MADISON, Wis. — The Aspen Institute (Aspen) announced that Dr. Damira Grady-Saffold, vice president of Organizational Impact & Culture at Madison College, has been named one of 40 outstanding leaders from across the country for the 2026-27 Aspen Rising Presidents Fellowship.

Grady-Saffold was selected from more than 125 applicants and chosen for her potential to enact major reforms that deliver stronger results for students.

Grady-Saffold leads equity-focused teaching and learning initiatives, workplace culture, international education and community impact at Madison College. A member of the president’s cabinet, she works across academic and student affairs to strengthen student success and advance institutional effectiveness.

Grady-Saffold has held senior leadership roles at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh and Milwaukee Area Technical College, leading large-scale redesigns of advising, placement, and student support systems, with a focus on removing structural barriers and strengthening pathways to completion.

Grady-Saffold has taught at community colleges and universities, preparing future counselors and practitioners to serve diverse populations with skill and integrity. She is also a strategy coach with Achieving the Dream, supporting colleges nationwide in strengthening institutional capacity and advancing equitable outcomes.

A licensed therapist, Grady-Saffold brings a unique perspective to leadership, combining emotional intelligence, systems thinking, and strategic execution.

Aspen’s research on high-performing community colleges shows that student success is more likely when an exceptional president is leading the community college. Aspen prepares a new generation of transformational community college leaders through this program. 

Over the next year, fellows will: 

  • Examine data on available jobs in their community and student outcomes at their colleges 
  • Learn about transformational models from colleges with high and improving levels of student success
  • Receive coaching and feedback from accomplished college leaders who have led transformational reforms 
  • Devise plans for a major reform strategy at their institutions

“Our research shows that excellent colleges share a common trait: they are led by presidents who focus on a few transformative initiatives that extend beyond enrollment and even completion numbers, centering instead on whether graduates are prepared for transfer and bachelor’s attainment and success in the workforce or further education,” said Josh Wyner, executive director of the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. “I cannot wait to begin working with this impressive set of leaders.”   

Fellows are chosen based on their commitment to improving student success and advancing economic mobility, their readiness to lead major student-success reforms, and their potential to become community college presidents within five years of completing the program.

“Dr. Damira Grady-Saffold is an exemplary leader focused on students, equity and institutional excellence,” said Madison College President Dr. Jennifer Berne. “This national recognition reflects her talent and deep commitment to creating transformative opportunities for students, employees and our communities. We are incredibly proud to see her selected for the Aspen Rising Presidents Fellowship.”

“Dr. Damira Grady-Saffold’s selection for this honor reflects her strong commitment to student success and the positive impact she continues to make at Madison College,” said Shiva Bidar-Sielaff, Madison College Board of Trustees chair. “Her leadership, vision and dedication to expanding opportunities for students make her highly deserving of this recognition as one of the nation’s top community college leaders.”

The fellows come from small rural colleges to large urban campuses, bringing diverse perspectives and experiences to the fellowship. Grady-Saffold joins a network of over 500 peers, including over 215 sitting presidents, who lead colleges that help more students finish college, transfer to four-year institutions, and secure good jobs.

Read the full press release on the Aspen Institute website.