Heather Knight has experience in higher education leadership roles and serves on professional organizations that advocate for education issues. She has been involved with the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities (AICCU) which represents independent colleges and universities in California. AICCU engages in advocacy work by supporting beneficial legislation, meeting with policymakers, and advising members on policy developments to improve lives through higher education. They also work with the governor's office on prioritizing higher education in the state budget.