Overview
Susan Acevedo-Moyer is a national leader in education transformation with nearly 25 years of expertise in reimagining postsecondary pathways and enhancing economic mobility. As Project Director of Postsecondary Education at WestEd’s Center for Economic Mobility, Acevedo-Moyer leads strategic initiatives that bridge education-to-career transitions, specializing in innovative credentialing solutions, education technology platforms, and systemic approaches that recognize diverse learning experiences.
At WestEd’s Center for Economic Mobility, Acevedo-Moyer leads initiatives that remove systemic barriers to economic mobility through data-driven program design and strategic partnerships. She oversees projects that leverage labor market information to help postsecondary systems expand equitable access for underserved populations. Her portfolio includes implementing evidence-based frameworks that strengthen connections between education and workforce systems, facilitating cross-sector collaborations between educational institutions and employers, and developing innovative tools that help practitioners support student economic advancement. Through these efforts, Acevedo-Moyer helps states and institutions create sustainable pathways to living-wage employment, particularly for communities traditionally excluded from economic prosperity.
Before joining WestEd, she led national initiatives connecting education technologies to career navigation for Gen Z learners at Jobs for the Future. Her work with the U.S. Department of Defense SkillBridge program created critical connections between transitioning service members and employers offering work-based learning opportunities. During her time with the Virginia Community College System, she directed the implementation of the Credits2Careers platform, a statewide digital solution that enabled all adults to translate prior learning and industry credentials into academic credit, significantly accelerating degree completion pathways. At the American Council on Education, she established credential evaluation programs that reshaped institutional recognition of alternative learning.
Education
- EdD in higher education leadership, Virginia Commonwealth University
- MPA, Webster University
- BA in political science, San Diego State University
- Certificate in professional fundraising, Boston University
Select Publications
Acevedo-Moyer, S., Lammers, J., Seely, G., & Vargas, J. (2024, January). Beyond degree: Education to career pathways: Students say yes, but are Gen Z’s educators and parents willing and prepared to help them navigate options? Jobs for the Future (JFF). https://www.jff.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Beyond-Degrees-.pdf
Acevedo-Moyer, S., Lammers, J., Seely, G., & Vargas, J. (2023, October). Success redefined: How non-degree pathways empower young people. Jobs for the Future (JFF). https://www.jff.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/ASA_JFF_Success_Redefined.pdf
Acevedo-Moyer, S., & Dunston, R. (2021, September). Promising practices for undergraduate post-traditional retention, persistence, and graduation (student success) at Virginia Commonwealth University: A mixed-method study. Virginia Commonwealth University.
Honors, Awards, and Affiliations
AT Suite Committee, College Board (2022–Present)
Online Virginia Network Authority, Authority, appointed by Virginia Governor (2021–Present)
Jobs for the Future Performance Award (2023–24)
Advance CTE’s Solutions Workgroup Awarding Credit for Prior Learning (2021–22)
CommonApp, Community College Work Group (2021–22)
American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO) Transfer Student Success National Workgroup (2021)
Virginia Values Veterans Secretary of State Award (2021)
Council of College and Military Educators, Credit for Prior Learning Program Award (2020)
Chancellor Work Performance Award (2018)
PRSA Capital Award of Excellence—Word of Mouth Category (2018)
Virginia Public Relations Awards (PRSA) Commonwealth Award of Excellence: Marketing Consumer Products and Services (2018)