Kristin Fields - Creativity That Solves Complex Problems

Kristin Fields serves as Associate Vice President of Extended Learning at Buffalo State University, bringing more than 20 years of experience supporting adult learners. She holds a BS in Speech-Language Pathology and an MS in Creativity and Change Leadership, both from Buffalo State. Her work has already reshaped access to education: she created the Thrive Reentry Education Program and expanded Buffalo State's dual credit program from 48 students to more than 1,500.

In this episode, Kristin traces her path to deliberate creativity, which began with a single undergraduate course and evolved into a lifelong calling. She shares the story of the Thrive culinary reentry program at the Erie County Correctional Facility, where curiosity, persistence, and strong partnerships opened new doors for participants. She also describes her collaboration with the Center for Applied Imagination on New York State's Portrait of a Graduate "Creative Innovator" initiative, explains how micro-credentials meet today's learners' needs, and makes a clear case for creativity as a core skill for workforce readiness.

Kristin shows how creativity turns limits into momentum, and how structure can open doors to bold, practical change. If you care about the Science of Creativity, lifelong learning, or the future of education and work, this episode will leave you with ideas you can use right away. Follow Creative Flow and listen now.