Root 2 Rise Advisory Board

Dr. Edward Holmes and Mary Burke have agreed to serve on an Advisory Board for Root 2 Rise.

“The board will identify new opportunities for Root 2 Rise. Their unique experiences and perspectives will be invaluable in helping us serve more youth and in our support of education,” said Denise M. Hanson, founder and executive director of the nonprofit organization.



  • Dr. Edward S. Holmes is the former principal of Madison West High School and recently retired as  Director of Diversity and Inclusion at the Overture Center in Madison. During his 40-year career in education, he emphasized creative, community-based programs and inclusive, engaging, academically successful public schools. At the Overture Center, he emphasized equitable access to bias-free, high engagement programs. He earned undergraduate degrees in English and Political Science; a Masters of Science in Social Work, and a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis from the University of Wisconsin.




  • Mary Burke has led a varied career ranging from leadership positions in the private, public and nonprofit sectors to currently pursuing a career in clinical mental health counseling. Most recently she was CEO and founder of Building Brave, a non-profit that created digital communities to advance and empower women in organizations. Her positions have included Vice President of Finance for Intrepid Corporation, Director of European Operations for Trek Bicycle, and Wisconsin’s Secretary of Commerce. In 2014 she became the first woman to win the nomination for Governor of Wisconsin from a major party. Mary earned her BS in Business Administration at Georgetown University and her MBA from Harvard University.