Meet Our New Director of Research
We’re excited to welcome Dr. Kristin Vance Richards as the new Director of Research at Empower Mississippi. In this role, she will lead our research efforts and help shape data-driven strategies that advance our work in education, work, and criminal justice.
Kristin brings deep expertise and a strong commitment to using research to drive meaningful change, and we’re thrilled to have her on board as we continue to move Mississippi forward.
A respected leader in higher education, Dr. Richards brings nearly two decades of experience in research, program development, and systems-led advocacy. She previously served as Principal Investigator for a federal Title IV-E workforce development grant. Dr. Richards has taught graduate and undergraduate courses in research methods, leadership, and finance, and has published extensively.
A native of Morgantown, West Virginia, Dr. Richards earned her Ph.D. and Certificate in Financial Planning from Florida State University, a master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania, and a bachelor’s degree from Belmont University. She is a devoted mother to two, attempts to be a weightlifter, and is the founder of wealthSHE, a financial empowerment platform for women.
To connect with her directly, she can be reached at kristin@empowerms.org.
