Nalini Lamba-Nieves

I serve as a program manager at the Office of Postsecondary Education in the Department of Education (ED). My federal government career of over 20 years has been devoted to supporting the institutions that serve minorities (MSIs) and/or low-income students. I currently manage the Strengthening Institutions Program (SIP), which assists institutions of higher education that educate a large proportion of low-income and minority students. I was fortunate to have had positive experiences in my higher education. When I joined the Department of Education, I wanted to help as many minorities and low-income students as possible to enter into higher education and thrive. If I could help ensure that students who look like me don’t fall through the cracks, I would feel like I’ve done a small part to create a better world. 

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What I love about this work is that it transcends politics; it is about humanity and our almost limitless possibilities when we receive a quality education. The first highlight of my career has been meeting the students at the institutions I have visited and their dedicated faculty and staff. To me, these students, staff and faculty embody the meaning of hope. The students persist despite many obstacles, and, while some people might belittle them because of their skin color or economic circumstances – these faculty and staff believe in them, their capacity, and their abilities. I am hoping that the next highlight of my career is still to come...meeting my fellow Puerto Rican, the Secretary of Education!

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