Welcome to our 2016 New Hire Cohort!
At ERS, we’re committed to having a lasting, positive impact in the communities where we work. That all starts with the work we do together on our teams. Each fall we welcome a new class of consultants who bring a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and talents to our work. They spend their first two weeks here in New Hire Orientation, where they immerse themselves in the ERS mission, culture, and values; learn the analytical skills and background knowledge they need to participate on our teams; and work through a case study that replicates an ERS- district partnership.
We’re thrilled to introduce our new colleagues.
Meet our new hires:
 | Tara AndersonI previously taught elementary school for five years in a high-poverty, low-funded district in California. I came toERS because I want to support districts in making the really tough decisions about how to allocate a limited pot of resources to maximize equity and opportunity for all students. |
Rachel BlackI’m coming to ERS from Brown University where I studied Public Policy and American Institutions. At ERS, I’m looking forward to applying my data analysis skills to help public school districts enact system-level changes to resolve their toughest challenges. |  |
 | Rony CepedaI am coming to ERS from Harvard University, where I studied Economic Development and was deeply interested in topics of economic and educational inequity. Given how much more our country needs to do to close the achievement gap, I am excited to work with ERS to ensure that schools align resources to set up every child for success. |
JaMaar EverettI have long experience in the education sector, specifically in finance and human capital. As the product of an urban school district myself, I look forward to working with urban districts to help them think about equity and how to use their resources to provide a quality education for ALL students. |  |
 | Emily MayerI come to ERS from the Harvard Graduate School of Education where I received an M.Ed. in Education Policy and Management. As a former City Year corps member, I am excited to be working at the district level to improve educational equity in schools. |
Steven RamirezI’m joining ERS after completing my Master’s degree at Harvard’s Graduate School of Education where my work in statistics helped prepare me for my current role as Associate. I came with the hope of impacting entire school districts, especially through our work on the topic of equity. |  |
 | Danielle SmithI come toERS from Goodman Research Group, where I conducted external evaluations oneducational programs,services, and materials. At ERS, I’m looking forward to using myanalytical background and passion for education towork with school system leaders in uncovering insights that can helplevelthe playing field for urban youth. |
Ravi SmithI have been a high school teacher and coach for nearly 8 years, and then later a strategy consultant. I hope to tap into my past educational and professional experiences to help large urban school districts best meet the needs of their students. |  |
 | Airian WilliamsI’m coming to ERS from Tufts University, where I majored in Sociology. At ERS, I’m looking forward to combining my passion for data, problem solving, and social change to ensure that youth of color can have better access to opportunity in America. |