The Future of Economic Mobility & Higher Ed: A Conversation with Braven & Hunter College

Earlier this month, Our President, Anne Welsh McNulty, hosted a dynamic conversation with Aimée Eubanks Davis, CEO of Braven, and Dr. Nancy Cantor, President of Hunter College, at the Roosevelt House on Hunter’s campus. Titled “Restoring the American Promise: The Future of Economic Mobility and Higher Education,” this thought-provoking dialogue, moderated by New York Times best-selling author and higher education expert Jeff Selingo, explored the significant barriers and systemic inequities low-income and first-generation college students face when transitioning from college to the workforce.

Aimée and Nancy shared insights from their respective leadership journeys. Aimée shared her personal background that inspired the founding of Braven, highlighting the moment she realized the immense potential in closing the opportunity gap for these students. Nancy discussed her path to becoming President of Hunter College and how her leadership was empowered and driven by her passion for creating pathways for social and economic mobility. Aimée, inspired by her personal experience, spoke about founding Braven and her vision to close the opportunity gap for underserved students. Nancy reflected on her path to becoming President of Hunter College and how her leadership was empowered and driven by her passion for creating pathways for social and economic mobility.

Together, they emphasized the critical role universities and organizations like Braven play in bridging the gap between academic preparation and real-world success. According to the Pew Research Center, 4 out of 10 American adults said it’s “not too” or “not at all important” to have a four-year college degree to get a well-paying job. With this rising skepticism around the value of a college degree, both leaders reinforced that, despite the challenges, the Bachelor’s degree remains one of the most powerful tools for economic mobility.

They stressed the importance of staying informed and challenging perceptions. When you hear someone dismiss inequality, education, or mobility with "But what can you do?" you can confidently reply, "Have you heard of Braven?"