About Dr. Edward Summers

Dr. Edward Summers is a Therapist with The Thinkubator Counseling and the Director of The Think Tank at The Thinkubator, a research and policy center. He was the Executive Director of Pridelines, where he has led transformative growth over the past year and half. Under his leadership, Pridelines has expanded its reach and impact by opening three new sites, including its new headquarters in Liberty City, and a satellite office in Cutler Bay.  Dr. Summers has also overseen a tripling of staff, significant programming enhancements, and new partnerships, including initiatives focused on providing free health insurance, PrEP, and ARV drugs. 

Dr. Summers’ work has always centered on youth, education, workforce development, and community. Prior to his role at Pridelines, he was the Program Director and Primary Therapist at i-Kare Treatment Center and Primary Therapist at United Recovery Project in Palm Beach County. He is also a partner with The Thinkubator Counseling, a Florida-based holistic mental and physical health organization focused on providing health and wellness to the LGBTQ community. Before his professional experience in Florida, Dr. Summers was the Founder, President, and CEO of The Thinkubator, a Bronx-based nonprofit dedicated to empowering communities through education and opportunity.

Dr. Summers has extensive experience in higher education, having served in leadership roles 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, leading strategic planning efforts and strengthening 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 experiences have shaped his commitment to creating pathways for success and fostering inclusive environments in both academic and community settings.

With more than 20 years of experience in public policy, youth empowerment, and mental health, Dr. Summers has been trained at some of the most reputable institutions in the country, including Marist College and The New School. He holds a Ph.D. and M.Phil from The New School. 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.