About our Cadre

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Dr. Roberto Rivera connects research related to wellbeing to equity and equitable community development using culturally sensitive pedagogy. He has spent over ten years in community-based youth development work in Los Angeles, Milwaukee, and Chicago. Labeled an “at-risk student” with learning disabilities as a teen and overcame those labels to earn a college degree at the University of Wisconsin-Madison that he created, and a master’s degree in Youth Development from University of Illinois at Chicago. He served as a Research Collaborator for CASEL and as a predoctoral fellow with the Social and Emotional Learning Research Group at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Named one of the “Top Young Change Agents in America” by Search for Common Ground Coalition, he strives toward revolutionizing the way organizations, from schools to corporations, can benefit through the use of more equitable practices.  Dr. Rivera was named 2018 Forward Under 40 Award Recipient by University of Wisconsin-Madison. His work is part of a permanent exhibit in the Illinois Holocaust Museum under their “Upstander” Exhibit, along with other education and civil rights leaders. He is a loving husband and proud father of three boys: Phoenix, Justice and Lorenzo.

Dr. Elizabeth Anderson is an industry leader, with over fifteen years experience in Research Methods and Statistics, and Instructional Design and Technology. She is also the Founder of Embraced Wisdom Resource Group LLC, a consulting company providing data analysis and education for organizations that are revolutionizing their fields. She is an authority and changemaker in education, and has taught at numerous higher education institutions.

Dr. Anderson’s path to her PhD was not only unconventional, but barrier breaking. She regularly was the hybrid student in the classroom, making the best with what she had, and self educating her way through big A “academia”. As often the only Biracial/Black woman in the classroom throughout her education, she created her own resources to navigate and excel in predominantly white institutions.

Dr. Anderson started her journey as one of the marginalized students she now teaches. While elevating her skills and experience in education and academia to the national level, she also built Embraced Wisdom Resource Group, a consulting firm that democratizes the use of data, research, and quantitative analysis.

Dr. Anderson’s hope for the world is equity. Divesting away from the traditional and often problematic forms of education, to build spaces and learning experiences that are student focused and inclusive. Dr. Anderson is committed to improving on and offline education for marginalized student groups, and continues instructing graduate students in Research Methods and Statistics.

Jennifer holds dual degrees in English and Economics, as well as a masters degree in Public Affairs from the University of Wisconsin at Madison. She is the founder or co-founder of several award winning non-profit organizations including Magnet, Alliance for the 7th Generation (A7G), and is also a social entrepreneur. A strategic thinker and project manager, Jennifer has consulted with some of the world’s largest corporations including Charles River Associates, Kids Forward, and Change Health Care. More recently, Jennifer has developed a deep passion for community well-being. Her role as Founder of Cadre has allowed her to collaborate with some of the world’s leading experts in strategic planning and implementation of efforts to promote well-being in schools and districts. As a champion for bridge building work, she is committed to creating opportunities for youth and community to be authentic drivers of systemic change locally and globally.

Jonas has over 30 years of experience in education, at the classroom, district, and state levels.  He has worked as an Education Consultant, Assistant Director and Director of the Title I and School Support Team at the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI).  As Director he led the transition from No Child Left Behind (NCLB) to the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), including being the lead writer for much of Wisconsin’s ESSA State Plan. Jonas led the administration of three COVID relief packages, overseeing approximately $2.5 Billion in funding for schools.  Jonas  was also an active member of the National Association of ESEA State Program Administrators, first as a regional representative, then elected to a leadership position. Jonas served as a Vice-President, President-elect. President, and Past-President.  Jonas helps potential education partners discover what funds are available and how to get funding for a partnership with Cadre; he can support the application process, including developing and writing proposals; he can provide support for grant reporting and monitoring requirements; and can help problem solve funding with your school or district.