We are thrilled to welcome five exceptional evaluators to the Advancing Culturally-responsive and Equitable (ACE) Evaluation Network in 2024. These professionals bring unique perspectives, lived experiences, and a shared commitment to advancing culturally responsive and equitable evaluation (CREE).

With this addition, the ACE Evaluation Network has grown to 123 members! As the network continues to expand, this milestone highlights the power of collaboration, and the importance of creating a community that celebrates diversity, fosters innovation, and promotes equity in evaluation practices. These new members enhance ETB’s ability to collectively push boundaries and drive meaningful, community-centered change. 

Their expertise and dedication to CREE exemplify Expanding the Bench’s (ETB) mission, and in a time of constant change and challenge, we look forward to continuing to build the ETB Community. Together, we aim to nurture an evaluation ecosystem that centers the voices of the communities we serve and advances equity through collective action. 

Meet the New Members
Alison T. McNeil (She/Her/Hers)

Alison McNeil is a nationally recognized, award-winning strategist and creative entrepreneur dedicated to making arts and culture accessible to historically excluded communities. With over 20 years of experience, she has addressed disparities in funding, hiring, and impact documentation. As Chief Creative Officer of McNeil Creative Enterprises, Alison has led multi-million-dollar change efforts, informed policy, strengthened operations, and developed strategic partnerships. A co-founder of Women of Color in the Arts (WOCA), she champions equity and leadership in the arts. Her work includes publishing, presenting, and fostering culturally responsive evaluation and systemic change for diverse stakeholders.

Ciara Knight, PhD (She/Her/Hers)
Dr. Ciara Knight is an evaluation and research professional with over 15 years of experience, is dedicated to equity and social justice. Her work focuses on culturally responsive approaches, particularly in evaluating health and science education programs. Dr. Knight integrates social science research to address cultural, organizational, and political influences on evaluation practice. Passionate about education, she inspires others through teaching and mentorship, emphasizing the importance of cultural responsiveness and equity. By fostering societal change and advancing equitable practices, Dr. Knight contributes to shaping the next generation of evaluators while promoting justice and inclusion across diverse fields.

Yen Chau (She/Her/Hers)

Yen Chau brings over 20 years of experience in evaluation, strategy, facilitation, and coaching. She focuses on developing equitable, impactful strategies with historically marginalized communities by fostering conversations, reflection, and sense-making. Yen supports critical thinking, evidence-based decision-making, and challenging mental models to broaden perspectives and inspire transformative possibilities. 

Tristi Nichols, PhD (She/Her/Hers)

Dr. Tristi Nichols has worked with the United Nations and various organizations in post-conflict settings. A Cornell graduate in program evaluation and planning, she brings global experience and a commitment to fostering change.

Nicole Martin Rogers, PhD (She/Her/Hers)

Dr. Nicole Martin Rogers (White Earth Ojibwe, descendant) has been with Wilder Research since 2001, providing evaluation and research services to diverse programs. She holds degrees in psychology, sociology, public policy, and a doctorate in sociology from the University of Minnesota. Nicole designs community-based research projects, supports data-driven decision-making, and values informal learning through her professional and volunteer roles. She volunteers on the Roseville Schools Indian Education Parent Committee and serves on boards, including Interfaith Action and the Department of Indian Work Advisory Council. A former president of the Minnesota Evaluation Association, Nicole also co-directs the Saint Paul Children’s Collaborative.