“Your Human Talent is Your Most Important Talent.”  Carla Harris

Jerry Pender is a logistics expert who analyzes data to improve processes for programs that impact disenfranchised communities.  He uses his logistics and business intelligence expertise to recommend policy improvements for childcare, prison transition programs, and veteran transition programs.  He is a certified Georgia Department of Corrections Volunteer Associate. Jerry has also organized political campaigns and is an entrepreneur with extensive experience in the childcare industry.  Jerry completed his undergraduate studies in economics at the University of Florida.  He holds master’s degrees from Georgia College & State University (Logistics and Supply Chain Management) and Fullsail University (Business Intelligence). He spent four years as an Officer in the United States Navy.

Mary Kate Knoell is a rising junior majoring in business administration with a concentration in finance and a minor in healthcare studies. After graduating from the University of Richmond, she hopes to pursue a career in pharmaceutical and medical device sales or financial planning for patient care delivery. This summer, she is creating procedures for the Inclusive Peer Onsite Distance Mentoring Program and researching reproductive justice. WISER’s mission of disaggregating data by race is especially important when studying reproductive justice and health because Asian, Black, Hispanic, Indigenous American, and Multiracial women don’t experience the same access or barriers to reproductive healthcare in the U.S.

Roshelle Sumner is completing an Associate’s in Economics from Borough of Manhattan Community College. At BMCC, she served as the President of the Economics, Equality, and Environment Club. In addition, she founded the Economics Seminar Series, which brought notable Feminist economists and Nobel Laureate speakers to the school. She will continue her undergraduate studies at Hunter College.  When asked why she chose to work for WISER, she said, “I believe in WISER’s push to disaggregate and humanize data for policy-making, and I’m excited to collaborate with a diverse group of women at the forefront of that kind of important work.”

Zaria Roller is a sophomore QuestBridge Scholar at Williams College majoring in Economics with a concentration in Africana Studies. She has worked as a Teaching Assistant and Research Assistant in the Williams Economics Department and has experience interning for nonprofits. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys making textile art, learning guitar, and singing.  When asked why she listed WISER as a choice for her AEA Summer Training Program experiential learning experience, she said,  “I want to amplify the unique experiences of women of every race. For this reason, I was drawn to WISER’s commitment to inclusive women-focused policy, and I am excited to contribute to this  I am excited to contribute to this important work.”