Lydia H.

Education Consultant | Policy Strategist | Researcher | Storyteller for Social Impact Hi, I’m Lydia, a nationally recognized education policy expert and communications strategist with over a decade of experience guiding students, shaping family engagement strategies, and helping mission-driven organizations tell compelling stories that drive change. I started in the classroom as an English teacher and college advisor, working one-on-one with students to help them access the nation’s most selective institutions. Since then, I’ve grown into a leadership role as Associate Director at a leading education consulting firm, where I design and execute high-impact projects for clients like Harvard, the National PTA, Tennessee Department of Education, and more. What I bring to your project: I specialize in making research digestible, communications strategic, and education systems more equitable. I’ve: -Co-developed national campaigns like Go Beyond Grades, which reached 52M+ families -Led qualitative research (focus groups, interviews) with thousands of parents, teachers, superintendents, and principals -Translated dense education policy into clear, family-friendly resources that have been featured in The New York Times, NPR, and The Wall Street Journal -Built communications toolkits and messaging strategies used across school districts and nonprofit networks -Trained junior advisors, designed curriculum, and mentored 300+ students into top colleges and programs -Served as project lead on multimillion-dollar grants and stakeholder initiatives Services I Offer on Upwork: -Strategic communications & messaging (toolkits, decks, one-pagers, website copy) -Policy research & white paper writing -Focus group moderation & qualitative analysis -College application strategy & essay editing for students -Grant writing, nonprofit storytelling, & DEI strategy Who I work with: I love supporting foundations, nonprofits, state and local agencies, edtech companies, and social impact orgs, especially those focused on youth, equity, and education. Whether you need an experienced consultant to manage a full-scale project, a sharp editor to polish your messaging, or a trusted partner to help you connect with families and communities, you’re in the right place. Let’s chat and see how we can build something impactful together.