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Rita Shewbridge
Senior Accessibility Analyst at Cambium Assessment
Professional Background
Rita Shewbridge is a seasoned professional with an impressive career that spans various sectors, including accessibility analysis, project management, and personal finance coaching. She currently serves as a Senior Accessibility Analyst at Cambium Assessment, where her expertise plays a crucial role in ensuring that digital assessments and educational resources are accessible to all students, regardless of their abilities. Rita's journey to this pivotal position is marked by diverse experiences that have shaped her skills and passions in accessibility and education.
Before joining Cambium Assessment, Rita made a significant impact as the Owner and Personal Finance Coach at 'The Wisest Penny.' In this role, she provided valuable guidance to individuals seeking to improve their financial literacy and make informed financial decisions. Her deep commitment to empowering others through knowledge reflects her dedication to improving lives through education, which remains a core theme throughout her career.
Rita’s earlier roles include her tenure at the American Institutes for Research, where she held dual positions as a Senior Web Accessibility Analyst and Technical Project Manager. During this period, she demonstrated her adeptness in managing complex projects while ensuring that accessibility standards were prioritized in both design and execution. These experiences underscore her dual expertise in technical project management and commitment to inclusive design principles.
Moreover, her skill set is complemented by her work at AnthroTronix, where she served as both a Design Engineer and Project Manager. Her role involved collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to develop innovative solutions that enhance user experiences across various platforms. This blend of engineering with project management honed her ability to balance technical requirements with project timelines effectively.
Rita’s career also includes earlier roles as a Publishing Coordinator at eSchool News and Marketing Coordinator at Foodtemps, where she gained valuable insights into communication strategies and the importance of market positioning within the education and food service industries.
Education and Achievements
Rita’s educational background is robust, laying a strong foundation for her professional endeavors. She earned her Master of Science degree from the prestigious Carnegie Mellon University, known for its cutting-edge programs in technology and applied science. This experience equipped her with advanced analytical skills that are invaluable in her current role focused on accessibility.
Prior to her graduate studies, Rita completed her Bachelor of Arts at Hollins University. This institution, renowned for fostering creativity and critical thinking, prepared Rita to approach problems with a keen artistic sensibility and a thorough understanding of user-centered design—a crucial aspect in her work in accessibility.
Achievements
Throughout her career, Rita Shewbridge has placed a significant emphasis on accessibility and inclusion. Her efforts at Cambium Assessment have directly contributed to enhancing educational opportunities for students with diverse needs. By actively advocating for and implementing accessibility standards, she ensures that educational assessments are not just equitable but also meaningful for all learners.
Rita’s passion for financial education through 'The Wisest Penny' has also made a notable impact, demonstrating her versatility and dedication to empowering individuals in their personal and financial growth. With a strong analytical background coupled with real-world coaching experience, she embodies a unique blend of skills that have motivated many to achieve their financial goals.
In her previous roles, Rita’s contributions to the American Institutes for Research were pivotal in shaping best practices for web accessibility in research-based environments, further solidifying her reputation as a leader in the field. Her transition from technical roles to accessibility advocacy illustrates her adaptability and forward-thinking approach, making her an asset in any professional setting.
In addition to her professional and educational achievements, Rita embodies a lifelong commitment to learning and growth. She actively seeks new opportunities to expand her skills in both technology and accessibility, staying updated on industry best practices and trends. This curiosity drives her to engage in continuous professional development, a quality that enhances her effectiveness as a leader in accessibility.
With her extensive background coupled with a genuine passion for advocacy and education, Rita Shewbridge is a remarkable figure dedicated to transforming the accessibility landscape and empowering individuals through finance and education.