She went on to attend Hunter College where she majored in physiology and public health and took graduate courses in sociology.

After several years of teaching in the classroom, Hughes became an assistant superintendent in the New York City public schools.

[4] Thereafter, she worked as an educational and legislative consultant for the California State Commission for Teacher Preparation and Licensing.

Dr. Hughes was a Democratic member of the California State Assembly from 1975 to 1992, sitting in the 47th District (comprising portions of South Central L.A., Bell, Cudahy, Downey, Huntington Park and Compton).

[8] In furtherance of her commitment to higher education, Dr. Hughes served, by appointment of President Jimmy Carter, on the board of the Student Loan Marketing Association (SALLIE MAE).