HESC Acting President Doris B. González Named a 2026 Trailblazer in Higher Education by City & State New York

Recognized for Helping Students Succeed by Opening New Pathways for Growth, Achievement and Opportunity

ALBANY, NY – City & State New York has named Doris B. González, Acting President of the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC), to its prestigious 2026 Trailblazers in Higher Education list. This annual recognition spotlights leaders across academia, government, healthcare and nonprofit sectors who are driving transformative change throughout New York State.

The Trailblazers in Higher Education list honors exceptional individuals who are advancing innovation, inclusivity, and student success. The list features leaders who are helping students succeed while broadening their horizons and expanding opportunities for growth and achievement.

Ms. González was recognized for her visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to fostering collaboration and progress in higher education. Her efforts continue to make a lasting impact on New York’s students, families, and communities.

Since joining HESC in August 2023, Ms. González has transformed the organization by promoting a culture of inclusivity, transparency, and operational excellence. Under her leadership, HESC was named a 2026 Top Workplace in the Capital Region by the Times Union, a testament to her leadership and vision, and its commitment to fostering a supportive, mission-driven workplace dedicated to helping New Yorkers access affordable higher education. Ms. González has also placed a strong focus on creating a more user-centric experience for students and families and prioritized making services easier to access through the modernization of HESC’s financial aid systems, improvements in service delivery, and collaboration with partners to broaden HESC’s reach and impact.

Doris B. González, Acting President, New York State Higher Education Services Corporation said, “I am deeply honored to be recognized as a Trailblazer in Higher Education alongside so many outstanding leaders. Higher education has the power to transform lives and strengthen communities, and I’m proud to be part of that mission. This recognition reflects the collective efforts of the incredible team at HESC and our shared commitment to making higher education accessible and equitable for all.”

Ms. González’s career spans decades of impactful work in both the public and private sectors. From her leadership roles at IBM Corporation and Kyndryl Holdings, Inc., to her advocacy for underserved communities through nonprofit boards such as The Harlem Gallery of Science, ASPIRA of New York, and her service as a board member of the CUNY Bronx Community College Foundation, Ms. González has consistently championed social equity, education, and empowerment. Her work embodies the ideals of progress, diversity, and community impact in New York, empowering countless individuals across the state to realize their full potential.

In addition to this recognition, Ms. González was recently honored with the 2026 Mujeres Destacadas award by El Diario and named one of City & State’s Responsible 100 in 2025 for her transformative leadership and dedication to fostering inclusivity and equity.

As part of the 2026 Trailblazers in Higher Education list, Ms. González is featured in a special commemorative City and State New York Magazine published on Monday, May 25, 2026.