Jamie Meristotis
Lumina Foundation
San Diego, CA USA
"Find ways to really push and stretch yourself and you'll find that purpose, that motivation, that extra gear, to really feel like you’re making a difference."
Career Roadmap
Jamie's work combines: Education, Non-Profit Organizations, and Helping People
See more careers and stories that connect to your interests.
Take Roadmap Quiz
Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Here's the path I took:
High School
Bachelor's Degree
Political Science and Government
Bates College
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life has been direct
1.
I was the first in my immigrant family to go to college—my parents made it their mission to get all four of us there.
2.
I earned my degree in political science at Bates College, juggling work-study, loans, and scholarships to make it through.
3.
After college, I landed an education policy research job in Washington D.C., studying people who relied on financial aid, and realized I was researching myself.
4.
That moment sparked my lifelong mission to improve access to and success in college for people like me.
5.
I joined Lumina Foundation in 2008 to help more Americans earn degrees, certificates, and credentials.
6.
Under my leadership, Lumina set a bold goal to raise U.S. attainment to 60 percent by 2025—and we’ve made real progress.
7.
After nearly two decades at Lumina, I still wake up driven to expand opportunities and make post-high school learning accessible for all.
Defining Moments
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
I went to a good four-year university but struggled in my early college years because I was the first in my family to go to college. I didn't have the same experiences and understanding as my peers who'd had family go to college before them.