Lilly Pinedo Gangai is an educator who takes a transformative leadership approach to working in higher education, dedicated to guiding students on their journey toward academic success.  With 19 years of direct experience working in higher education, Lilly is passionate about not only supporting students but also encouraging staff and faculty to recognize their vital role in creating a campus environment where all students, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, feel a deeper sense of belonging through their university experiences. Lilly currently serves as the Senior Director of Identity-Based Retention Centers at San José State University (SJSU), where she has also held the roles of Director of the Chicanx Latinx Student Success Center and Academic Advisor. Before her time at SJSU, Lilly worked as an EOP Academic Counselor and Program Coordinator for El Centro at the University of California, Santa Cruz.