This episode of After Further Consideration features Dr. OiYan Poon, co-director of the College Admissions Futures CoLab and a scholar whose work examines racial policies, education access, and affirmative action. Dr. Poon shares her inspiring journey from higher education practitioner to scholar and consultant, exploring how her personal and professional experiences have fueled her commitment to equity and systemic change in higher education. Packed with actionable insights and reflections, this conversation sheds light on the intersections of leadership, equity, and impactful work in the academic and practical realms of higher education.
This episode of After Further Consideration features Dr. OiYan Poon, co-director of the College Admissions Futures CoLab and a scholar whose work examines racial policies, education access, and affirmative action. Dr. Poon shares her inspiring journey from higher education practitioner to scholar and consultant, exploring how her personal and professional experiences have fueled her commitment to equity and systemic change in higher education. Packed with actionable insights and reflections, this conversation sheds light on the intersections of leadership, equity, and impactful work in the academic and practical realms of higher education.
Key Takeaways
Dr. Poon traces her leadership journey back to her childhood experiences as the daughter of immigrants in Massachusetts, navigating both financial and racial traumas. Her passion for creating a more racially just society was sparked during college, where she combined her role as a resident advisor with transformative learning in ethnic studies. These formative moments inspired her to pursue a career in higher education, eventually leading her to research and systemic advocacy.
While working in student affairs, Dr. Poon often encountered challenges in convincing higher-ups to adopt equity-focused strategies. The recurring demand for “evidence and data” motivated her to pursue a PhD to gain the research skills necessary for systemic change. Her motivation wasn’t prestige but equipping herself with the tools to advocate for social justice and equity more effectively.
Dr. Poon highlights that leadership in higher education must extend beyond individual accolades to collective impact. Whether leading state-wide convenings or consulting on policy, her approach centers on relationships, shared learning, and trust—particularly important in litigious fields like college admissions.
Through her work with the College Admissions Futures CoLab, Dr. Poon fosters collaboration between scholars and practitioners, emphasizing the need for a common language and shared goals. These partnerships are crucial for translating research into actionable strategies that address real-world challenges.
Becoming a mother was a pivotal moment that reoriented Dr. Poon’s priorities toward making her work impactful and accessible. This personal experience reinforced her belief in the importance of communicating research findings in ways that resonate beyond academic circles, driving real change in policy and practice.
Dr. Poon integrates equity into her leadership by constantly reflecting on her values, journaling, and relying on trusted relationships to keep her accountable. She stresses the importance of understanding organizational and historical contexts to craft strategic, equity-focused initiatives.
Dr. Poon advises leaders to “live a lit review” by understanding the stories and systems that precede their arrival. This reflective practice allows leaders to build on existing strengths while thoughtfully addressing challenges. Additionally, she emphasizes focusing on small, sustainable actions that collectively lead to transformative change.