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Leading Policy, Driving Impact, Empowering Systems.

Building Education-to-Workforce Pathways that Drive Economic Mobility and Student Success.

Student success strategist and postsecondary education expert focused on building systems that expand access, strengthen cross-sector policy, and drive real economic mobility.

Dr. DeJesus speaking at education policy conference

A Note From Me to You

I believe in creating systems that don’t just serve the privileged few, but everyone willing to do the work. My journey has taught me that real change starts with relationships, strategy, and relentless belief in people.

Testimonial from CMU Rales Fellow Melissa Juarez
Spotlight Quote

Michael was an incredible support for me as I navigated my first job after earning my bachelor's degree. He not only helped me navigate my new role at SREB, but he also gave me advice and guidance about my career beyond my job. Michael was my primary recommender when I decided to apply to graduate school, and with his help, I received the Rales Fellowship at Carnegie Mellon University. He is the best mentor I could have hoped for!

Melissa Juarez

CMU | CMU Rales Fellow

Speaking & Facilitation Highlights

Select presentations, panels, and hosted events

Clark Atlanta University logo – speaking engagement by Dr. Michael DeJesus

 

Managing Student Success Metrics During Unprecedented Times

Clark Atlanta UniversityJune 2024

Southern Regional Education Board logo – Dr. Michael DeJesus is master of ceremonies (MC)

 

Master of Ceremonies—Student Success Summit

SREB Student Success Summit, Atlanta, GASeptember 2023

Southern Regional Education Board logo – facilitated policy panel by Dr. Michael DeJesus

 

Facilitator—Statewide Strategies for Underrepresented Students

SREB Student Success Summit, Atlanta, GASeptember 2023

 
Southern Regional Education Board logo – Dr. Michael DeJesus is the master of ceremonies (MC)

 

Master of Ceremonies—Open Educational Resources Conference

SREB OER Conference, Atlanta, GASeptember 2023

SHEEO logo – panelist on student success and leadership pathways

 

Panelist – HBCU-MSI Course-sharing 

SHEEO Higher Education Policy Conference, Indianapolis, INAugust 2022

New York State My Brother’s Keeper logo – speaker on 'After Graduation: Options to Consider' panel

 

Speaker-MBK After Graduation: Options to Consider

NYS My Brother’s Keeper Symposium, Albany, NYApril 2022

Smyrne French-Speaking SDA Church logo – panelist on virtual College Readiness Panel, July 2020
 

Panelist – College Readiness Panel Conversation

Smyrne French-Speaking SDA Church (Virtual)July 2020

National Council for Black Studies logo – presenter on "A Transforming Economy: A Case of Ghana," San Diego, March 2007
 
 

A Transforming Economy: A Case of Ghana

National Council for Black Studies, San Diego, CAMarch 2007

What Colleagues Say

Testimonials

Endorsements from those who’ve witnessed the impact—advancing opportunity, driving systems change, and serving with purpose.

 

Testimonial from Brian Ansari, President of Brian Ansari and Associates, Inc., about Dr. Michael DeJesus

"Mike is a consummate professional—resourceful, committed to excellence, and always rising above expectations. He became one of our top trainers and consistently took on greater responsibility with success."

Brian Ansari

President, Brian Ansari and Associates, Inc.

Testimonial from Dan Nicolaescu, Associate in Higher Education at the New York State Education Department, about Dr. Michael DeJesus

"Mike is intelligent, reliable, inventive, and has a wonderful sense of humor. We partnered on major initiatives at NYSED, including a data system that’s saved New York over $500,000 annually since 2014. I was sorry to see him leave but proud to see him reach new heights."

Dan Nicolaescu

Associate in Higher Education, New York State Education Department

Testimonial from Dr. Richard Rose – college faculty, U.S. Army veteran, former federal investigator, and retired state government program manager – about Dr. Michael DeJesus

"Mike brings energy, enthusiasm, and a deep commitment to student success. His intelligence, creativity, and compassion made him a valuable part of our K-16 Initiatives and Access Programs."

Richard A. Rose, Ed.D.

College Teaching Faculty, U.S. Army veteran, former federal investigator, retired State government program & regulatory manager

Testimonial from Wendel Ramat-Ponce about Dr. Michael DeJesus (placeholder image shown)

"Mike continues to demonstrate work integrity, expertise, and a commanding resolve to perform day-to-day tasks with consistency and reliability."

Wendell Ramat-Ponce

Retired, Empire State Development