Commencement 2021

Dr. Vicki A. Brown, a skilled strategic leader with a global perspective, is the Chief Learning Officer and Executive Director of the Office of Strategic Employee and Organization Development for the Department of Interior (DOI) in Washington, DC. She serves the Department’s senior advisor on strategic learning initiatives, talent, and workforce development.

Her executive responsibilities include managing a multi-million dollar budget and providing leadership and oversight of all education and training programs delivered by DOI University and DOI Acquisition Institute, oversight of the Federal Consulting Group and an extensive online learning delivery program via the DOI Talent learning management system for more than 70,000 employees world-wide through of staff of 4 directors and 28 learning professionals.

Wendy Pintado is graduating with her Master’s in Higher Education Administration. She received her Bachelor of Science in Family Science from the University of Maryland, College Park in 2018 where she was awarded La Raza Unida award for her significant contributions towards the advancement of the Latinx community both on campus as a student leader and in her individual capacity as a volunteer and mentor. Currently, Wendy is working for Collegiate Directions Inc., a nonprofit that guides first generation and low income students in the Maryland and DC areas through the college application process and supports them until they graduate college. She uses her experience in college preparatory programs to manage behind-the-scenes work for the organization. Wendy’s contributions include assisting in the improvement of the recruitment process, data collection, and scholar engagement, as well as the facilitation of yearly events.

Prior to her current role, she worked with various nonprofit organizations including Achieving Collegiate Excellence and Success and the Latino Student Fund. Wendy is passionate about breaking down barriers for students who are pursuing higher education. She strives to ensure that students from marginalized communities maintain a strong support system through specialized programming, mentorship, and tutoring. Wendy hopes to use her Master’s to become a college advisor to keep students engaged, on track, and optimistic about their future.