The Partnership for College Completion is excited to announce two well-deserved promotions and an addition to the team.
Mike Abrahamson was promoted to Associate Director of Research and Policy, and Danielle Stanley was promoted to Senior Manager of Government Affairs. These two individuals have demonstrated exceptional skills, dedication, and a commitment to PCC’s mission.
Additionally, PCC welcomed back former intern-turned-full time teammate, Paola Salgado, as Community Engagement Associate.
Mike Abrahamson, Associate Director of Research and Policy
Abrahamson has been with PCC for six years, leading the team that grounds PCC’s policy and practice work in evidence. He also assists the Director of Policy and Advocacy in setting and managing the organization’s policy efforts to be as equity-based, strategic, and student-centered as possible.
In his new role, Abrahamson will represent PCC in sharing and furthering our equitable funding work, and help manage the day-to-day responsibilities of the policy team. He will also help PCC continue to be a workplace that values its employees’ voices and takes and institutes feedback to continually improve our culture.
More about Mike’s PCC experience
On what part of PCC’s mission resonates most:
I think that higher education could be the key to the American Dream, but instead it’s too often serving as the gatekeeper. College degrees were the pathways for success for my family, but lack of access and affordability restrict these kinds of opportunities to a privileged few. PCC recognizes that everyone should have those opportunities regardless of where you’re from, your income, race, or whether your parents have a college degree. I’m proud and consider myself lucky to be able to contribute to an organization that doesn’t just reflect these values, but is working to realize them.
Favorite memory or accomplishment so far at PCC:
My fondest memories from PCC are celebrating the important accomplishments and life events of my colleagues. These include birthdays, work anniversaries, new babies being born, a university graduation, two dissertation defenses, and much more.
Christian Perry, Director of Policy and Advocacy, on Mike: “Mike has genuinely crafted a lane that’s unique in the higher education landscape. As a seasoned researcher the excellence in which Mike approaches analysis is standard setting in Illinois. What’s more is his ability to present and convey complex data, while still telling a compelling story, that moves key stakeholders to action. As an organizational leader, Mike has grown the Data and Research department and through his leadership expanded PCC’s ability to produce timely and impactful reports that lead to substantive policy change. We’re honored he chooses to lend his giftedness to PCC!
Danielle Stanley, Senior Manager of Government Affairs
Stanley has been with PCC for two years, educating members of the Illinois General Assembly on issues impacting equitable college access and completion, monitoring the political environment and managing relationships with state policymakers, and identifying opportunities to promote state and local policies that improve equity in higher education.
In her elevated role, Stanley will lead strategic initiatives to advance equitable funding for public universities in Illinois, including spearheading advocacy efforts for SB 13 / HB 1581. She will also develop long-term legislative strategies to strengthen partnerships with policymakers and stakeholders, and work to expand PCC’s influence by cultivating coalitions and engaging in cross-sector collaboration to drive systemic change in higher education policy.
More about Danielle’s PCC experience
On what part of PCC’s mission resonates most:
I deeply resonate with PCC’s commitment to promoting equitable access and completion in higher education. The organization’s work in addressing systemic inequities inspires me, and I am proud to contribute to advancing policies that empower underrepresented students to achieve their educational and career aspirations.
Favorite memory or accomplishment so far at PCC:
Within my first six months, I successfully helped pass HB 2898, which amended the Private College Act and created the Monetary Award Program (MAP) Refund Fund, into law in Illinois. This landmark legislation holds for-profit colleges accountable when they operate deceptively. Under HB 2898, students impacted by such practices can apply for funds to recoup losses, ensuring they have a pathway to continue their education without undue financial burden. Seeing this policy become a reality was a defining moment in my career and a testament to the power of advocacy and collaboration.
Christian Perry, Director of Policy and Advocacy, on Danielle: “Danielle has exhibited impeccable attention to detail and the ability to juggle competing priorities and relationships with a great deal of professionalism and grace. During a period where the organization needed support in our community engagement department, Danielle without hesitation stepped up to the plate leading the execution of PCC’s most successful advocacy day to date! Danielle’s drive, determination, and deep commitment to equity, reflect with highest regard the ideals we hope to see at work in every employee at PCC.”
Paola Salgado, Community Engagement Associate
Salgado is a familiar face within the PCC team, as she interned with the organization in the Summer 2023. She will now serve as Community Engagement Associate at PCC, where she will lead community engagement efforts. This includes coordinating and developing the curriculum for the Student Advisory Council, and managing the Coalition for Transforming Higher Education Funding. She will also support the research and data team and contribute to policy and advocacy initiatives to promote educational equity.
Salgado’s internship experiences have provided her with valuable exposure to policy research and advocacy to prepare her for her current role. At the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, she supported the Immigrant Family Support Network by conducting research, providing referrals and offering technical assistance to immigrant families in need. Later at PCC, she contributed to higher education policy initiatives, focusing on equitable funding and student advocacy.
As a first-generation college student from Chicago, Salgado is passionate about ensuring that everyone has access to high-quality education. As a first-generation Latinx individual, she was determined to pursue higher education and create opportunities for herself and others. Salgado earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and education from Wheaton College (Mass.) While serving as a sixth grade ELA teacher in Nashville, she earned her master’s degree in education from Lipscomb University. She later pursued her master’s degree in public policy at the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy.
Christian Perry, Director of Policy and Advocacy, on Paola: “We’re so thrilled to have Paola lend her many gifts and talents to critically important work underway at PCC and look forward to all the contributions she will make to our efforts moving forward.”