Dr. Zainab Okolo is a higher education policy and mental health expert, advocate and educator, focused on helping students overcome barriers so they can learn, earn and lead fulfilling lives.
In her previous roles, Dr. Okolo served as a policy/research associate on HCM Strategists’ postsecondary team, where she worked on policy issues aimed at making higher education more accessible, affordable and relevant. She also held various student service posts and research at the University of Maryland, the American Council on Education and the Institute for Higher Education Policy. Currently a Strategist at Lumina Foundation, Dr. Okolo works to significantly improve student success and increase credential attainment, by incorporating holistic student services, including mental health. Her portfolio of work focuses on the urgent needs of people of color, adult learners, student parents and other marginalized student populations striving succeed at learning beyond high school despite systemic barriers.
As a clinically trained and licensed mental health professional, Dr. Okolo has supported individuals, families and institutions in adopting strategies to overcome various mental health challenges. As demonstrated by her experience and expertise, Dr. Okolo remains a strong advocate for increased and equitable access to high quality mental health services and resources for all students.
