Cyndy McDonald

Cyndy McDonald is a recognized leader in college counseling, business, and professional development. With more than 30 years of experience as a counselor, educator, entrepreneur, and speaker, she has helped students, families, and fellow professionals navigate the ever-evolving world of education and college advising.

Cyndy is an instructor in UCLA’s online College Counseling Certificate Program and an active member of several professional organizations, including WACAC, NACAC, HECA, IECA, NCAG, and AICEP. She is also the founder of the Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA) and the creator and producer of Friday Forums, where she interviews experts in education and business to bring timely insights to the counseling community.

A sought-after speaker and presenter, Cyndy has presented for organizations and programs including NACAC and Colleges That Change Lives. She is frequently invited to serve on panels and speak to both professional and student audiences, and she has led assemblies and presentations for large groups of students and educators. She has also been quoted in the Los Angeles Times, Consumer Reports, Grown and Flown, and Your Teen Magazine, and has been a guest on multiple podcasts.

Over the years, Cyndy has launched education and technology related businesses and has become known for her forward and innovative thought leadership. She is especially passionate about helping counselors and advisors grow their skills, expand their impact, and better serve students.

Based in Central California, Cyndy brings a unique perspective to her work. As a first-generation college student, former school counselor, and longtime advocate for access to higher education, she understands the real challenges students and families face.

She is deeply committed to supporting the professional growth of educators. In her UCLA Extension courses, she regularly brings insights from leading voices in higher education and college advising by interviewing subject matter experts whose work aligns with course topics. These experts include Jeffrey Selingo, author of The Dream School and other books on higher education; Dr. Steven Antonoff, author of College Match; Ted Fiske, author of the Fiske Guide; Harlan Cohen, author of The Naked Roommate; Peter Van Buskirk, author of The Admissions Game; and many other college and industry professionals. Her students value the opportunity to hear directly from these experts and engage with their perspectives in class.