Known for his commitment to advancing social impact and amplifying diverse voices, Dr. Steven Meneses is an academic entrepreneur and a recognized leader in higher education, workforce development, entrepreneurship, and non-profit leadership. As a first-generation Mexican American and college graduate, Steven brings a wealth of personal and professional insight to his work, leveraging his background and expertise to help close equity gaps within socio-economic systems. His efforts are driven by a passion for building inclusive environments that empower underrepresented communities, focusing on educational and career pathways that lead to sustainable growth and opportunity. As an Associate Vice President with the KEES team, Dr. Meneses works with partnerships with Higher Education partners, and more specifically in the Community College space.

Steven was in the first cohort of distinguished community college leaders in the Doctor of Management in Community College Policy and Administration from the University of Maryland. Currently in a full time role as Executive Director, Innovation in Manufacturing with City Colleges of Chicago, Dr. Meneses brings an unparalleled network of academic relationships at various levels from President to Chancellor to Dean and Department head. Throughout his career, Steven has developed a reputation as an innovative and strategic thinker with a keen focus on equity, social justice, and economic advancement. His extensive experience includes executive roles in community college administration, where he has made significant strides in creating access for historically marginalized groups. Over the past decade, he has served as an Executive Director, Dean, and Associate Vice Chancellor, championing initiatives that provide underrepresented students with pathways to careers in technology and advanced manufacturing. These roles have given him a unique platform to implement programs that not only educate but also prepare students to thrive in an increasingly digital and automated workforce. While earning his Doctorate, his research and insights focused on policies that drive equity and student success within community college settings. Additionally, he holds a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership and a bachelor’s degree in Public Relations from Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington.

Beyond his professional and academic accomplishments, Steven’s work is deeply personal. As someone who has navigated the challenges of being a first-generation college graduate, he is acutely aware of the obstacles many students face in their pursuit of higher education and meaningful careers. This perspective fuels his advocacy for equitable policies and practices that support social mobility and economic empowerment. His initiatives are designed to bridge the opportunity gaps in society by fostering collaboration among educational institutions, industries, and communities. Dr. Meneses’s work across sectors, and specifically with KEES, brings his belief in the power of education, community, and innovation to transform lives.