IR Leaders Sharing Their Career Pathways, Successes, and Lessons Learned

Wednesday, May 21, 2025

3:45 PM – 4:45 PM East Coast USA Time

Location: Sebastian I1+2

Institution Type: Any

Target Audience: Any

Presenter(s)

YE

Yesenia Espinal, PHD

Associate Vice President for Data Analytics
Howard University, United States
Adrea L. Hernandez, PHD (she/her/hers)

Executive Director for Institutional Research
University of Notre Dame
Notre Dame, Indiana, United States
JW

Jennifer X. Wu

Chief Engineering Analytics Officer
Penn State College of Engineering
University Park, Pennsylvania, United States
Henry Zheng, PHD

Vice Provost for Institutional Effectiveness and Planning
Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States

Session Abstract: As the professional landscape of institutional research continues to evolve, understanding how to successfully navigate one’s career path to professional success is more important than ever. This panel will feature leaders from several universities who have made remarkable career progress. Each panelist brings a unique background and experience, representing diverse perspectives in leadership development in different institutional settings. The panel discussion will center around their career journeys, how they overcame challenges, and what strategies they employed to advance. They will also share the key lessons they’ve learned and the secrets behind their success. Attendees will gain valuable insights into professional growth, leadership development, and strategies for breaking barriers.

Keywords: early-career success, leadership development, career pathways, resilience, communications, management

Contributing Authors: Hui Xiong - Wellesley College