Glenda Despenza
With over 30 years of dedicated experience in federal student aid, Glenda has established herself as a leading subject matter expert committed to empowering students and institutions alike. Her career spans a wide range of roles centered around the complexities of Title IV programs, regulatory compliance, policy and procedures development, system implementation, training, and consulting.
Throughout her career, Glenda has worked externally and internally with the U.S. Department of Education’s Title IV programs as an aid administrator guiding students, parents, staff, faculty, and senior leadership within Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) and Postsecondary Vocational schools.
As an educator and leader, Glenda delivered workshops and presentations, authored training materials, and mentored financial aid professionals. Her commitment to professional development has helped countless teams navigate audits, implement new systems, and adapt to regulatory changes, fostering a culture of integrity and continuous improvement.
Additionally, as a Senior Institutional Review Specialist with the Department, and being a member of the Multi-Regional & Foreign Schools Participation Division (SPD), San Francisco/Seattle, and Atlanta SPDs, Glenda performed compliance oversight of colleges and universities via Program Reviews, Annual Compliance Audits, as well as placed and monitored institutions on restricted Method of Payment under Heightened Cash Monitoring.
Glenda is also known for her vision and teamwork. She has partnered with government agencies, professional associations, and technology vendors to advance initiatives that enhance access, affordability, and transparency in higher education funding. Her insights have contributed to policy advocacy efforts and industry innovation, supporting the mission of expanding educational opportunities for all.
Driven by a passion for service, Glenda remains committed to advancing federal student aid and supporting the next generation of professionals and students. Her experience, integrity, and dedication positioned her as a trusted resource and leader in federal student aid.