Judith Silverman Hodara, EdD brings more than three decades of experience in higher education to Fortuna Admissions, with a career that spans both undergraduate and graduate admissions at some of the world’s top institutions. Prior to co-founding Fortuna, Judith served as Associate Director of Admissions at the University of Pennsylvania, where she reviewed thousands of applications, traveled extensively to recruit students globally, and helped shape the incoming class across seven highly selective admissions cycles.

Judith’s insight into what top universities seek in candidates – paired with her warm, student-centered approach – makes her a trusted guide for families navigating the college admissions journey. She works closely with high school students to help them uncover their unique voice, clarify their goals, and craft compelling applications that reflect both authenticity and strategy.

Her admissions leadership also includes serving as Director of Admission at Penn’s Graduate School of Education and later as Head of MBA Admissions at The Wharton School, where she led the committee and oversaw global recruitment. Judith has also served as Director of Academic Affairs at the Rothberg School at Hebrew University in Jerusalem.

Judith holds a doctorate in Higher Education Management from the University of Pennsylvania, where her research explored the evolving role of academic institutions in a changing campus landscape. Her admissions expertise has been featured in leading outlets including the Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, The Economist, and Poets&Quants.

Based in Central Pennsylvania, Judith finds balance in hiking the Appalachian Trail or kayaking on the Susquehanna River with her family. A lifelong learner and unrepentant fan of 70s dance music, she’s also never one to pass up a scenic route – or a great costume party.