About Dr. Josie Ahlquist
A trusted voice in digital leadership and marketing consulting
As Seen In
Digital Engagement Strategies Grounded in Values and Research
As a digital leadership and marketing consultant, I help individuals, institutions, and mission-driven organizations lead with purpose. My work centers around authenticity and human-centered strategy, leveraging modern tools to create long-lasting impact.
I’ve seen firsthand how genuine community-building always outperforms slick-but-surface-level marketing tactics. By aligning digital strategies with core values, I help brands reach the people who need them most and create content that inspires audiences to take action.
I’ve worked with thousands of students, education professionals, and leaders to reframe their relationship with technology — using it not only as a channel for outreach, but as a catalyst for connection and belonging. Whether you’re starting fresh or fine-tuning your approach, I can help you shape a digital presence that supports your goals and feels true to your mission.
Becoming a Digital Strategist and Higher Education Consultant
The first spark of my career in digital engagement was lit in the residence halls of South Dakota State University, where I double-majored in Sociology and Human Development & Family Studies. I went on to earn a master’s degree in Counseling from Northern Arizona University and spent more than a decade working in higher education and student affairs.
Along the way, I discovered a passion for leadership development, digital communications, and building community. I decided to pursue a doctorate in Higher Education Leadership from California Lutheran University, where I found my voice as an educator, researcher, and content creator.
While writing my dissertation, I explored college students’ and campus leaders’ use of social media to lead, connect, and influence. As I studied 40 student leaders and 16 campus executives, I realized that digital platforms had immense potential for supporting student engagement in educational communities. That research became the foundation of the work I do today.
Now, I’m proud to be living my mission: promoting purpose-driven digital leadership at campuses and organizations everywhere. Whether I’m coaching an executive, training a social media team, or speaking at a national conference, my goal is always the same — to help people lead with heart, communicate with clarity, and build digital strategies rooted in their values.
Some Organizations I’ve Supported
![[Logo] University of North Carolina Asheville](https://i0.wp.com/www.josieahlquist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/UNCAvl_V-logo_black_RGB.png?fit=300%2C160&ssl=1){kind=logo}
Fun Facts
- My book, Digital Leadership in Education, was published in 2020. It was listed as an Amazon #1 New Release for College and University Student Life.
- I’ve been featured in Inside Higher Education and The Chronicle of Higher Education, along with multiple recognitions as a LinkedIn Top Voice in Education.
- In 2025, I co-founded the Association of Higher Education Consulting & Coaching (AHECC) — a membership community that provides strategic resources and a professional home for my fellow consultants and coaches in the education industry.
- When I’m not consulting, coaching, researching, or presenting, you might find me exploring new cities as I travel or enjoy family time in my favorite role: Auntie Josie!
How can I help you lead?
I am passionate about empowering young adults, educational professionals, organizations, and executives to lead online. I can help you learn how to post with a purpose and build engaging and authentic online communities.
Here’s how:
Together, we’ll craft your digital presence with clarity, confidence, and care, always grounded in research, values, and results.
