Collaboration for Good, a social enterprise that combats economic inequity through workplace innovationm, has hired Dr. Jara Ríos-Rodríguez as Operations Director, according to a press release from the organization.
“We promote meaningful work, good pay, diverse leadership, and community service. Dr. Jara Ríos-Rodríguez will help guide our Wisconsin-based nonprofit to accelerate economic equity with a focus on social impact,” the press release reads in part.
“I am delighted to join Collaboration for Good. I’ll be part of an organization that strives to impact change in our community by providing a comprehensive platform to support women and the BIPOC populations,” Ríos-Rodríguez said in a statement. “My new role allows me the opportunity to continue cultivating a life of service while ‘standing on the shoulders of giants.’ I’ll get to operationalize equity, diversity, and justice, which to me, are correlates of love.”
As the Operations Director, Dr. Jara Ríos-Rodríguez will work with the founder and executive director to improve organizational transparency, streamline processes, and broaden the organization’s services to aspiring and active BIPOC and women entrepreneurs and nonprofits and the social sector. She will manage stakeholder relations, including partners, clients, and targeted Black, Latino, Hmong, and other communities, according to the release.
“The pandemic inspired our growth as an organization. Crisis grows the opportunity for systemic change, and we plan to meet the challenge,” Founder and Executive Director Alnisa Allgood said in a statement. “Dr. Ríos-Rodríguez brings a wealth of expertise and experience. But above that, she cares. She cares about how economic inequality contributes to poverty, food insecurity, racism, sexism, and the crumbling of support systems.”
Ríos-Rodríguez will remain the Managing Editor for the Luso-Brazilian Review— a peer-reviewed academic journal that publishes interdisciplinary scholarship on the Portuguese, Brazilian, and Lusophone African cultures. Moreover, she plans to continue a range of community activities. She serves as a mentor with conNEXTions; serves as a coach for victims of domestic violence; has provided interpreting and translator services for UW Law School Clinic, Community Action Coalition, East High School, and BSP- Free Clinic; has been a companion or caregiver with Home Health United and Catholic Charities, and offers individual grief and trauma support.
“I look forward to being challenged by someone with just as much passion for community as I have,” Allgood said in a statement. “Jara will bring both innovation and procedure… tempered by care and grace. Her experience and goals will help us move forward while retaining the agility, respectfulness, generosity, and trust that are rooted in our organization.”
