In this episode of the IngenioUs podcast, host Melissa Morriss-Olson sits down with Dr. Susana Rivera-Mills, president of Aurora University and the first Latina to lead the institution.Susana’s inspiring journey—from immigrating to the United States during the Salvadoran Civil War to becoming a transformative leader in higher education—offers a masterclass in resilience, authenticity, and purpose-drivenleadership.

Listeners will hear:

• How her early experiences in a country whereacademic freedom was under attack shaped her lifelong commitment to open dialogue and diverse perspectives.

• Why becoming Aurora’s first Latina president was a deeply personal and “full-circle” moment forher—and what it means for students to see themselves reflected in leadership.

• The two-sided “superpower” she brings to the presidency: leading with authenticity and seeingthe humanity in others.

• The powerful lesson she learned about building initiatives that last beyond a leader’s tenure.

• How she is creating a groundbreaking career ecosystemthat integrates career readiness into every aspect of the student experience.

• Practical,empowering advice for aspiring women leaders, especially first-generation professionals and leaders of color.

Susana’s leadership story is a reminder that lasting impact comes from aligning who you are with the work you do—and frombuilding institutions where everyone has the freedom to bring their wholeselves to the table.

About the Guest:
Dr. Susana Rivera-Mills is the 14th president of Aurora University in Aurora, Illinois, and the first Latina to hold the role. An accomplished scholar and leader with a background in sociolinguistics, she has devoted her career toadvancing student success, institutional transformation, and inclusive community engagement. Before joining Aurora University, she served in senior leadership roles at Ball State University, Oregon State University, and Northern Arizona University. Her leadership is anchored in authenticity,equity, and the belief in higher education’s power to change lives—not just for individuals, but for entire families and communities.

Tune in to be inspired, challenged, and reminded of the transformative power of authentic leadership in higher education.

Listen now and subscribe to IngenioUs wherever you get your podcasts.