Dr. Lori Marie Huertas
Dynamic higher education and workforce development leader with extensive experience in strategic partnerships, leadership training, and student success initiatives. Currently serving as Assistant Director of Industry Partnerships at Metropolitan State University of Denver, connecting students, faculty, and employers through mentorship, experiential learning, and career-ready programs.
Accomplished educator and curriculum designer with a focus on psychology, emotional intelligence, and critical thinking, preparing students for professional and leadership roles. Experienced in developing student-centered learning environments, integrating career mapping and growth mindset practices, and mentoring students through career transitions.
Global volunteer leader as Vice President of Strategic Partnerships for GlobalMindED, expanding leadership programs for first-generation, low-income, and underrepresented students and professionals. Over 16 years of international experience as a Chief Leadership Officer Training Specialist at Besitos & Bravery, delivering leadership and workforce training across Latin America and Europe, fostering cross-cultural collaboration and operational readiness.
Proven track record in higher education recruitment, student success, and leadership development through roles at Barry University and the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico. Skilled in program strategy, partnership management, cross-cultural leadership, and delivering actionable workforce and leadership development outcomes.
• Dr.
• Lena Archuleta Award
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to resilience, purpose, and the support of my family, ancestors, and community, who have grounded me through every challenge and reminded me why I keep striving; as a first-generation college graduate and doctorate holder, I’ve learned that success is not only about personal achievement but also about using what I’ve learned to open doors for others, because “El éxito no solo se mide por lo que logras, sino por a cuántas personas elevas en el camino.”
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is: don’t wait until you feel fully ready—start before you feel ready. It taught me that growth happens through action, not perfection, and that confidence often comes after you take the first step.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
To young women entering this industry, I’d say: show up fully, speak your truth, and bring your culture into the room like a superpower, not an apology. Believe in your worth, ask for what you need, and start building mentors and allies early because your voice, your questions, and your perspective are exactly what the field needs. At the same time, stay curious, keep learning, and don’t be afraid to take the bold seat even when you don’t feel “ready,” because preparing for a seat at the table is different from waiting for permission to sit down.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Right now, the biggest challenges in higher education are funding pressures, enrollment volatility, and growing skepticism about the value of a degree, all while institutions scramble to adapt to rapid advances in AI, hybrid learning, and workforce expectations. At the same time, faculty strain, student mental‑health and basic‑needs needs, and persistent equity gaps, especially for Latino and first‑generation students, make it harder to deliver on access and completion promises.
The biggest opportunities lie in using data, AI, and closer industry partnerships to build “day‑one‑ready” talent, stackable credentials, and programs that clearly link to strong outcomes and local economies. There is also a powerful opening to center equity by designing culturally responsive support systems, wraparound services, and mentoring structures that validate students’ identities and help them turn their degrees into real‑world power and belonging.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are integrity, compassion, and purpose. In my work, I lead with integrity by being honest, accountable, and consistent in my words and actions, especially when it comes to equity and student success. Compassion guides how I listen, mentor, and create space for people’s stories and struggles, not just their achievements.
In my personal life, I center family, cultural pride, and resilience ,honoring my parents, ancestors, son, and familia as the foundation of who I am. I also value growth and service, believing that every step I take should help someone else feel seen, supported, and encouraged to keep going.
