Empowering Communities Through Research

Dr. Eddie Summers is the Director of The Cadence Institute for Policy and Society, a center he founded to serve as a hub for innovative research addressing some of society's most complex and challenging issues. The Cadence Institute is dedicated to policy research on law, democracy, civil rights, economic and community development, mental health education, and higher education. Dr. Summers co-authored a crucial study titled, 'U.S. HIV/AIDS Funding Cuts and Their Impact on LGBTQ+ Communities' in collaboration with The Thinkubator, further emphasizing his commitment to LGBTQ community advocacy.

In addition to his role at The Cadence Institute, Dr. Summers is a higher education executive and professor, currently serving as Vice President for Administrative Affairs at Anaheim University, where he oversees accreditation and operations. Previously, he was the Executive Director of Pridelines, leading transformative growth and fundraising efforts that supported LGBTQ community advocacy.

Before his tenure at Pridelines, he held important positions as Program Director and Primary Therapist at i-Kare Treatment Center and as Primary Therapist at United Recovery Project in Palm Beach County. Dr. Summers is also a partner with The Thinkubator Counseling, a Florida-based organization focused on holistic mental health education and wellness for the LGBTQ community. His extensive background also includes founding, presiding, and serving as CEO of The Thinkubator, a nonprofit in the Bronx dedicated to empowering communities through education and opportunity.

With over 20 years of experience in public policy, youth empowerment, and mental health, Dr. Summers has taken on leadership roles in higher education at institutions such as Marist College, Union College, and Long Island University. At Marist College, he worked to expand opportunity programs and develop international service-learning initiatives. At Union College, he served as Chief of Staff to the President, where he led strategic planning efforts and strengthened community and government relations.

As Chief Strategy and Planning Officer at Long Island University, Dr. Summers oversaw university strategy, academic assessment, and special initiatives while also serving as an Assistant Professor of Public Administration. These diverse experiences have shaped his commitment to creating pathways for success and fostering inclusive environments in both academic and community settings.

Dr. Summers has been trained at some of the most reputable institutions in the country, including Marist College and The New School, earning a Ph.D. and M.Phil. An advocate for diversity, equity, and justice, he empowers young people, communities of color, and the LGBTQ community through education, leadership development, and innovative programming. Dr. Summers is currently enrolled in law school at Northwestern California University School of Law.