Nisha, we’re delighted to have you on HRTech Cube! Could you please start by sharing your professional journey and how it led you to your current role as VP at InStride?
My professional journey has been fueled by a deep belief in the transformative power of education. I began my career working directly with underserved students, first as a science teacher in South Los Angeles and then as an assistant principal at a new charter school in St. Louis. I witnessed firsthand the barriers many Americans face in accessing high-quality education, as well as what’s possible when those barriers are removed. These experiences solidified my conviction that education is often the key to lifting people out of poverty.

I wanted to drive systemic change, and for that I needed to upskill. This led me to pursue an MBA at the University of Chicago, where I focused on building technical knowledge in economics and strategy. I then transitioned into strategy consulting, first at McKinsey & Company, where I helped C-Suite leaders across industries and geographies tackle their most complex challenges, and later at Bellwether, where I deepened my understanding of the U.S. education landscape.

Today, as a VP at InStride, I’m proud to be part of a movement to bring debt-free, employer-sponsored education to workers across America. Our work opens doors for individuals to earn life-changing degrees or certifications, in some cases offering them a second chance at the career they’ve always dreamed of. My team sits at the intersection of workforce and learning during a time of unprecedented technological change. It’s a dynamic and exciting space to be in, and I’m deeply motivated by the impact we can have in shaping the future of work and learning for all.

What are your final thoughts on the evolving role of workforce education in shaping the future of work, and how do you see InStride contributing to this transformation?
The future of work is one where continuous learning plays a central role. In other words, it’s time to get serious about lifelong learning. As industries evolve and new technologies emerge, companies with agile workforces are the ones who will be able to meet the moment.

Companies, therefore, need not only to provide education today but also to create an environment where learning is embedded in the fabric of an organization, so that employees continuously adapt and maintain relevance as the business landscape changes. By making education more accessible and aligned – with both business and employee needs – InStride is helping shape a future where learning drives both business and social impact.