College Futures Foundation is thrilled to welcome Maria Anguiano as an Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) this spring. As a first-generation college graduate, Anguiano has dedicated her career to improving access to education for all learners.

A globally recognized executive and board member at the intersection of technology and education, Anguiano brings extensive leadership experience spanning venture-backed start-ups, public research universities, global learning initiatives and financial institutions.

As College Futures Foundation’s EIR, Anguiano will advance ideas to strengthen innovation in education across California and the nation. Over her 12-month fellowship, she will assess key trends and opportunities in expanding educational opportunities and provide insights on how to scale the most promising solutions that fully leverage our ever-changing digital environment.

Most recently, Anguiano served as executive vice president of Arizona State University’s (ASU) Learning Enterprise where she launched a lifelong learning model that engaged over one million learners across 140+ countries. In 2019, she founded ASU Local, a hybrid college program with three sites in California, that brings ASU degrees and support services to students in their home communities (Los Angeles, Long Beach and Chula Vista).

“Maria’s experience in higher education, technology, and scaling innovative learning models will be invaluable as we explore new ways to support more Californians in achieving greater economic mobility,” said Eloy Ortiz Oakley, president & CEO at College Futures Foundation. “We are excited to benefit from her insight and leadership.”

Anguiano grew up in National City and attended Claremont McKenna College and Stanford Graduate School of Business. Her commitment to expanding opportunities for others is reflected in her board service with the James Irvine Foundation, KIPP Foundation, Alliance for SoCal Innovation, and as vice chair of the University of California Board of Regents, as well as her previous board role with the Campaign for College Opportunity.

“With technology and AI reshaping the economy, California’s higher education system must move just as fast to prepare learners for the opportunities ahead. Innovation and equity must go hand in hand—ensuring that all learners, regardless of background, have access to the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in this new era,” said Anguiano. “I’m eager to work with College Futures Foundation to drive forward bold solutions that make higher education more dynamic, inclusive, and future-ready.”