Elizabeth Kesner is a nonprofit professional providing strategic people and operations leadership at NewRoot Learning Institute. Elizabeth leads the organization’s People + Operations Team in nurturing the internal logistical, relational, and strategic conditions that will enable NewRoot to meet its social impact goals. Rooted in direct student Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) service-provision in Chicago Public Schools, NewRoot is expanding its impact nationally by investing in sustainable adult restorative practices and mindsets that equip a community of educators who drive whole-school SEL development. Before NewRoot, Elizabeth spent 11 years with United Friends of the Children in Los Angeles, California, an organization supporting young adults who have experienced foster care by providing housing and education services. As a United Friends college counselor and program manager, Elizabeth supported college students in navigating the complexities of college life on their own. Her 16 years of experience in the nonprofit sector have cemented Elizabeth’s commitment to helping social impact professionals and organizations be their best to do their best. A native West Virginian from small-town Appalachia, Elizabeth focused on African American history as an undergraduate student at the University of Virginia. She obtained a master’s degree in educational foundations from California State University, Los Angeles and a certificate in human resources management from the University of California, Los Angeles. Elizabeth lives in Bunker Hill, West Virginia with her incredible spouse and adorable cat.