Fran Hutchins Inspires Isenberg Community at 2025 Executive-in-Residence Program

From September 29 to October 1, 2025, the Office of Access, Collaboration, and Engagement for Success (ACES) at the Isenberg School of Management hosted the 2025 Executive-in-Residence (EIR) Program in collaboration with the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences (SBS), the School of Public Policy (SPP), and the UMass Amherst Stonewall Center.

Fran Hutchins ’13 MBA, executive director of Equality Federation, collaborates with grassroots partners to strengthen organizations and implement data-driven strategies addressing issues like poverty, education, and discrimination. They served as regional field director in 2012 during the campaign that secured marriage equality in Maine.

Hutchins earned both an MBA and MPPA from UMass and is committed to giving back to the community that helped define their path. “UMass was such a formative part of my life,” said Hutchins. “It shaped how I think, lead, and engage with the world. Coming back to campus and meeting such bright, curious students gave me hope for the future. It’s an honor to give back to a place that continues to inspire me.”

Throughout the EIR program, students were offered insights into adaptive leadership through mentorship and thoughtful discussions.

Program Highlights

Over the course of three days, Hutchins participated in a variety of events designed to foster connection, mentorship, and learning across the UMass Amherst community. More than 600 students attended meet-and-greet events, classroom discussions, and mentorship appointments.

Mentorship appointments provided students with an opportunity to discuss career goals, challenges, and strategies for navigating the evolving business and civic engagement landscape.

Classroom discussions reflected Hutchins’ career journey and advocacy work. Jacob Nevins ’27, who is a double major in operations and information management and public policy, described the impact attending the EIR event had on his future career prospects: “Talking with Fran Hutchins was one of those conversations that sticks with you. Their storytelling and advice gave me a lot to think about—not just about my résumé or the job market, but about what it means to build a career rooted in purpose.” Nevins added that Hutchins reminded him that when the world feels uncertain, it’s important to keep pushing for change. “That’s how advocacy and equity move forward.”  

Hutchins joined faculty, staff, and administrators for a breakfast roundtable to foster continuous learning and inspire forward thinking in a professional setting. Facilitated by ACES, the session featured small group discussions on leadership, organizational culture, and the intersection of business and social impact.

Jesenia Minier-Jennings, assistant dean, explained that the EIR program is part of the Isenberg School of Management’s commitment to fostering a supportive culture and student success. “The program is thriving because it connects accomplished leaders who are actively addressing today’s real-world challenges with our students, who are eager to learn from their experiences, and provides a powerful platform for shared growth,” she said. “It empowers Isenberg students to think critically about their career journey, learn from subject matter experts, and explore how they can navigate the evolving landscape of business enterprise to achieve lasting success."

Learn more about how Isenberg fosters a welcoming business community at https://www.isenberg.umass.edu/aces.