Dr. Erica Robertson, Image courtesy of Dr. Erica Robertson
Dr. Erica Robertson, known to her peers as “Dr. Rob,” is no ordinary educator. A Detroit native and Navy veteran, she passionately advocates for youth empowerment, mental well-being, and literacy. Dr. Robertson is revolutionizing the educational landscape both in the United States and globally. Devoted to shaping humanity’s future, she blends virtual reality technology, peace education, and innovative strategies to equip the next generation with the skills they need to thrive emotionally in an increasingly complex world.
As the Founder, CEO, and Author at Adventures Publishing House, she is redefining children’s books and curriculums. The publishing company is recognized for aligning with state academic standards and focusing on evidence-based practices. Notably, it emphasizes multicultural texts, ensuring that children from diverse backgrounds see themselves represented in literature.
Dr. Robertson’s extensive library includes more than 15 children’s books, including her flagship young adult novel, The Adventures of a Little Black Detroit Girl Homecoming, inspiring countless young readers. The heart of her work started with her own story after experiencing the loss of her mother and sister to suicide; she wanted to be intentional about her journey of healing but also intentional about making a safe space for young people to heal.
“I wanted to just share that story with other people, young people, because I wrote it as a young adult novel so that they knew that even if you have a hard start, you can transform your life and change your life, your family, and your community if you ask for help and that there are good people around you,” Robertson said.
“I always wanted to write curriculum, like textbooks. It’s a time in life where I can combine my passion and calling, which I believe is a calling, and create a viable opportunity for myself and make an impact in this world.”
As a recognized leader in the field of education, Dr. Robertson’s unique perspective is informed by her extensive global experiences, including her time spent working across diverse cultures, languages, and educational systems. This diverse background has enabled her to create innovative educational solutions like the Virtual Reality Youth Peace Literacy Initiative, which is revolutionizing how youth engage with literacy, peacebuilding, and mental well-being.
Image courtesy of Dr. Erica Robertson
The Virtual Reality Youth Peace Literacy Initiative, developed under the umbrella of Adventures Publishing House, is an immersive educational experience designed for young learners aged 10-17. The initiative combines the principles of Peace Literacy with core English Language Arts practices, emphasizing the power of language as both a tool for communication and a transformative force in shaping actions, behaviors, and perceptions. With the aid of cutting-edge virtual reality gaming experiences, children can now immerse themselves in scenarios where they learn essential skills like conflict resolution, critical thinking, and empathy, all while enhancing their literacy skills.
“I started digging into peace literacy and peace education, which has been around for a while, and the data has focused a lot on adults, but not so much on children,” Robertson said.
“I thought, what if we could teach young people this at a very early age, as soon as they can read, already start changing their mindsets, right before they even start digging into some of the violent VR games, and create an exciting experience for them to learn the skills of peace, empathy, hope, problem solving, decision making, and help them understand that these are their real superpowers.”
Beyond her work with VR and peace literacy, Dr. Robertson’s leadership extends to her role as the Author, Founder, and CEO of Adventures Publishing House, an international children’s book publisher that is reshaping the landscape of youth literature. Specializing in multicultural texts, the publishing house focuses on evidence-based practices that align with state academic standards, ensuring that the books are not only educational but also culturally relevant and inclusive.
Image courtesy of Dr. Erica Robertson
Dr. Robertson’s has held significant leadership roles in K-12 education, serving as the superintendent of Promise Schools, Deputy Director at the Detroit Children’s Fund, and Managing Director of Strategy, Data & Technology at KIPP Memphis Collegiate School District.
Her business expertise includes building the European Change Management Center of Excellence and serving as the Director of Change Management for Western & Eastern Europe at Nike Inc. Her unique career trajectory is a testament to her ability to bridge the gap between education, business, and social change.
In addition to her professional achievements, Dr. Robertson holds multiple degrees, including her Doctorate of Education from Vanderbilt University Peabody School of Education, a BA from the University of Michigan–Ann Arbor, and an MBA from the University of Michigan.
As an active member of the Board of Directors Executive Committee for both Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit and the Regional Transit Authority of Southeast Michigan, Dr. Robertson continues to champion the causes she believes in, including workforce development, community growth, and equitable access to education.
Dr. Robertson’s work is a testament to the power of education to change lives. Through her pioneering efforts in peace literacy, mental well-being, and youth empowerment, Robertson is truly a leader for the future, lighting the pathway for young adolescents to follow and progress for the next generation.
However, she isn’t doing this work alone. She highlights that this kind of work takes a village of partners and supporters and gives special thanks to Michigan State Representatives Regina Weiss, Joe Tate, and Tyrone Carter.
“I shared this idea with some of our key legislators in Michigan over the last year this idea, and I’ve got so much support from our legislators, who spearheaded this proposal, and this piece of the bill is really important the overall objective of this program is in the pilot phase, we’re going to take year two now,” Robertson said.
“Having those supportive grassroots organizations like Detroit Parent Network and Focus: HOPE, who focus on giving parents and their children the tools they need to be successful, especially around education equity. They’ve been a great partner in making sure that the parents are at the table.”
For more information on the Virtual Reality Youth Peace Literacy Initiative and Adventures Publishing House, visit, adventurespublishinghouse.com/
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