Lisa’s Last Blog Post | Letter from Lisa Castillo Richmond
Dear PCC Colleagues, Partners, and Friends,
On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Partnership for College Completion, I write to express our sincerest gratitude to Lisa Castillo Richmond for her leadership as Executive Director and as one of the organization’s first hires when PCC launched in 2016.
Throughout her service to PCC, Lisa has played a pivotal role in building this organization from an ambitious vision into a respected and effective nonprofit advancing racial and socioeconomic equity in Illinois higher education. Lisa’s entrepreneurial and collaborative leadership has shaped the PCC’s mission, culture, and impact.
During her tenure, PCC has:
- Published widely-cited research on equity disparities in college access and degree completion, providing essential data to drive change.
- Successfully advocated for historic increases in state appropriations for higher education and need-based financial aid, helping thousands of Illinois students pursue their college aspirations.
- Supported colleges and universities across Illinois in developing and implementing institutional equity plans that promote student success and dismantle structural barriers.
Lisa’s leadership has been marked by a deep commitment to collaboration, innovation, and systems change. She has elevated the use of data and evidence to address some of Illinois’ most significant structural inequities in higher education, inspiring meaningful progress toward a more equitable system.
Her personal passion for educational equity, shaped by her experience as a first-generation college graduate, has resonated throughout PCC’s work. Lisa has built a strong and dedicated team, forged meaningful partnerships across sectors, and advanced a bold vision.
The Board of Directors is profoundly grateful to Lisa for her extraordinary leadership, dedication, and contributions. We celebrate her achievements and the lasting impact she has made on PCC, the higher education landscape in both Illinois and beyond, and the students and communities PCC serves.
Transitions are a time for reflection, gratitude, and renewal. With the strong foundation that Lisa has built, PCC is well-positioned to continue advancing its mission and driving positive change for Illinois students.
Please join us in thanking Lisa for her outstanding service and leadership.
With deep appreciation,
Dr. Douglas E. Wood
PCC Board Chair
Partnership for College Completion