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Breann Branch, PhD, has been appointed new director of the Center for the Advancement of Women at Mount Saint Mary’s University, where she will lead one of California’s most influential hubs for research, public programming and community partnerships supporting women and girls. A highly accomplished educator, researcher and organizational leader, Branch brings more than a decade of cross-sector experience spanning higher education, nonprofits, government and consulting.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Branch as the new director of the Center for the Advancement of Women. Her expertise and vision will help advance the Center’s mission of expanding opportunities for California women and girls across sectors,” said Krishauna Hines-Gaither, PhD, vice president for Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships at Mount Saint Mary's.

A proud Los Angeles native and magna cum laude graduate of Howard University, Branch has built her career around strengthening learning environments, expanding leadership opportunities, and improving access to career fields where women have been historically underrepresented. Her work has included leadership roles at UCLA’s Women in Engineering program, the National Outdoor Leadership School, and Culture Journey Consultancy, as well as national research projects focused on participation and innovation in technology fields. She also continues to teach graduate courses in organizational development and project management.

At Mount Saint Mary’s, Branch will oversee the production of the Report on the Status of Women and Girls in California™, guide the Center’s commissioned research portfolio, and lead initiatives that promote leadership development, economic mobility, and civic engagement for women across the state. She will also manage the Center’s Faculty Fellows and Legislator-in-Residence programs and oversee planning for its signature annual event, which convenes leaders from across sectors to highlight emerging trends and opportunities for women and girls.

We sat down with Dr. Branch to learn more about her vision for the Center, which was launched in 2017, and how its work carries forward the Mount’s mission.

• What excites you most about leading the Center for the Advancement of Women?

What excites me most is the opportunity to build on a powerful foundation of research and partnerships while expanding the ways we drive measurable change for women across California. The Center has a long-standing reputation for elevating voices, stories, and data that illuminate the experiences of women and girls. I am energized by the chance to deepen that work and to forge new partnerships that move our efforts from insight to action.

• What priorities or opportunities do you see for the Center in the coming years?

My vision is to strengthen the Center’s role as a statewide leader in research, expand our public programming, and increase our influence in policy conversations nationwide. I see tremendous opportunity to broaden the reach of the Report on the Status of Women and Girls™, build more intentional collaborations with national, state, county and city commissions and organizations, and develop programs that support women’s economic mobility, leadership preparation, and overall well-being. I am committed to ensuring that our work not only informs but also inspires — guiding institutions, policymakers, and communities toward meaningful progress.

• How does the Center’s work connect with Mount Saint Mary’s long-standing mission of supporting women and girls?

The Center’s work is deeply rooted in Mount Saint Mary’s 100-year mission to uplift women, nurture leaders, and prepare future leaders. For decades, Ë®¹ûÅÉ has championed educational access and leadership opportunities for women, especially those who have historically been overlooked. The Center extends this mission beyond campus by using research, advocacy, and community partnerships to address the challenges facing women and girls across California — especially in attaining careers. Our work brings the Mount’s values to a statewide stage by transforming data into action, elevating women’s leadership, and creating pathways for students, alumnae and community members to contribute to this important work.