Meet the Visionaries Behind the Collective
Dr. Elaine Rudder is a critical scholar-activist, executive leader, and founder of The Hillman Collective, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing the careers and contributions of Black women by transforming workplace cultures and fostering equitable opportunities. She brings more than 15 years of leadership experience in higher education—including academic affairs, student affairs, enrollment management, and human resources—and is widely recognized for her strategic insight and unwavering commitment to equity.
Her scholarship explores the intersections of race, gender, and professional identity, with a particular focus on the experiences of Black women in administrative roles. Through qualitative research, she highlights the systemic barriers these women face while celebrating their resilience, leadership, and transformative impact. This work offers a framework for institutional change rooted in justice and representation—principles that shape her academic contributions and nonprofit leadership.
In practice, Dr. Rudder has designed and led initiatives that promote equitable hiring, student success, and advance inclusive leadership development. As a collaborative leader and sought-after speaker, she cultivates spaces for reflection, healing, and collective action, empowering Black women to thrive while reimagining equity in higher education and beyond.
Dr. Rudder holds a Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration and a Master of Arts in Management, grounding her ability to bridge scholarship and practice in service of systemic transformation. Through The Hillman Collective, she amplifies voices, creates pathways for growth, and redefines leadership across sectors -leading with the conviction that when Black women rise, entire systems transform.
Dr. Elaine Rudder
Kyna Ricks, MSA
Kyna J. Ricks is a seasoned financial executive and Controller with over 15 years of experience in nonprofit financial leadership. Currently serving as Controller for two DC based non-profit organizations, Kyna brings a wealth of expertise in strategic budgeting, financial reporting, and organizational transformation. Her leadership has consistently driven operational efficiency, transparency, and fiscal integrity in mission-driven environments.
A proud Black woman in finance, Kyna is deeply committed to advancing equity in the workplace. She brings to the Hillman Collective a unique perspective shaped by her lived experience and professional journey—one that informs her advocacy for dismantling systemic barriers and creating inclusive spaces where women of color can thrive.
Kyna holds a Master of Science in Accounting and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting, both earned summa cum laude from the University of Maryland Global Campus. She is a graduate of the DISCUS Academy Developing Leaders Program and holds a leadership certification from Cornell University.
As a leadership speaker and mentor, Kyna champions the belief that “we are no longer begging for seats at tables we were called to flip over.” Her voice and vision align powerfully with the Hillman Collective’s mission to redefine leadership and workplace culture for Black women across industries.