Rawan AlGahtani
Foundation Program Intern
Foundation Program Intern, Rawan AlGahtani supports the Foundation by assisting with programmatic activities, data and research projects, and operations that advance higher education outcomes for underserved learners.
Prior to joining the Foundation, Rawan served as a business analyst at Endeavor, where she evaluated high-impact entrepreneurial ventures and provided strategic support to foster business growth. Rawan began her career as a sales analyst at Johnson & Johnson, where she tracked performance metrics, analyzed market trends, and optimized data strategies to drive organizational effectiveness. In this role, she spoke at the Global Impact Conference, Academy of Human Resources Development, and Women Leadership Symposium.
She brings experience in strategic planning, project management, quantitative and qualitative research, and stakeholder engagement. A Misk & Elm Fellow, Rawan was named recipient of the President’s Student Leadership Service Award and took first place in the 2026 Academy of Human Resource Development (AHRD) National Case Competition.
Rawan holds a dual Bachelor Degree in human resources & global studies, Master of Science in finance and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in human resource development.
Why are you working at ECMC Foundation and committed to working toward improving higher education for underserved learners?
I am driven by a firm belief that education serves as the catalyst for systemic mobility and equity. My doctoral research and career experiences in workforce development have shown me firsthand how critical access, persistent support, and aligned systems are for success. Working at the Foundation allows me to directly align my passion for evidence-based practice and human resource development with an organization that actively breaks down barriers for underserved learners. I am deeply committed to contributing to data-informed grantmaking and strategic initiatives that ensure every student has the resources, pathways, and support necessary to thrive in higher education and the future workforce.
Learn More About Our Staff
Amber Angel
Program Officer
Sarah Belnick
Senior Program Director
Sabrina Berg
Associate Program Officer
Jay Bozman
Senior Associate, Education Innovation Ventures
Sakshee Chawla
Program Officer
Archie Cubarrubia, EdD
Vice President, Grants
Julia Cunningham
Program Officer
Kelsey Derby
Communications Content Officer
Jessica Diep
Manager, Grants Administration
Nikki Edgecombe, PhD
Vice President, Impact
Bryan Fahrbach
Associate Program Officer
Anna Fontus
Program Officer
Jacob Fraire
President
Stephen J. Handel, PhD
Chief of Staff, Senior Advisor to the President
Jessica Haselton
Managing Director
Charrette “Char” Jenkins
Operations Associate
Brandon Jones
Senior Operations Associate
Amal Karim
Program Officer
Paula Kashtan
Program Officer
Mark Lewis, PhD
Learning and Evaluation Officer
Lisa Manolis
Convening Coordinator
Ali Miller
Associate Director of Learning & Evaluation
Alyssa Park
Convening Specialist
Jonathan T. Reid
Program Officer
Melissa Rivas
Program Officer
Edward Smith, PhD
Senior Director, Policy Strategy
Stephanie Sowl, PhD
Associate Director of Research
Kari Suzuki
Director of Operations
Olivia Tadlock
Foundation Program Intern
Ireri Rivas Mier y Teran
Program Officer
Diana Torres
Policy and Research Fellow
Josh Vang
Grants Management Associate
Megan Jaimes Wery
Senior Associate, Education Innovation Ventures
Elif Yucel, PhD
Associate Learning and Evaluation Officer