Monique Rizer Named Opportunity Nation Executive Director
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BOSTON, MA – The Board of Directors of Be The Change, Inc. a national nonprofit organization that creates issue-based campaigns designed to advance positive social change, is pleased to announce the appointment of Monique Rizer as Executive Director of Opportunity Nation following a national search.
Opportunity Nation is a bipartisan, cross-sector campaign to expand economic mobility and close the opportunity gap in America. Monique served as chief of staff for Be The Change, Inc. prior to her appointment as Executive Director.
“Monique has done a tremendous job as chief of staff and we believe she will bring fresh energy and perspective to Opportunity Nation’s multi-faceted work,” said Be The Change, Inc. Founder and CEO Alan Khazei.
“Monique is uniquely positioned to lead Opportunity Nation at this critical moment, as the attention of the nation is focused on closing the opportunity gap,” said Be The Change, Inc. President Rob Gordon III.
Previously, Monique served as deputy director of military spouse programs for the Military Officers Association of America and directed communications for Child Care Aware of America, elevating the role that quality, affordable child care plays in early education and the workforce. Monique began her post-secondary education path at community college and was part of the first class of Gates Millennium Scholars, a full scholarship that enabled her to attain her bachelor’s degree in journalism from Gonzaga University and a master’s in information management from Syracuse University.
“The board of Be The Change was impressed by Monique’s wide-ranging experience in nonprofit strategy, communications and policy, as well as her compelling personal story of opportunity,” said Jonathan Lavine, chair of Opportunity Nation.
A first-generation college graduate and mother of two sons who lives in the Washington, D.C. area, Monique frequently speaks about the obstacles she faced as a young adult through her role as an ambassador to The Aspen Institute’s Ascend Program, which aims to help children and families achieve educational success and economic security.
“My passion is creating innovative programs, leading teams and elevating partners who believe all people deserve access to opportunities that will improve outcomes for themselves, their families and their communities,” Monique said. “I am thrilled to join the Opportunity Nation team and to contribute to the collective vision of Be The Change, Inc. in this new role.”
About Opportunity Nation:
Opportunity Nation is a bipartisan, national coalition of more than 350 businesses, nonprofits, educational institutions and community leaders working to expand economic opportunity. Opportunity Nation seeks to close the opportunity gap by amplifying the work of its coalition members, advocating policy and private sector actions and releasing the annual Opportunity Index. Opportunity Nation is a campaign of Be The Change, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Contact:
Cara Willis, Director of Communications
cwillis@opportunitynation.org
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Cara Willis
Cara Willis is the Director of Communications at Opportunity Nation, leading the campaign’s efforts to make economic opportunity a central part of the national dialogue. Cara also directs all of the campaign’s major events, including the National Opportunity Summit. Read Cara's bio.
