Meet Our Team
Dive into the profiles of our visionary board members and staff, each playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of empowerment at The Roots Initiative.
About
Nikki Williams Rucker - Board President
Nikki Williams Rucker is a 17-year teaching veteran with a dual Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction and Secondary Education. She has spoken at conferences all over the U.S. on culturally responsive pedagogy, classroom management, program development, and engaging classroom practices that increase academic achievement. She is also a wife and mom to two amazing kids.
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While the majority of her time has been spent in the classroom, she also founded a nonprofit organization focusing on the social-emotional wellbeing of girls in underserved areas. Her teaching experiences span across every school setting and demographic; from private school to urban school districts. Her expertise aligns with inquiry-based learning and culturally responsive pedagogy that reflects academic achievement, community building, and real-world learning.
About
Brittany Hogan - Board Member
Brittany Hogan was born and raised in Chicago, she received a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Hampton University and a Master of Social Work from Washington University in St. Louis.
Beginning her career, Brittany spent time working in the nonprofit sector in St. Louis before transitioning to education, which eventually led her to become the first Director of Educational Equity & Diversity for Rockwood School District in St. Louis County, one of the largest and highest performing districts in the state. In this role, Brittany created the district-wide equity plan, led the racial desegregation program, Voluntary Interdistrict Choice Corporation program (VICC) and supervised the district social workers.
While at Rockwood, Brittany found herself at the cusp of the highly controversial topic of critical race theory, which resulted in local and national media coverage. Drawing from her personal experience, Brittany and Nic Stone, a New York Times bestselling author, launched Empathy in Equity, speaking nationally on the importance of using empathy in literature to support equity in education.
Brittany continued to advocate for educational equity in public school districts and in 2022, was appointed by St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones to serve as a member of the St. Louis Public Schools Board of Education. She also served as an inaugural Manager for the Center of Human Service Leadership at the Delmar Divine in St. Louis to support programs and institutions that are devoted to social change while replacing decades of neglect with innovation, development, and sustainability.
Shining a light on the harsh realities of parent and public concern regarding race, diversity and inclusion in education and literature, led Brittany to launch her own consulting business, BTheGrowth, where she works with schools and organizations to improve systems that create equitable educational practices through the development of equity plans, improves curriculums, and supports educators with their professional equity goals.
About
Joseph Butler - Board Member
Joseph Butler holds a Bachelor’s degree in English, Communication, and Black Studies from Denison University, a Master’s in Sociology from Roosevelt University, and A.B.D. in a Ph.D. program at Loyola University.
He has extensive knowledge of diverse communities and a long-standing commitment to strengthening urban community life. He is committed to moving people from passive engagement to active advocacy for a litany of causes. His advocacy work fosters their creativity, leadership, interpersonal skills, and communicative abilities to influence positive outcomes for communities frequently excluded from decision-making.
Wearing numerous hats - from the Director of Development & Diversity at the University of Chicago (UChicagoGRAD) to the Director of Student Success at North Park University - Joseph didn’t merely navigate roles but sailed through them with unwavering commitment and a warm smile, consistently placing students and community at the forefront. His journey in DEI advocacy hasn’t just been about numbers and strategies but a genuine endeavor to thread the rich tapestry of diversity into the academic and social realms.
Joseph has found his calling to bring together his desire for liberation and intellectual pursuits of student engagement in his work with students. As a student and a teacher, he seeks to bridge the gap between students’ passions and professional dreams. Actualizing this reality for as many students as possible has become his life’s pursuit.
About
Lynetta Denson - Board Member
Lynetta is a dedicated educator and lifelong learner from the Chicago suburbs. With multiple degrees in human services and education, she is currently furthering her studies in Educational Technology.
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Over the past seven years, Lynetta has made a significant impact as an educator, including her role as a special education teacher. Prior to her teaching career, she spent more than a decade working with adults with disabilities, showcasing her unwavering commitment to fostering inclusive learning environments.
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Outside of her professional pursuits, Lynetta enjoys reading to explore new worlds, traveling with her children to create cherished memories, and spending quality time with her loved ones.
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Deeply involved in initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion within educational institutions, Lynetta advocates for equal opportunities for all students. Her enthusiasm for continuous learning and compassionate approach make her an inspirational figure in the field of education.
About
Dr. Shaniqua Jones - Board Member
Dr. Jones is a global leader and expert in Restorative Justice practices. Renowned for her brilliant ability to deeply connect with those who have been harmed and those who have caused harm, she uses Restorative Justice and Restorative Practices to heal and transform communities.
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An accomplished author of 12 awe-inspiring works, Dr. J shares her insights and passion to inspire others. When she's not impacting lives and fostering positive change, you can find her sporting her favorite gym shoes!
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Dr. Jones is not only a dedicated professional but also a loving wife and mother of five. Her commitment to family and community embodies the values we hold dear at The Roots Initiative.
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As a board member, Dr. J is excited to contribute her expertise to empower youth and promote restorative practices within our programs. We are thrilled to have her join us in activating the roots of change!
About
Janene Ingram - Board Member
Janene is a builder of systems and an equity-centered leader with over twenty years of experience in organizational leadership and development. As a Fractional Operations Consultant, she leverages her service orientation and strengths in strategy and project management to unburden visionaries by building and maintaining the infrastructure needed to help them create sustainable, thriving businesses and nonprofits. An avid learner who greatly values leading with compassion and a lens of curiosity, Janene's collaborative approach has been a foundational tool in her success.
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A proud graduate of Whitney M. Young Magnet High School—the same high school as Michelle Obama—and a former Chicago Public Schools teacher, Janene's experiences in some of Chicago’s schools fuel her passion for educational equity. As an alum of the Surge Institute’s signature fellowship program, she is wholeheartedly committed to working toward a more just world. Janene is excited to serve as an inaugural member of The Roots Initiative Board of Directors because she recognizes the key opportunity to contribute to the development of middle school students.
About
Robbie Curry - Board Member
Robbie is a nationally respected leader in education, known for his strong track record in strategic planning, team management, and innovative project execution.
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As the Founder and CEO of The M.A.R.C.U.S Literacy Project, Robbie merges education and technology to empower students through engaging literacy programs. His leadership has secured significant grants and elevated the organization's visibility through effective media campaigns.
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Previously, Robbie has held key leadership roles, including serving as Chief Academic Officer at Aspira Inc. of Illinois and Director of Portfolio Performance for the Illinois State Charter School Commission. His efforts have positively impacted thousands of students by promoting educational equity and transforming learning environments.
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Robbie holds a Master’s in Education from Bank Street Graduate School and a Bachelor's from Pitzer College. He combines academic rigor with a deep commitment to transforming educational landscapes.
About
Terrence Pruitt - Board Member
Terrence is a creative and innovative educator, as well as a healer on a journey to find healing and restoration for himself, his family, and his ancestors. His pursuit inspires him to stand in solidarity with those working to heal and liberate themselves and others. He is passionate about affirming the humanity of all who have been targeted, harmed, or dehumanized by systems of oppression.
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Believing that together we can "re-member," "re-people," and restore our worlds, Terrence is committed to transforming communities and fostering unity.
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As the Co-Founder and CEO of Project Restore Initiative, Terrence leads a trusted global partner standing in solidarity with communities of color and other marginalized groups. Their mission focuses on affirming the full dignity of humanity and impacting the disparities and inequities that often create obstacles to collective well-being.
About
Cedric Beard - Program Associate
Meet Cedric Beard, a remarkable individual whose dedication to community and teamwork shines through everything he does. Raised in the vibrant neighborhood of Englewood, Chicago, Cedric’s journey began at Urban Prep Charter Academy, where he laid the foundation for his passion for political science at Lewis University.
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With years of experience as an insurance agent, Cedric brings a wealth of knowledge in risk management and client relations to our team. His professional expertise is matched only by his commitment to fostering collaboration and support—values he learned from his large family and honed through years of playing and coaching sports.
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When he’s not busy making a difference in the workplace, Cedric indulges in a variety of hobbies that reflect his creative spirit. Whether he’s tackling construction projects or curating the perfect music playlists, he finds joy in expressing himself and staying active. You might even catch him shooting hoops to keep that balance in life!
About
Aleah Moore - Program Associate
Aleah Moore is a non-profit leader and business strategist deeply committed to supporting grassroots community organizations. With a combined experience of over eight years in entrepreneurship and finance, she has been recognized in various publications for her achievements. Her expertise extends beyond business strategy and leadership. She also serves as a cultural translator, working to transform the landscape for women and youth primarily from the South and West Sides of Chicago by facilitating connections between local and corporate organizations and the communities they serve to promote diversity, equity, and growth. Aleah's unique skillset and passion for supporting grassroots organizations make her a valuable asset to any organization committed to social responsibility and community development.