Dr. Erica Robertson
THE FOUNDER
Dr. Erica Robertson, “Dr. Rob,” is a Doctor of Education, Fierce Child Advocate, Literacy Crusader, and International Strategic Change Leader. Dr. Rob is dedicated to equipping youth with the skillset and mindset required to elevate and advance humanity.
To achieve this transformational agenda, Dr. Rob serves as CEO/Founder of Education at Scale, a national non-profit organization focused on tackling systemic K-12 education issues to help eliminate the opportunity gap for students of color. A School Quality Crusader, Education Advocate and Status Quo Disrupter, Erica has made a personal commitment to spending the second half of her career driving systemic transformation in K-12 education that will help change the life trajectories of children all over Detroit. Erica believes whole child education is one of the key change levers.
Dr. Robertson's passion lies in the intersectionality of early brain development, mental well-being, peace education, and adult literacy. Her unique perspective on education stemming from her work on the international stage and extensive interactions with varied cultures, languages, and global experiences have uniquely equipped her to bring groundbreaking solutions like the Virtual Reality Youth Peace Literacy Initiative.
The Virtual Reality Youth Peace Literacy Initiative embodies Dr. Erica Robertson's vision of Youth Education Peace Literacy: "Youth Peace Literacy Education integrates the principles of Peace Literacy with core principles of English Language Arts, underscoring that language is both a tool for communication and a potent force shaping our perceptions, actions, behaviors, and interpersonal dynamics. This powerful combination supports, with intentionality, the holistic development of children in reading and writing, enhancing their capacity for empathy, critical thinking, conflict resolution, and communication" (Dr. Erica Robertson, 2023). The Virtual Reality Youth Peace Literacy Initiative provides immersive VR gaming experiences and a tailored curriculum for children aged 10-17. This pioneering endeavor leverages the unparalleled capabilities of virtual reality to immerse young minds in scenarios where they can cultivate mental well-being, learn the tenets of peace literacy, and bolster their literacy skills.
Erica has also held significant roles in K-12 education, serving as the superintendent of Promise Schools, a non-profit public Charter Management Organization, Deputy Director at Detroit Children’s Fund, and Managing Director of Strategy, Data & Technology at KIPP Memphis Collegiate School District. Complementing this educational expertise, she showcased her deep business acumen by building the European Change Management Center of Excellence and serving as the Director of Change Management for Western & Eastern Europe at Nike Inc. Dr. Robertson earned her Doctor of Education from Vanderbilt University Peabody School of Education, a BA from the University of Michigan -- Ann Arbor, and an MBA from U of M. She is an active member of the Board of Directors Executive Committee for both Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit and the Regional Transit Authority of Southeast Michigan. Beyond her academic and professional milestones, Dr. Erica Robertson is also honored to be a native Detroit girl and veteran of the US Navy.