Conversation with Michelle Cohenour, Chief Operating Officer at APIA Scholars

Comms Team: Michelle, can you tell us a little about your career background and journey at APIA Scholars?

Michelle Cohenour: Absolutely! I spent most of my career advocating for college students through a variety of roles in higher education including retention, early-intervention, career development, academic advising, and residence life. I joined APIA Scholars in August 2021 as the Vice President of Strategy and Chief of Staff, where I focused on organizational strategy and staff success. Over time, my role expanded, and I was promoted to Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff, allowing me to take on even more leadership in shaping our internal operations. Then, in July 2024, I was honored to step into the role of Chief Operating Officer. Each role has given me a deeper understanding of how we can best support our Scholars, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue advancing our mission in this capacity.

Comms Team: Michelle, it’s a little late but congratulations on your promotion to Chief Operating Officer! Can you share what this role means for you and how you’re approaching the day-to-day operations of APIA Scholars?

Michelle Cohenour: Thank you! I’m incredibly honored to step into this role and continue working alongside such a passionate and dedicated team. As COO, my focus is ensuring that our internal operations run smoothly so that we can best serve our Scholars. That means leading staff success policies, refining our internal strategy, and making sure our programs are effectively supporting our Scholars. We’re growing as an organization, and I see my role as helping us build the infrastructure needed to sustain and amplify our impact.

Comms Team: Thank you Michelle for all you’ve done for the organization over the last 4 years! I can’t believe we are already in the second month of 2025 but it’s still a new year since the Lunar New Year just happened. What excites you most about 2025?

Michelle Cohenour: There’s so much to look forward to! The success of our reimagined scholarships approach has been incredibly invigorating—we’re seeing real impact and growth in the latest application cycle and that’s what drives us. I’m also thrilled about the return of our flagship CareerFest this spring. It’s an incredible opportunity for scholars to connect with industry leaders and build pathways to meaningful careers. And in the summer, we’ll be releasing the Data Voyager Project, which will provide critical insights into real student experiences on 6 different campuses. These are all milestones that reflect the hard work we’ve put into evolving our programs to better serve our Scholars.

Comms Team: With so much going on, what keeps you grounded?

Michelle Cohenour: Student success has always been my north star. Every decision we make, every program we build, is centered on how it will support and uplift our Scholars. Seeing them thrive—whether through scholarships, career opportunities, or program support—reminds me why this work matters. Knowing that we’re making a tangible difference in their lives is what keeps me motivated every day.