In this special episode recorded live on site at SXSW EDU [https://www.sxswedu.com/], Dustin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell] speaks with Ana Homayoun [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ana-homayoun-4783863/], executive functioning expert, author, and founder of Green Ivy Educational Consulting and Luminaria Learning. They catch up on things since her interview last year and explore the power of career exploration for young people to help them find postsecondary success. She also teases her forthcoming book, Getting In Is Not Enough: The New Blueprint for Success Beyond Grades, Test Scores and College Admission. [https://us.amazon.com/Getting-Not-Enough-Blueprint-Admission/dp/0306830701?ref_=ast_author_dp_rw&th=1&psc=1&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.lJI28hvT9zcgK_t2VOkdfqNuxh4IQI5uHBWRphoWnVQcamepLaDLBtnAZxHMJj1ynloAXCgxYYoVza83zEejEg.EqQn-Uvt0B0IoftiRgpz6ugt5LpWdy8Ua_zjtS8UsDk&dib_tag=AUTHOR]

Guest Name: Ana Homayoun, Author, Nonprofit Executive, & Independent Academic Advisor

Guest Social: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ana-homayoun-4783863/]

Guest Bio: Ana Homayoun is a noted author, academic advisor, and early career development strategist. Her work focuses on helping students develop executive functioning skills in today's technology and social media world. Her latest book, Erasing the Finish Line: The New Blueprint for Success Beyond Grades and College Admissions [https://anahomayoun.com/erasing-the-finish-line/], underscores the fundamental skills needed for academic success, emotional well-being and long-term workforce development. Ana is the founder of Green Ivy Educational Consulting [http://www.greenivyed.com/], a Silicon Valley-based academic advising firm that helps students, parents and educators with crucial executive function and life-management skills. She is also the founder and executive director of Luminaria Learning Solutions [http://www.luminarialearning.org/], a non-profit initiative developing the Life Navigator School Advisory Program, an executive function skills curriculum rooted in social and emotional well-being that aims to prepare students for success in and outside of the classroom.


- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Dustin Ramsdell
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
The Higher Ed Geek is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network [https://podcasts.enrollify.org/]. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com [https://451.elmt.link/49ocwR8].


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Live at SXSW EDU with Ana Homayoun

In this special episode recorded live on site at SXSW EDU [https://www.sxswedu.com/], Dustin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell] chats with Tanner Jackson [https://www.linkedin.com/in/gtannerjackson/] from ETS [https://www.ets.org/]. He explains the ways his team integrates AI and why transparency is increasingly important for edtech companies to foster. Tanner also highlights the recently launched Center for Responsible AI [https://www.ets.org/newsroom/ets-research-institute-launches-center-for-responsible-ai-in-learning-and-assessment.html] that ETS created as a new resource for higher ed leaders.

Guest Name: Dr. Tanner Jackson, Head of AI Products, ETS

Guest Social: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/gtannerjackson/]

Guest Bio: Tanner Jackson is the Head of AI Products at ETS, overseeing the development and deployment of AI capabilities across the global enterprise. His work spans two core areas: integrating AI into product and platform development, and building scalable AI solutions that deliver measurable business and/or educational impact. 

With over a decade of experience at ETS-including roles in the Research Institute, Language Learning and Assessment Business, and the Office of the CEO-Tanner's work has consistently focused on helping people achieve their potential. A respected voice on AI, Tanner is a sought-after speaker at top industry forums, including the SHRM Talent Annual Conference, Zoom Educator Summit, and ASU+GSV and has been featured in The Chronicle of Higher Education and Education Week as a subject matter expert.


- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Dustin Ramsdell
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
The Higher Ed Geek is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network [https://podcasts.enrollify.org/]. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com [https://451.elmt.link/49ocwR8].


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Live at SXSW EDU with Tanner Jackson

In this special episode recorded live on site at SXSW EDU [https://www.sxswedu.com/], Dustin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell] chats with Greg Smith [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jgregorsmith/] from Britebound [https://britebound.org/] about their recent rebrand and their expanding work helping young learners explore potential careers and the ways to navigate the postsecondary landscape. He highlights how his team’s work impacts higher ed during a time of increased scrutiny about value and relevance.

Guest Name: Greg Smith, Vice President of Marketing, Britebound

Guest Social: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jgregorsmith/]

Guest Bio: As Vice President of Marketing at Britebound, Greg Smith is responsible for translating annual business objectives into strategic marketing plans and leading the marketing team to concept, create and execute the digital campaigns that impact millions of students each year. Greg brings over 25 years of corporate strategy, brand development and global marketing experience with a career that has spanned the technology, banking and financial services industries. In prior agency and client roles, Greg partnered with executives at companies such as American Express, EMC and Citizens Commercial Bank to envision how their marketing organizations must evolve to embrace the digital world and to transform their go-to-market strategies as the power shifted from companies to consumers.


- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Dustin Ramsdell
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
The Higher Ed Geek is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network [https://podcasts.enrollify.org/]. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com [https://451.elmt.link/49ocwR8].


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Episode #322: Why Early Career Exploration Matters for Higher Ed

In this episode recorded live on site at SXSW EDU [https://www.sxswedu.com/], Dustin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell] spoke with Ashley Beckner [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-beckner-63266615/] from Lemnis [https://www.lemnis.org/] about their unique funding model that sits at the intersection of a variety of diverse stakeholders focused on enabling student success. She also provides context on their recent acquisition of InsideTrack [https://www.forbes.com/sites/michaelhorn/2026/02/04/new-patient-capital-model-arrives-with-bet-on-human-connection/] and the vision Lemnis has for the future.

Guest Name: Ashley Beckner, Managing Director, Lemnis Collective

Guest Social: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-beckner-63266615/]

Guest Bio: Ashley Beckner is managing director of the Lemnis Collective. She brings experience across impact investing, philanthropy, finance and operations to Lemnis. She has spent over a decade as an investor and operator in the education sector. 

Most recently, Ashley co-led the US education investment team at Imaginable Futures, a venture of The Omidyar Group. She led the team’s strategy for driving systemic impact in early childhood leveraging investments in early-stage companies, grants, policy and advocacy, strategic communications, and more. She managed a portfolio of 30+ investments, serving as a strategic advisor to her companies and organizations.

Ashley has an MBA from The Wharton School at The University of Pennsylvania and is based in Austin, TX.


- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Dustin Ramsdell
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
The Higher Ed Geek is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network [https://podcasts.enrollify.org/]. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com [https://451.elmt.link/49ocwR8].


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Live at SXSW EDU with Ashley Beckner

In this special episode recorded live on site at SXSW EDU [https://www.sxswedu.com/], Dustin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell] chats with Angelique Albert [https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelique-albert-a849a741/], CEO of the Native Forward Scholars Fund [https://www.nativeforward.org/]. She returns to the show after a handful of years to provide updates on her team’s work, the holistic support they provide native students, and how they’re navigating this turbulent moment in higher ed.

Guest Name: Angelique Albert - CEO at Native Forward Scholars Fund

Guest Social: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelique-albert-a849a741/]

Guest Bio: Angelique Albert is the CEO of Native Forward Scholars Fund, the largest provider of direct scholarships to Native students in the United States. She is a mission-driven leader with expertise in public service, philanthropy, social justice and ensuring that Native students have the resources and support to fulfill their academic and professional aspirations.

Raised on the Flathead Indian Reservation, Angelique is a proud member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes.

Since assuming leadership in 2017, Angelique has transformed Native Forward into a national force, surpassing $350 million in total scholarships to over 20,000 students from 500 Tribes in all 50 states.


- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Dustin Ramsdell
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
The Higher Ed Geek is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network [https://podcasts.enrollify.org/]. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com [https://451.elmt.link/49ocwR8].


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Live at SXSW EDU with Angelique Albert

In this special episode recorded live on site at SXSW EDU [https://www.sxswedu.com/], Dustin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell] chats with Enyi Okebugwu from Imaginable Futures about his work creating effective support structures for student parents. He explains how states are leaning in here and why this work is becoming increasingly important for institutions to focus on.

Guest Name: Enyi Okebugwu - Senior Program Manager at Imaginable Futures

Guest Social: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/enyi-okebugwu/]

Guest Bio: Enyi Okebugwu is the senior program manager at Imaginable Futures. His work focuses on supporting field building and systems change for student parents in the US through nonprofit investments and partnerships. In addition, he supports the development and implementation of IF’s learning and impact practices.

Prior to joining Imaginable Futures, he worked on the investment team at Village Capital, and spent time as an Impact Fellow with New Globe, where he drove the development process for New Globe’s first cohort of primary schools in Nigeria. Enyi began his career by founding a social enterprise, Legendary Tutors, focused on providing high-quality test prep and college admissions consulting to underserved high school students in the south side of Chicago.


- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Dustin Ramsdell
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
The Higher Ed Geek is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network [https://podcasts.enrollify.org/]. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com [https://451.elmt.link/49ocwR8].


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Live at SXSW EDU with Enyi Okebugwu

In this bonus episode recorded live at SXSW EDU [https://www.sxswedu.com/], Dustin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell] talked with Caroline Casagrande [https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-casagrande/] from VectorEDU [https://vectoredu.com/] about the impacts of an active year of federal policymaking. She also details how new public funding opportunities are poised to shape the future of higher education.

Guest Name: Caroline Casagrande - CEO at VectorEDU

Guest Social: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-casagrande/]

Guest Bio: Caroline Casagrande is the founder of VectorEDU where she guides companies through the intersection of education technology, workforce innovation, AI, and public funding. Her work focuses on go-to-market strategy, Workforce Pell and WIOA alignment, regulatory navigation, and mapping public funding pathways to accelerate adoption in K–12, higher education, and workforce systems. Caroline helps companies understand how public dollars flow, who controls access, and what it takes to win government markets.


- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Dustin Ramsdell
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
The Higher Ed Geek is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network [https://podcasts.enrollify.org/]. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com [https://451.elmt.link/49ocwR8].


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Live at SXSW EDU with Caroline Casagrande

In this special episode recorded live on site at SXSW EDU [https://www.sxswedu.com/], Dustin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell] sits down with Shaun Carver [https://www.linkedin.com/in/shauncarver/], Executive Director of the International House at UC Berkeley [https://ihouse.berkeley.edu/] as well as President of the International House Association [https://www.ih-assoc.org/]. He shares his experience creating opportunities for his students from all over the world to connect with one another and why it is more important now than ever. He also explains how recent federal government actions on visas have created uniquely difficult situations for his students.

Guest Name: Dr. Shaun Carver - Executive Director & CEO of the International House at UC Berkeley

Guest Social: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/shauncarver/]

Guest Bio: Shaun Carver is a global education leader and nonprofit executive with over 20 years of experience advancing institutions at the intersection of international engagement, academic innovation, and mission-driven impact. He has proven success leading complex organizations, stewarding institutional transformations, and expanding global networks. Shaun is currently serving as Executive Director and CEO of the International House at UC Berkeley, and President of the revitalized International House Association—a global movement originally supported by the Rockefeller family.


- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Dustin Ramsdell
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
The Higher Ed Geek is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network [https://podcasts.enrollify.org/]. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com [https://451.elmt.link/49ocwR8].


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Episode #321: The Importance of Fostering Global Citizenship for Today’s Learners

What does “free tuition” actually mean — and why isn’t it enough?

In this episode, Dustin sits down with Van Ton-Quinlivan [https://www.linkedin.com/in/vtquinlivan/], CEO of Futuro Health [https://futurohealth.org/] and host of the WorkforceRx [https://futurohealth.org/current-press/press-podcast/] podcast, to unpack how her organization is tackling the healthcare workforce shortage by helping adults earn debt-free credentials in allied health fields. From redesigning incentives around completion (not just enrollment) to supporting adult learners with real-life constraints, this conversation challenges traditional higher ed funding models and offers a bold blueprint for workforce-aligned education.

The takeaway? Free tuition alone doesn’t drive success. Smart design, accountability, and intentional support do.

Guest Name: Van Ton-Quinlivan - CEO at Futuro Health

Guest Social: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/vtquinlivan/]

Guest Bio: Van Ton-Quinlivan is a nationally recognized workforce development leader with a career spanning the private, public, and nonprofit sectors. As CEO of Futuro Health, she’s building the nation’s largest network of allied healthcare workers. In 2022, she was appointed by Governor Newsom to help shape California’s healthcare workforce education and training. Van is the author and podcast host of WorkforceRx, promoting agile, multicultural solutions for employers, educators, and workers. 

Featured in major media and a sought-after keynote speaker, she’s been named one of the Top 50 Women Leaders in Healthcare (2024) and among the 100 Most Influential Higher Education Leaders (2025). She serves on several national boards and holds an MBA and MA in Education Policy from Stanford University.

Born in Vietnam and raised in Hawaii, Van now lives in California. A new empty nester, she enjoys morning coffee walks with her husband, and recently took up

taiko drumming.


- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Dustin Ramsdell
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
The Higher Ed Geek is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network [https://podcasts.enrollify.org/]. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com [https://451.elmt.link/49ocwR8].


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Episode #320: Building Allied Health Talent at Scale Without Student Debt

In this podcast swap episode, Dustin sits down with Ashish Fernando [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashishfernando/], Founder and CEO at EDMO [https://goedmo.com] as well as the host of the EDU Unlocked [https://goedmo.com/edu-unlocked-higher-education-podcast/] podcast, to unpack how AI is reshaping admissions and enrollment. From fixing broken transfer credit processes to building AI systems that prioritize both speed and student experience, Ashish shares what he’s learned from years of conversations with presidents and CIOs.

The big idea? AI shouldn’t replace humans in higher ed — it should remove friction so institutions can deliver a better, more affordable experience for students.

Guest Name: Ashish Fernando - Founder & CEO at EDMO

Guest Social: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashishfernando/]

Guest Bio: Ashish Fernando is the Founder and CEO of EDMO and iSchoolConnect, companies dedicated to revolutionising student admissions through artificial intelligence (AI)-driven solutions. Mr Ashish obtained a Master’s degree in business administration at Bentley University in Massachusetts, USA, having achieved a first Master’s, in biotechnology, at Sathyabama University in India. At EDMO, his mission is to empower enrolment and admissions teams to make a profound impact with more students, guide students to align their educational choices with career aspirations and bridge the gap between education and the workforce for real-world success.


- - - -

Connect With Our Host:
Dustin Ramsdell
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
The Higher Ed Geek is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network [https://podcasts.enrollify.org/]. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com [https://451.elmt.link/49ocwR8].


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Episode #319: How to Use AI in Admissions Without Losing the Human Touch

This show will be exploring all of the nuances of higher education with a focus
on innovative technology and practices from professionals all across the
country. Hosted by Dustin Ramsdell.

The Higher Ed Geek Podcast