Lindsey Plewa
Doctor of Education
2021 Graduate
Where are you from, or where do you consider home?
I’m from New Jersey, but I consider New York City home. I’ve lived in New York for many years, and it’s where I’ve built my career and my community.
Three words to describe your experience at Northeastern:
Inspiring. Community. Confidence.
What motivated you to continue through challenging times in obtaining your degree?
What motivated me to continue through the challenging times was, in many ways, the work itself and the people connected to it. I vividly remember working through my interview transcripts during the height of the pandemic. Looking back, I’m grateful that I had my research to focus on. It gave me a sense of purpose, but it also gave me a built-in community of people who were navigating their own challenges. It often felt like we were in it together.
My advisor, Dr. Joan Giblin, was also an incredible source of support. When I felt overwhelmed or needed perspective, she had a way of making the next step feel manageable: “Just do this one thing, and then we’ll talk about the next step.” That approach helped me keep moving forward when the bigger picture felt daunting. Together, the research, the community, and her guidance reminded me that I didn’t have to figure everything out at once; I just had to keep taking the next step.
What has your journey revealed to you about yourself?
My journey at Northeastern University revealed to me that I truly can achieve what I set out to achieve. It also taught me that sometimes, “good enough is good enough.” I actually kept a Post-it note on my laptop that simply read “good enough” to remind myself that perfection was not the goal. That reminder helped me keep moving forward, especially during the moments when the journey felt overwhelming. Northeastern showed me that I can set ambitious goals, persevere through challenges, and give myself permission to recognize when something is enough.
Northeastern showed me that I can set ambitious goals, persevere through challenges, and give myself permission to recognize when something is enough.
Lindsey Plewa
Experiential learning is a core component of a Northeastern education. Describe some of the highlights for you.
One of the highlights of my EdD experience was the Summer Residency. I particularly loved Dr. McNabb’s class because it gave us space to think critically, engage with ideas, and learn from one another. The flexibility of the online program was perfect for me while I was working, but I also valued having opportunities to come to campus, meet my cohort in person, and connect with my professors.
Where do you imagine yourself five years from now?
Finishing my EdD gave me the momentum and confidence to open my own career coaching business. In five years, I see myself continuing to grow that business and expanding my work with mid-career and international professionals. I want to help people navigate career transitions with greater clarity, confidence, and strategy, drawing on both my professional experience and what I learned through my own doctoral journey.
What advice would you give to current and future Huskies?
Take a moment to be proud of all that you’ve accomplished.
