About

Rumika Suzuki Hillyer, Ph.D., is a sociologist, communications professional, and educator whose work focuses on community engagement, higher education, and qualitative research. As Content and Community Engagement Manager at ITHAKA, she developed and executed digital content strategies, managed social media and editorial initiatives, organized webinars and educational events, conducted interviews and focus groups, and collaborated with educators, researchers, and institutional partners to expand access to teaching and learning resources. Her work bridges research and practice by translating complex ideas into engaging, accessible content for diverse audiences.

Rumika moved to the U.S. from Japan at age 18, and began studying at Portland Community College in Oregon. She matriculated to the University of Portland, where she graduated with a BA in Sociology. She then volunteered full-time as a resident counselor for a school serving Native American students on the Northern Cheyenne Resvervation in Ashland, Montana. Rumika received her PhD at the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa in Sociology. She currently teaches sociology courses at the University of Portland.