Martha Ross is a Senior Fellow at Brookings Metro. Ross researches and writes about workers and the labor market, with a focus on creating a healthy economy that offers opportunity for all. Ross’s recent work highlights low-wage workers, out-of-work young people and adults, the education and employment experiences of 18- to 24-year-olds, and pathways to good jobs for young people.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, Ross has written and spoken about the virus’ disproportionate impacts on low-wage workers and young adults, its effects on housing instability, and strategies to promote an equitable recovery.
Prior to joining Brookings, Ross was a presidential management fellow in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation in the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, where she focused on welfare policy. Ross has a master’s degree from the University of Chicago’s School of Social Service Administration and a bachelor’s degree from Colorado College. In 2007, Ross was detailed to the Council of the District of Columbia, focusing on local workforce development policy.
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Areas of Expertise
- The Washington, D.C. region
- Workforce development
- Post-secondary education
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Current Positions
- Senior Fellow, Brookings Metro
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Past Positions
- Deputy Director, Greater Washington Research at Brookings
- Presidential Management Fellow, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
- Program Associate, the Advocacy Institute
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Education
- Master of Arts, School of Social Service Administration, University of Chicago
- Bachelor of Arts, Colorado College