As a driving force steering Huntington Learning Center into the future, my path to becoming President and Board Member has been a blend of challenges and growth. Joining the family legacy was a deliberate choice, enriched by gaining external professional experience beforehand. My formal journey with Huntington began as a consultant, progressively advancing to President over several dedicated years. This ascent involved immersing myself in our comprehensive training, visiting centers nationwide, and collaborating across all Huntington departments and with our community. This holistic approach ensured a deep understanding of every facet of our operations. Interestingly, my connection with Huntington started much earlier, as a student benefiting from the programs at our local centers. My career progression has been, and continues to be, a deeply collaborative endeavor, supported by an exceptional and dedicated team.
Embracing the Mission: The Heart of Huntington Learning Center
My connection to Huntington Learning Center’s core mission – to provide every student with the finest education possible – is deeply personal. This principle has been the cornerstone since my parents established the first Huntington Learning Center in June 1977. This mission is ingrained in my very being. My parents founded this company driven by a desire to support students, recognizing a critical need and dedicating themselves to addressing it. Huntington’s unique approach lies in its ability to deliver tangible results through highly individualized programs, fostering not just academic skills but also confidence and motivation. The most profound aspect of our work is witnessing the daily impact we have on students’ lives by fulfilling this enduring mission.
Spearheading Innovation: Transforming Huntington Learning Center for a New Era
My most impactful contribution as President has been to revitalize a well-established, 43-year-old company with a startup mentality. The unprecedented challenges of COVID-19 demanded rapid adaptation and innovation. As the President navigating the “COVID-19 era,” it has been incredibly energizing to collaboratively reimagine Huntington’s legacy and programs. This transformation ensures our resilience and ability to consistently deliver on our mission, regardless of external challenges. This pivot has positioned Huntington Learning Center as a forward-thinking educational support system, ready to meet the evolving needs of students.
Overcoming Challenges: The Power of Mindset in Educational Leadership
The most significant challenge I’ve encountered in my career revolves around mindset – an intangible yet crucial element that is deeply personal. I’ve reframed this challenge as an opportunity to transcend conventional approaches and ensure our strategy, mission, and vision are dynamically realized. Breaking down this barrier required fostering disruption, encouraging collaboration, and practicing effective and confident communication. This experience underscored the importance of adaptable leadership and innovative problem-solving within the educational sector.
Lessons Learned: Trusting Intuition in Business and Education
Reflecting on my early career, the most valuable advice I wish I had embraced sooner is to trust my intuition more profoundly. Our gut feelings are powerful guides, particularly in navigating complex business and educational landscapes. Learning to listen to and value this inner voice has been a significant aspect of my leadership journey at Huntington Learning Center.
Beyond the Boardroom: A Glimpse into Personal Drive
Something that might surprise people to learn about me is my willingness to embrace new experiences and challenges. Given the chance, I am inclined to try almost anything – including jumping out of an airplane, an adventure I have already undertaken. This reflects a personal philosophy of embracing challenges and seeking growth beyond professional boundaries, mirroring the dynamic spirit of Huntington Learning Center.
COVID-19’s Impact: Reshaping the Educational Landscape and Huntington’s Response
The education sector has been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. School closures in March forced the temporary shutdown of our physical Huntington Learning Center locations nationwide. Within days, we rapidly transitioned our core services online to ensure uninterrupted support for students’ learning journeys. The potential for learning loss among students lacking academic support is deeply concerning, and statistics highlight this troubling trend. This situation underscores the increased need for Huntington’s services, which we are committed to providing both online and in-center.
Pivoting for Progress: Huntington Learning Center’s Agile Adaptation
Yes, a significant pivot was essential. The onset of COVID-19 and subsequent state mandates necessitated the temporary closure of our physical centers, prompting a swift move to online program delivery. Our priority was to maintain the integrity of our proven methodology. We worked tirelessly around the clock to establish robust systems and processes to seamlessly continue our 1:1 online tutoring and test preparation programs during center closures. Our innovation didn’t stop there. Recognizing the disruption to traditional schooling in Spring 2020, we broadened our offerings to include Huntington Homework Help. By Summer 2020, anticipating virtual learning in the fall, we launched Huntington Study Hall, providing supportive environments for students to engage in their virtual schooling at our accredited centers, either in-person or online, guided by certified teachers. Further adapting to student needs, we introduced the Huntington Academic Performance Coach, addressing crucial study skills and organizational support. As the academic year progresses, Huntington Learning Center remains committed to continuous innovation and adaptation to effectively support students and families.
Future Vision: Continuing to Shape Educational Success with Huntington Learning Center
Looking ahead 5 to 10 years, my focus remains on pushing boundaries and achieving what might seem impossible. I am dedicated to furthering Huntington Learning Center’s mission and building upon the strong foundation established by my parents over four decades ago. Numerous exciting projects are underway, both in the near and long term. To stay updated on these developments, I encourage you to follow me and Huntington Learning Center on social media for the latest news and initiatives.
Entreprenista Defined: A Community of Impact
To me, being an “Entreprenista” signifies the realization of impactful ideas. This community fosters vital engagement and connections that positively influence us both individually and collectively. It’s about turning entrepreneurial spirit into tangible positive change, a principle deeply aligned with the work and mission of Huntington Learning Center.
To delve deeper into my entrepreneurial journey, listen to this podcast episode. episode to learn more about her entrepreneurial journey!
