Meet Our Team

From left to right: Ronnie Rivera, Ebony Lewis, and Glenna Scholle-Malone.

Ebony Lewis (she/her/hers), Director

Email: lewise2@milwaukee.k12.wi.us
Phone: 414-777-7864 (office)

Ebony Lewis’ mission in life is to inspire youth and youth advocates so they can aspire to achieve their dreams with passion, mental wellness, and love. She has always had a heart to serve others and has dedicated the last 15 years of her life to doing just that.

After graduating from Columbia College in Chicago and working many years in marketing and public relations, Ebony sought a career where she could make a difference every single day tapping into her passion for young people. She is director of the Department of Gender & Identity Inclusion at Milwaukee Public Schools, which focuses on providing support, access, and opportunities for girls of color and LGBTQ+ youth.

A proud alumna of MPS Rufus King International Baccalaureate High School, Ebony is excited to work in the district in a capacity that allows her to enhance the overall experiences of students, staff, and families.

Ebony is a proud wife and the mother of two boys. She is a graduate of Cardinal Stritch University’s African American Leadership Program, a member of TEMPO Milwaukee’s Emerging Women Leaders group, and was named one of Milwaukee’s 40 Under 40 by the Milwaukee Business Journal in 2019. She is the author of Dear Black Boy: It’s OK to Cry, a book about mental wellness in black and brown boys, a topic she is extremely passionate about.

Glenna Scholle-Malone(she/her/hers), Coordinator

Email: schollg@milwaukee.k12.wi.us
Phone: (414) 475 - 8070

Glenna Scholle-Malone was born and raised in Milwaukee and is a proud alumna of Milwaukee Public Schools. She earned her bachelor of science degree at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and her master of science degree at Edgewood College.

Over the past 12 years, Glenna has sought to improve the awareness of, access to, and ultimate completion of higher education for traditionally excluded student populations in both the Milwaukee and Madison communities. Her experience in K–12 education, higher education, and community-based organizations has provided her with dynamic spaces and opportunities to build relationships and partnerships and to make change.

Led by personal passion and purpose, Glenna serves as the coordinator for girls of color in the MPS Department of Gender & Identity Inclusion. She is committed to her role as her sister's keeper. Through education, advocacy, support, and partnerships, she is determined to lead the improvement and prioritization of the entire experience of girls of color in the district.

Outside of work, Glenna serves her community as a personal trainer and spin instructor. She is dedicated to supporting the holistic (mind, body, and spirit) growth and wellness of others.

Ronnie Rivera (any-all), Coordinator

Email: riverar4@milwaukee.k12.wi.us
Phone: (414)475-8066

Ronnie Rivera was born in Chicago and was raised in the city as well as the suburb of Elk Grove Village. Ronnie moved to Wisconsin, where he received his bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in social work with a minor in LGBTQ+ studies from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. After graduating, Ronnie moved to Milwaukee, where he continued his career as a social worker.

Over the next seven years, Ronnie worked in the social work realm providing services that are culturally sustaining, equity focused, and trauma informed to people who have historically been excluded and forgotten. Ronnie worked as a school social worker for more than five years before entering his current role as coordinator for the MPS Department of Gender & Identity Inclusion.

Outside of MPS, Ronnie also works at Courage House MKE, the first and only group home in the state of Wisconsin that specifically houses LGBTQ+ residents in the system. Ronnie also volunteers as an HIV counselor for Brady East STD Clinic on Milwaukee’s east side. Ronnie brings a vast array of LGBTQ+ expertise and draws on professional and personal experiences as someone who identifies as queer, Taíno, and Puerto Rican.

Outside of work, Ronnie is a proud husband, son, and older sibling. He enjoys listening to Bad Bunny’s newest song or reading the latest novels.

RJ Smith (he/him/his), Planning Assistant

RJ Smith, a native of Milwaukee, WI, is a distinguished artist and filmmaker known for their unwavering commitment to reinvigorating narratives that delve into healing, transformation, and social justice themes. With a versatile skill set encompassing cinematic storytelling, television and film production, screenwriting, acting, and graphic design, RJ brings a multifaceted approach to their craft.

Among RJ's recent achievements is the production of award-winning short documentary films, including "BLACK STRINGS" (2023) and "The Heartland" (2020), showcasing their talent for creating thought-provoking content. RJ also serves as a Design Consultant at Langston League, where they have played a pivotal role in shaping the design for the Wakanda Forever curriculum, PBS's The Big Payback Documentary Film Discussion Guide & Reparations Repair Toolkit, and Netflix’s African Queens & Queen Cleopatra educational guides.

Presently, RJ holds the role of Planning Assistant II, LGBTQ+ at Milwaukee Public Schools within the Department of Gender & Identity Inclusion. Their involvement in these projects and roles underscores their dedication to advancing impactful storytelling that captivates audiences while championing social justice causes.

In essence, RJ Smith is a gifted artist and filmmaker driven by a fervent desire to breathe fresh life into narratives that promote healing, transformation, and social justice. RJ's extensive experience in the film industry, coupled with their artistic and technical prowess, enables them to craft compelling content that resonates with audiences on a global scale.