Lila McDowell is the Executive Director of Hudson Link, where she confidently leads our Education Program, Transitional Services, Strategic Initiatives, Development, and overall operations. Her journey began in 2007 when she met Sean Pica doing research for her master’s in educational research methods at Oxford University, which ignited her commitment to prison education. After earning her Ph.D. at Oxford in 2011, Lila returned to the U.S. and excelled in case management and development funding at Exodus Transitional Community in East Harlem. A pivotal reunion with Sean Pica in 2016 brought her to Hudson Link as Development Director. She quickly advanced to Deputy Executive Director in 2019 and was made Executive Director in April 2025.

“Higher education prepares our students for the World. Hudson Link prepares the World for our students.”

Fun Fact: Lila's dedication extends beyond her professional work; she has personally made wedding cakes for three different Hudson Link alumni.