Hi everyone! My name is Hilda Revilla Donayre, and I am a first-year Ph.D. student in the Learning, Leadership, and Education Policy Program at the University of Connecticut, with a concentration in Higher Education, Racial Justice, and Decolonization.

I am originally from Peru and bring a multidisciplinary background that integrates higher education, leadership development, international development, and organizational strategy. I earned a Master’s degree in International Studies with a concentration in International Development from Korea University, where I developed a deeper understanding of global education systems, institutions, and social change. I also hold a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Universidad Ricardo Palma in Peru.

Before joining UConn, I built a diverse professional career working across education, consulting, and organizational development. I worked as an independent consultant for organizations such as Pyxera Global and the District of Thailand, supporting projects focused on leadership, capacity building, and community development. These international experiences strengthened my interest in how institutions and organizations can foster inclusive environments and develop human potential across cultural contexts.

I later transitioned into higher education in Peru, where I worked as a university lecturer teaching courses related to leadership, coaching, management skills, negotiation, international marketing, professional ethics, and entrepreneurship. Alongside my teaching, I have been actively involved in mentoring and supporting women in STEM and emerging leaders through initiatives focused on professional growth, empowerment, and human development.

My research interests focus on leadership, talent development, institutional transformation, and equity in higher education, particularly how universities can create more inclusive learning environments and support the success of diverse student populations. I am interested in exploring how leadership practices, organizational culture, and institutional strategies can contribute to more equitable higher education systems.

At UConn, I serve as a Graduate Assistant with First Year Experience and Learning Communities, where I contribute to student transition, belonging, and success while continuing to develop as a scholar-practitioner.

Outside of academia, I enjoy traveling, practicing yoga and Pilates, learning languages, and connecting with people from different cultural backgrounds. I am excited to be part of the UConn Higher Education community and to continue exploring how education can serve as a pathway for equity, leadership, and social transformation.