Education strategists with pathways expertise
Maven provides strategic solutions to partners who strive to improve learner and workforce outcomes. We help leaders across government agencies, philanthropic organizations,
non-profit entities and private enterprises
unlock potential for learners, communities and the economy.
About us
Alexis Bauserman and Laura Brennan are subject matter experts with decades of tactical experience and success in building and delivering on strategies to advance learner and workforce outcomes. In their previous roles as leaders within the Texas Education Agency and Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, they forged a productive cross-agency partnership that still benefits Texans today. They bring expertise in college and career pathways policy, program and product development, cross-functional stakeholder engagement, and people leadership.
Our approach
At Maven, our partners are at the heart of everything we do. We believe that genuine, collaborative engagement is key to achieving meaningful outcomes. From the outset of every partnership, we take the time to listen deeply, ask insightful questions, conduct thorough research, reflect on what we learn, and develop tailored strategies.
Whether you're a well-established organization looking to refine your focus and amplify your impact, or just transitioning into supporting college and career pathways, we’re here to support your unique needs. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Instead, we combine our extensive experience with a customized, iterative approach to deliver strategies that align with your specific goals and needs.
We have found that this work often fits within three cyclical phases: intentional design, productive implementation, and meaningful measurement. See below for a sampling of services we may offer to help you achieve your goals, and we're ready to tailor our approach to meet your unique needs.
Intentional
Design
Whether you're designing an initiative from the ground up, exploring a new approach or researching funding opportunities, Maven brings a wealth of experience in planning. Design supports may include, mission, vision and theory of action development, user-centered design research, market analysis and go-to-market strategy, program and staffing model design, policy analysis and funding strategy.
Productive Implementation
If you build it, will they come? Not without a sound implementation strategy. Maven brings decades of experience with strategic implementation of programs, initiatives, and policies. Implementation supports may include resource mobilization, quality assurance, stakeholder engagement, and partnership management.
Meaningful Measurement
Whether you are evaluating a new initiative or seeking to iterate and continuously improve legacy programs, identifying the right success metrics and performance benchmarks is critical. Maven brings a rigorous approach to impact measurement. Measurement support may include research question development, qualitative analysis, and stakeholder and partner assessments.
We believe talent exists everywhere,
but pathways to unlock potential are uneven at best.
We seek to change this.
Our Values
You can count on Maven to deliver solutions that are practical, bold and reflective. We fulfill this promise to our partners by ensuring we can confidently answer yes to these questions.
Practical: Can the solution be effectively implemented? Does it fit within the operational context? Are there appropriate resources or planning to ensure effective implementation?
Bold: Does the solution deliver a unique value not yet realized? Does it involve calculated risk-taking? Does it make space for creativity and change?
Reflective: Does the solution incorporate local and national research on the topic at hand? Does it reflect the needs and viewpoints of a variety of stakeholders? Does it embed a strategy for continuous evaluation and improvement?