Daniela Schröter, Ph.D.

Dr. Schröter is an Associate Professor in WMU’s SPAA, WMU’s Presidential Innovation Professor (2024-2027), and an evaluation consultant. She imbues many of her courses with projects from local and national nonprofit organizations to provide students with hands-on opportunities in planning programs, performance measurement, evaluations, and grant writing. Dr. Schröter is the principal investigator of the CERPS program.

Izzy Pratt

Izzy is a graduate student seeking a Master's of Public Administration with an anticipated graduation in December of this year (2025). She is a participant in the Accelerated Graduate Degree Program, graduating with Bachelor's degrees in Musical Arts and Public and Nonprofit Administration in December of 2024. Izzy wishes to pursue a career in Arts Administration, hoping to further support for arts education across the country. Izzy is the Project Coordinator and a Graduate Student Researcher for CERPS.

Hunter Winger

Hunter is a graduate student seeking a Master of Public Administration with an anticipated graduation in May 2026. After serving as an active National Guardsman at the Kalamazoo Armory, he brings a strong community-focused perspective paired with experience in HR, benefits administration, and compliance processes. Through the MPA program, Hunter aims to further develop his expertise in nonprofit management, policy implementation, and data-driven community impact. Hunter is a Graduate Student Researcher for CERPS.

Aidan Sowerby

Aidan is a senior at Western Michigan University studying Nonprofit Administration and Gender & Women's Studies. With a strong foundation in advocacy, community organizing, and nonprofit operations, Aidan brings a people-centered approach to equitable change. Their academic and professional experiences have been shaped by a deep commitment to access, inclusion and social impact. They have worked with CRM systems, conducted research, and led collaborative initiatives grounded in compassion, curiosity, and justice.  As they prepare for graduation, Aidan is focused on expanding their influence in nonprofit leadership and intersectional equity work. Aidan is an Undergraduate Student Researcher for CERPS.

Alexia Kryszewski

Alexia is an undergraduate student seeking a Bachelor of Science in Nonprofit and Public Administration and Youth and Community Development with an anticipated graduation in the Summer of 2026. Alexia is pursuing a career focused on breaking barriers in the education system for both students and staff. She hopes to continue studying global education systems. Alexia is an Undergraduate Student Researcher for CERPS.

Prior contributors

Vincent Reitano, Ph.D.

Dr. Vincent Reitano co-initiated the grant and served as its co-principal investigator.

Heather Jach Turner, Ph.D.

Dr. Turner holds a Ph.D. in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from Adler University, and an M.P.A from Western Michigan University. She serves as an adjunct professor at the School of Public Affairs and Administration and teaches courses such as Fundraising for Nonprofit Organizations, Human Resource Management, and Managing Nonprofit Organizations. In addition to teaching at Western Michigan University, Dr. Jach Turner consults with Kalamazoo nonprofits in the areas of fundraising, organizational development and capacity building.

Bea Renner

Bea Renner is a third-year undergraduate student majoring in Cybersecurity and double minoring in Music and Criminal Justice. With a strong commitment to public service, Bea wishes to pursue a career with the Michigan State Police as a forensic analyst. Her goal is to use her technical skills and criminal justice knowledge to aid the public.

Robert Carico

Robert is pursuing an Master's in Public Administration at WMU. He holds an Associate’s degree in Business Administration and a Bachelor’s degree in Public and Nonprofit Administration and Environment and Sustainability. Robert’s key interests are the green industry and environmental justice.  He is currently a volunteer for Battle Creek’s NAACP Branch, serving as the Chair of the Environmental Justice and Labor and Economic Committees.

Zion Bahre

Zion Bahre is a fourth-year undergraduate student majoring in Statistics and minoring in Biological Sciences and Comparative Religion. She has always been inclined towards nonprofit organizations and is passionate about making a positive impact in the world. Bahre aims to pursue a graduate degree in Public and Nonprofit Administration to further a career in prominent NGOs, such as the United Nations or the World Health Organization.

For students

• ARNOVA
• Employment opportunities
• IPPA
• IRSPM)
• KVHH
• Lib Guides
• MNA
• ONEPlace

For the community

• PADM Courses
• Candid