JENNIFER ROSS
Canton,OH
Summary
Dynamic and collaborative leader with a proven track record in advancing equity, engagement, and organizational learning within the healthcare and education sectors. Currently serving as Director of Unity and Engagement at Akron Children's Hospital, overseeing Learning and Development, Employee Resource Groups, cultural celebrations, and student programming for a diverse workforce of over 8,000 employees. Expertise in driving initiatives that foster an inclusive culture, enhance workforce engagement, and implement effective system improvements in response to Midas complaints and Code Violet reviews. Committed to creating environments where every individual feels valued and empowered to contribute to organizational success.
Overview
1
1
Certificate
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
DIRECTOR OF UNITY AND ENGAGEMENT
Akron Children's Hospital
Akron, Ohio
11.2023 - Current
- Directed strategic initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and drive organizational growth.
- Provide strategic direction and leadership for the Unity & Engagement Department, advancing the hospital's mission to build an inclusive, equitable, and psychologically safe culture for more than 8,000 employees across Northeast and Southern Ohio.
- Oversee Learning and Development, including the design, coordination, and delivery of systemwide training programs focused on inclusion, belonging, and organizational culture.
- Lead the reimagining and relaunch of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) to strengthen employee engagement, professional development, and cross-departmental collaboration.
- Develop and implement an Adaptive Response System for reviewing Midas complaints and evaluating Code Violets, using data to inform systemic improvements and enhance workplace safety and equity.
- Provide oversight of all student and pipeline programming, expanding opportunities for youth engagement, internships, and workforce development in healthcare careers.
- Collaborate with hospital leaders and stakeholders to design, track, and report departmental metrics and outcomes aligned with organizational priorities and quarterly objectives.
- Led cross-functional teams to implement process improvements, resulting in streamlined workflows..
- Mentored senior leadership, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.
- Established performance metrics to assess project outcomes and drive accountability across departments.
VICE PRESIDENT OF DIVERSITY, EDUCATION, AND ENGAGEMENT
Akron Urban League
Akron, Ohio
09.2021 - 10.2023
- Lead and track impact of all initiatives that focus on education, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and community engagement.
- Identify metrics to measure impact of program outcomes and share with CEO and leaders.
- Develop strategies to monitor implementation of programs and performance of staff leading initiatives in program areas.
- Recruit, manage, and build capacity in leaders across departments.
- Develop strategic plans and monitor implementation of strategies to ensure goals and objectives are met.
- Design and drive the operation of programs to ensure outcomes are aligned with the organization's mission.
- Create and monitor budgets for programs.
- Develop and implement training and professional development on topics related to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (i.e. implicit bias, stereotypes, cultural and intercultural competence, etc.).
- Examine policies, programs, and practices to ensure the organization is operating in a manner that is equitable and inclusive.
- Work alongside city leaders and corporations to address issues of inequities with various populations (low income families, disabled citizens, seniors, children and youth, LGBTQ+, and non-profits)
- Develop professional development and training for leaders to ensure they are creating an environment that conducive to maximum outcomes.
- Identify and write grants to build programs in the education and diversity, equity, and inclusion departments.
- Monitor implementation of grants to ensure programs are being implemented with fidelity.
- Collaborate with community partners to support and implement diversity, equity, inclusions efforts in Northeast Ohio.
DIRECTOR OF DIVERSITY AND STRATEGIC INITIATIVES
Akron Urban League
Akron, Ohio
01.2020 - 01.2021
- Design, coordinate, and implement community events with partners in Summit County.
- Coordinate details of community engagements with Akron Urban League employees and other partners to ensure all schedules and details are tended to for maximum impact on the community.
- Develop a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion strategic plan for the organization.
- Examine policies, programs, and practices to ensure the organization is operating in a manner that is equitable and inclusive.
- Develop and implement training and professional development on topics related to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (i.e. implicit bias, stereotypes, cultural and intercultural competence, etc.).
- Trained Executive leadership team and the Board of Directors on the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) along with a series of trainings on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
- Participate and sit on task force and committees on racial justice and equality within Summit County.
- Provide DEI technical assistance and support to organizations on various topics (i.e. developing and reviewing strategic plans, providing trainings on DEI topics, develop Employee Resource Groups, and serve as a resource and advisor on various topics related to DEI).
- Plan townhalls, fireside chats, community discussion on topics related to social justice to promote equal and equitable opportunities for all.
- Work alongside of city leaders to address issues of inequities with various populations (low income families, disabled citizens, seniors, children and youth, LGBTQ+, and non-profits)
- Work with community partners to provide support to community members and organizations (i.e. created and distributed PPE kits in collaboration with Cleveland Clinic Akron to organizations and community members, distributed PPE testing kits to organizations, organized and hosted a vaccination clinic with AxessPointe Healthcare and NAACP)
CHIEF EDUCATION CONSULTANT
R.O.S.S. Educational Consulting, LLC
Uniontown, OH
01.2018 - 01.2020
- Developed and conducted Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) trainings within the district with building leaders, teachers, and certified staff members.
- Conducted equity audits within school districts.
- Supported school leaders with evaluation school improvement plans using an equity lens.
- Provide ongoing school improvement coaching to the building principals and Building Leadership Team (BLT).
- Co-wrote a School Quality Grant with the building principal in the amount $500,000.00, which was granted to the school.
- Supporting implementation of the School Quality grant alongside building principals.
- Devised and analyzed school climate and culture surveys given to staff, students, and parents.
- Provided a final report to the building leaders to share with staff and identify supports and resources needed.
- Trained staff on cultural competency and the Ohio Improvement Process.
- Supported and monitor the building leadership and grade level Teacher Base Teams (TBTs) to ensure teachers and leaders are implementing the Ohio Improvement Process with fidelity.
- Provided ongoing technical assistance and support to building principals and coaches on self-assessment and self-reflection through coaching and technical reports.
- Analyzed school-wide assessment and teacher evaluation data and provide written reports on findings which includes suggested strategies to close achievement gaps in the classroom and across the building.
- Gibbs Elementary School – Canton City Schools
DIRECTOR – Post Doc Senior Research Fellow
African American Policy Forum (AAPF) Center for Intersectional Policy Studies (CISPS)– Columbia University Law School
New York City, NY
01.2018 - 01.2018
- Supervised, mentored and trained under Professor Kimberlé Crenshaw on Critical Race Theory and Intersectionality at the African American Policy Forum and the Center for Intersectionality and Policy Studies.
- Supervised and monitored staff and interns at AAPF and CISPS.
- Presented sessions on Critical Race Theory and Intersectionality at universities/colleges and conferences.
- Developed, updated and revised reports on Black Girl Matters, Say Her Name, and Intersectionality and Critical Race Theory.
- Revised and edited presentations for Kimberlé Crenshaw for speaking engagements.
- Supported and facilitated the organization and implementation of national Breaking the Silence town halls across the country on women and girls of color.
- Redesigned the Breaking the Silence: National Town Hall Series to bring awareness to colleges and universities on issues of women and girls of color.
- Conducted research on the school to prison pipeline, adultification of Black girls, police violence against Black women and girls, and other topics to enhance presentations developed for AAPF and CISPS.
- Developed an in-person and virtual internship for college students nationally.
- Hired staff to work at AAPF and CISPS
- Developed policy and procedures for staff members.
ADJUNCT PROFESSOR
Ashland University
Ashland, OH
01.2016 - 01.2018
- Supervised 18 interns working on their administration license to become building principals or central office administrators.
- Co-wrote curriculum for administrative leadership internship (735 and 736).
- Taught a hybrid Intro to School Administration course (EDAD 683) consisting of online and in-person sessions.
- Developed a course on professional development, including many components on adult learning theory.
EDUCATION CONSULTANT - Office of Improvement and Innovation
Ohio Department of Education
Columbus, OH
01.2015 - 01.2017
- Monitored federal requirements/LEA leading indicators surrounding school improvement efforts.
- Provided expertise and support to district personnel in designing and implementing a comprehensive early literacy framework.
- Delivered technical assistance, consultation, coaching and review to district personnel (e.g., district, building and/or community school staff members) working with ESEA (Elementary and Secondary Education Act) school improvement initiatives.
- Independently provided technical assistance to school administrators through the development of school improvement program policy.
- Delivered consultation services to school administrators, community members, school boards of education and legislators.
- Maintained confidentiality (e.g., participates and consults with district leadership in collective bargaining for the employer) throughout all processes and reporting requirements at the SEA (State Education Agency) and LEA (Local Education Agency) levels.
- Provided technical assistance to school administrators through the development of school improvement program policy.
- Delivered consultation services to school administrators, community members, school boards of education and legislators.
- Provided oversight and management of School Improvement Grants totaling $20MM in largest urban school district in the state.
- Evaluated and scored Federal School Improvement Grants for Priority Schools in Ohio.
- Partnered with a school district as a consortium to write and implement a $3.5MM grant.
- Implemented professional development and technical assistance on the Ohio Improvement Process with districts and schools.
Education
Post Doctorate Fellowship - Law
Columbia University
New York (City), NY06-2018
DOCTOR OF EDUCATION (Ed.D.) - Leadership Studies; Cognate; Professional Development
Ashland University
Ashland, OH01.2015
MASTER OF EDUCATION (M.Ed.) - Educational Administration
Ashland University
Ashland, OH01.2004
BACHELOR OF ARTS (B.A.) - Elementary and Early Childhood Education
Walsh University
North Canton, OH01.2000
Skills
- Strategic planning
- Verbal and written communication
- Decision-making
- Project management
- Process improvement
- Cross-functional team leadership
- Organizational development
- Change management
- Staff development
- Contract and vendor management
- Corporate social responsibility
- Leadership development
Certification
- 2019 Five Year Professional Principal License – PK -6 (280100)
- 2010 Teacher Leader Endorsement (currently inactive)
- 2000 Elementary Education (Grades 1-8) (currently inactive)
- 2000 Early Childhood Education (PK – 3) (currently inactive)
Timeline
DIRECTOR OF UNITY AND ENGAGEMENT
Akron Children's Hospital
11.2023 - Current
VICE PRESIDENT OF DIVERSITY, EDUCATION, AND ENGAGEMENT
Akron Urban League
09.2021 - 10.2023
DIRECTOR OF DIVERSITY AND STRATEGIC INITIATIVES
Akron Urban League
01.2020 - 01.2021
CHIEF EDUCATION CONSULTANT
R.O.S.S. Educational Consulting, LLC
01.2018 - 01.2020
DIRECTOR – Post Doc Senior Research Fellow
African American Policy Forum (AAPF) Center for Intersectional Policy Studies (CISPS)– Columbia University Law School
01.2018 - 01.2018
ADJUNCT PROFESSOR
Ashland University
01.2016 - 01.2018
EDUCATION CONSULTANT - Office of Improvement and Innovation
Ohio Department of Education
01.2015 - 01.2017
MASTER OF EDUCATION (M.Ed.) - Educational Administration
Ashland University
BACHELOR OF ARTS (B.A.) - Elementary and Early Childhood Education
Walsh University
Post Doctorate Fellowship - Law
Columbia University
DOCTOR OF EDUCATION (Ed.D.) - Leadership Studies; Cognate; Professional Development
Ashland University
PRESENTATIONS
- Presented on a panel at Towson University titled: Re-Imagining Black Girl's Health and Women's Symposium, Towson, MD, May 2018.
- Presented at the AERA 2018 Annual Meeting titled, “The Dreams, Possibilities, and Necessity of Public Education”, session titled, “Leaders Facing Race and Racism, New York City, New York, April, 2018
- Presented at Delta Day United Nations: Why Intersectionality Can't Wait: A Primer and Call to Action, New York City, NY, March 2018.
- Presented at The Ohio Association of Elementary School Administrators (OAESA) 55th Annual Conference and Trade Show on Culturally Relevant Practices. Sandusky, Ohio June 2012
- Presented in Canton City Schools on the Intersection of Rigor and Culturally Relevant Pedagogy for Teacher Ambassadors, Curriculum Team, and Administrators. Canton, Ohio January 2012
- Presented in Canton City Schools on Culturally Relevant Pedagogy at Hartford Middle School. Canton, Ohio September 2010
- Presented at the State Action Leadership Project Summary with Dr. Ted Zigler and Dr. Joann Hoenbrink on The Ohio Teacher Leadership Endorsement - How to Make it Work for You Dublin, Ohio May 2010
- Program (TAP) Summer Institute on Monitoring the Implementation of TAP Deer Creek, Ohio June 2009
PUBLICATIONS
- "Start the day right with an opening ceremony." The ISSLC Standards in Action. Larchmont, NY, Eye on Education, 2004, 99. Cited in Carol Engler's book, Professor at Ashland, University.
- Bush, N. L., and Ross, J. E., (2012). Culturally relevant practices matter… a lot!; OAESA Principal Navigator, 7 (2), 17 – 18.
HONORS AND AWARDS
2022 Shero Award – Ohio Commission on Minority Health, 2021 Outstanding Achievement Award – Outstanding Alumni Awards - Walsh University, 2018 Post Doc Senior Research Fellow – Columbia University, 2005 & 2006 Performance Advancement System (PAS) Recipient – Columbus City Schools
SPECIALIZED TRAINING
- Certified IDI Facilitator
- Implementation Science Training
- Cognitive Coaching Training
- Human Capital Training
- Teacher and Principal Evaluation Training
- Intersectionality and Critical Race Theory
- Cultural Competency and Cultural Relevant Pedagogy
PRESENTATIONS
- Presented on a panel at Towson University titled: Re-Imagining Black Girl's Health and Women's Symposium, Towson, MD, May 2018.
- Presented at the AERA 2018 Annual Meeting titled, “The Dreams, Possibilities, and Necessity of Public Education”, session titled, “Leaders Facing Race and Racism, New York City, New York, April, 2018
- Presented at Delta Day United Nations: Why Intersectionality Can't Wait: A Primer and Call to Action, New York City, NY, March 2018.
- Presented at The Ohio Association of Elementary School Administrators (OAESA) 55th Annual Conference and Trade Show on Culturally Relevant Practices. Sandusky, Ohio June 2012
- Presented in Canton City Schools on the Intersection of Rigor and Culturally Relevant Pedagogy for Teacher Ambassadors, Curriculum Team, and Administrators. Canton, Ohio January 2012
- Presented in Canton City Schools on Culturally Relevant Pedagogy at Hartford Middle School. Canton, Ohio September 2010
- Presented at the State Action Leadership Project Summary with Dr. Ted Zigler and Dr. Joann Hoenbrink on The Ohio Teacher Leadership Endorsement - How to Make it Work for You Dublin, Ohio May 2010
- Program (TAP) Summer Institute on Monitoring the Implementation of TAP Deer Creek, Ohio June 2009
PUBLICATIONS
- "Start the day right with an opening ceremony." The ISSLC Standards in Action. Larchmont, NY, Eye on Education, 2004, 99. Cited in Carol Engler's book, Professor at Ashland, University.
- Bush, N. L., and Ross, J. E., (2012). Culturally relevant practices matter… a lot!; OAESA Principal Navigator, 7 (2), 17 – 18.
HONORS AND AWARDS
2022 Shero Award – Ohio Commission on Minority Health, 2021 Outstanding Achievement Award – Outstanding Alumni Awards - Walsh University, 2018 Post Doc Senior Research Fellow – Columbia University, 2005 & 2006 Performance Advancement System (PAS) Recipient – Columbus City Schools