Serna-Wallender is a seasoned leader in postsecondary education, dedicated to making college work for all learners by bridging the gap between evidence and practice.
At MDRC, she oversees efforts to help policymakers and practitioners translate research into actionable strategies that improve student success. Her work focuses on building systems that remove barriers for students balancing work, family, and financial challenges, ensuring that higher education is accessible and effective for everyone.
She directs the Expanding SUCCESS and Fast Track projects and serves as the lead technical assistance partner for the SHEEO Holistic Advising for Student Success Learning Community, guiding colleges and state agencies in implementing comprehensive student support models, strengthening workforce education pathways, and shaping evidence-informed policies.
Serna-Wallender’s leadership experience includes serving as the founding deputy director of the Urban Education Institute at the University of Texas at San Antonio, where she helped advance community-based research–practice–policy partnerships to inform education and workforce policy in South Texas.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in urban studies from Trinity University and a master’s degree in public affairs from Princeton University.
