1. What does being a woman working in college attainment and access mean to you?
2. What makes you passionate about the work that you do at NCAN?
3. Where do you find joy when you want to escape the challenges facing higher education today?
4. Where do you hope to see the country in its support for women in higher education in the next 10 years?
5. What advice do you have for other women who work in college attainment and access

Their responses have been edited for clarity.

Kim Cook, Chief Executive Officer

I am tremendously privileged to be a woman working in college attainment since it gives me the opportunity to pay it forward to a next generation of students. I’m passionate about making sure all students know the opportunities available to them, especially as a former Pell Grant recipient myself. I am honored to work at NCAN and with our partners in the field, with extraordinary women who share the passion, and lived experience, for our mission to close equity gaps in postsecondary attainment. These current times are trying, as was the pandemic and as was a rocky FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) rollout. I remind us all to tap into our resilience that women often demonstrate and model that for our students. At the same time, I encourage us all to care for ourselves so we are able to continue that.

Joy King, Chief Talent, Strategy, and Operations Officer

Being a woman working in college attainment and access means occupying space with purpose. As a Black woman in this field, I carry the stories, resilience, and brilliance of those who came before me — and I use that energy to create pathways for those coming after. It’s about challenging the systems that weren’t built for us and helping students, especially those historically excluded, not just access college but thrive there. I don’t take that responsibility lightly — and I don’t shrink from it either.

The work that I do at NCAN lives at the intersection of strategy, equity, and impact — which is exactly where I belong. I get to help shape the future of college access in ways that are bold, forward-thinking, and unapologetically centered on student success. And let’s be real: when you're surrounded by people just as committed to tearing down barriers as you are, it fuels you. The mission isn’t just a job — it’s personal.

Joy is in the intentional pause — a good cocktail, a bold lipstick, a deep belly laugh with my people. It's in quiet mornings, creative projects, and moments where I can dream freely, without limits. I’ve learned that protecting my joy is a radical act — especially in a field where burnout can be the norm. So I hold tight to it and let it recharge me for the work ahead.

I want to see a country where women — especially women of color — are not just represented but are resourced, respected, and recognized as leaders shaping the future of higher ed. That means equitable pay, inclusive policies, and real pathways to power. Let’s stop asking women to “prove” themselves and start investing in the brilliance they bring from day one.

My piece of advice to other women who work in college access: Lead boldly. Take up space. Stay rooted in your why. This work is not easy — it will stretch you, challenge you, and sometimes break your heart. But your voice, your vision, and your leadership are exactly what this field needs. Find your people, protect your peace, and never underestimate your power. You're not here by accident — you're here to shift things.

Elizabeth Morgan, Chief External Relations Officer

For me, college attainment is about liberation—having the freedom to choose a career, care for loved ones, and live a dignified and meaningful life according to one’s beliefs, interests, and values. I wish that for everyone.

The students our members serve, and others like them, are my inspiration. They are smart, resourceful, caring, and we should give them every opportunity to prepare themselves to excel as workers, leaders, citizens, and family members. Our country and world will be a great place if we make that full investment.

In the last few decades, women have excelled in higher education, outpacing men on average. There is still progress needed to ensure that all women of color have the same college completion opportunities as white women, including the opportunity to earn a degree without substantial loan debt. And as well as we have done obtaining bachelor’s degrees, women still earn less than men and are significantly underrepresented in corporate and government leadership and other important career fields. Access to higher education has made a huge difference in the lives of many women, but without policies providing universal access to health care, paid family leave, and child care, we can’t fully capitalize on the degrees we earn.

Most months of the year, you’ll find me in my garden weeding or pruning. There is something about gardening that brings joy and makes me forget everything but the dirt in front of me.

My advice for other women who work in college attainment: A sense of belonging and being included can be a barrier for many younger professionals, including those of color, in the college attainment field and probably in many fields. Don’t underestimate the power of building relationships with colleagues to make yourself, and them, feel seen and valued as part of an important mission. Investing time in relationships is as much “the work” as any other part of a job description.

Colette Hadley, Senior Director, Consulting Services

I am passionate about the work done by the NCAN team because it benefits thousands of students and organizations across the country, all striving to increase postsecondary access and success in their communities. The NCAN core values of service, collaboration, trustworthiness, inclusion & belonging, and courage all speak to me and exemplify the ideals that I like to uphold. I believe that everyone should have equitable opportunities to pursue their educational path and that individuals deserve high-quality resources and support. Women have historically played a key leadership role in opening the doors to higher education to students from low-income backgrounds, non-traditional aged students, and to first-generation students, because women have experienced inequality and have had to fight for decades to gain equal rights in our country. Through these experiences, women understand that to achieve greater economic and social mobility, it is vital to attain postsecondary degrees and credentials.

Tong Lee, Senior Manager, Retention and Database Management

I’m proud that I get to work in this space, sharing many of the same experiences and challenges common to first-generation students and communities that have historically been underrepresented in higher education institutions. Coming from a family history filled with war, migration, and resettlement, I feared my life would stall after high school, held back by the unknown and by cultural expectations of Hmong daughters. To be fortunate to go to college, earn a degree and find a meaningful career in mission-driven organizations allows me to uplift communities that are like my own lived background.

I’m continuing the cycle of encouraging and supporting young people like me (first-gen, daughter, former refugee and Hmong) to continue their education at a postsecondary level. Remembering the challenges I faced and seeing that barriers still exist motivates me to be in this field.

As a parent of two young children, my kids provide many opportunities to forget the challenges we’re facing in higher education and in life in this modern era. They remind me to enjoy this phase of life, encourage me to be silly and laugh more, be a better person, and to show love. Daily walks with our family dog and the few opportunities for long hikes at national parks also allow me to escape temporarily.

Louisa Woodhouse, Senior Associate, Policy and Advocacy

I find joy in being surrounded by a community of hardworking, incredibly smart, driven, and kind people who are similarly passionate about higher education access and attainment and student support. NCAN's network is vibrant and diverse, and I learn so much from our partners and members. I feel lucky to be surrounded by great friends and mentors in this space, who simultaneously keep me grounded and energized when things are tough.

Simone Pringle, Program Coordinator

So many people helped me get into and through college: my family, my faith community, teachers, college advisors, professors. There are so many places in the world where we’re still fighting to educate girls and level the playing field. Serving as a woman in this industry is a big way I give back for all the opportunities that were given to me.

When I talk about joy, everyone who’s read my bio is going to expect me to say comedy shows, and that’s true! But I also find joy in talking to high school students. I think the thing I need most now is hope, good news, a rock solid reason to keep fighting the fight. Seeing how hopeful students can be, even when they’re scared of the future or unsure of their options, it’s empowering. I try my best to zero in on the good things. Like Mr. Rogers said, “look for the helpers. You’ll always find people helping.” There’s so much going on right now, it’s hard sometimes to find the good news, but it’s there. You just have to be intentional about seeking it out.

Issa Rae once had a brilliant piece of advice: “People are always asking how you can meet the person in charge. But really, you got to look at the person to your left and the person to your right. And that working across can be just as effective as networking up.” Find your people and network across. Good mentors aren’t always in positions above you, maybe they’re in the same position and they’ve just been doing it longer. You’ll also need collaborators doing the work alongside you. Younger, older, novice, experienced, doesn’t matter. Everyone can teach you something.

Also, it’s important to recognize your strengths, and find people with strengths you lack. If you’re a dreamer, collaborate with people who are heavy into logistics and who can execute well, and vice versa. If you’re the data/numbers guru, find a top-notch writer and editor. Big picture folks paired with “it’s all in the details people,” etc.

Read More:

• Despite Progress, Women in Higher Ed Still Face Barriers
• Scholarships for Female Students: Expanding Access to Higher Education
• Scholarships Supporting Black Students from Low-Income Backgrounds