We are excited to introduce you to our newest Cottonwood Institute (CI) Board Member, Elisha Roberts, who joined the CI Board in October 2023. Read on to learn more about Elisha!
What is your story? Where did you grow up and how did you get to where you are today?
I was born and raised in Denver, and was fortunate to be awarded the Daniels Fund Scholarship which allowed me to pursue both my passion for being in the sun away from snow, and getting a high quality college experience. I earned a bachelor’s degree in Politics from Occidental College and a Masters of Education, Curriculum and Instruction from Boston College. I thought I wanted to be on the Supreme Court since I was about 7 years old, that was until my freshman year of college when I read Savage Inequalities by Jonathan Kozol and decided the politics of education was my passion. I love to travel and I am passionate about issues of injustice locally, nationally and internationally. I am a firm believer that a high quality educational experience is critical to changing the status quo. I have spent time living and learning abroad in Botswana, Papua New Guinea, Japan, and other parts of S.E. Asian and Europe.
How did you discover Cottonwood Institute and what inspired you to join the Board?
When I started working at STRIVE Prep (now Rocky Mountain Prep) there were existing partnerships between Cottonwood and a few schools in the network. When I founded the STRIVE Prep RISE (now RMP RISE) campus, I knew Cottonwood Institute needed to be a core part of programming for our students. Too often in urban public education students do not get access to explore the outdoors, learn about the earth and themselves, so that was an important part of how I got to partner with Cottonwood many years ago. I was inspired to join the board because of the respect and belief I have in the organization.
What is your favorite thing to do outside?
I enjoy rollerblading and bike riding outside. I also would choose the ocean over the mountains most any day.
What is your go to trail snack when you go on a hike or camping trip?
It’s been a while since I’ve been camping, but one of my best friends would always make chicken salad that we would enjoy the first day of camping. (IYKYK)
