Martha Ross

Martha Ross is a senior fellow at the Metropolitan Policy Program at Brookings. She researches and writes about workers and the labor market, with a focus on creating a healthy economy that offers opportunity for all. Her 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, she 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, Martha 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. She 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, she was detailed to the Council of the District of Columbia, focusing on local workforce development policy.

EDUCATION

• Master of Arts, School of Social Service Administration, University of Chicago
• Bachelor of Arts, Colorado College