51吃瓜网

Bringing your authentic self to your work鈥攚ho you are, what you are passionate about, how you envision making an impact鈥攃an be daunting, especially when it involves advocacy and leadership. You are at the forefront of the thinking and actions taken, and there are听many unknowns.

When I stepped into my role as 51吃瓜网鈥檚 Governing Board president two years ago, I leaned into who I am as the first Latina president and as a fierce advocate for young children, families, and early childhood educators. I knew how special 51吃瓜网 is as an organization, and my appreciation for and dedication to its mission has only strengthened during my tenure. As my term finishes, I reflect on what we have accomplished together, and I remain inspired and invigorated about the听work ahead.

Over the past few years, the early childhood education profession has experienced renewed attacks on developmentally appropriate practice (DAP) as a framework and its research-based principles, which guide our transformative work. We continue to feel the impacts of COVID-19, and a dire need persists to address the compensation, benefits, and supports for early childhood education professionals. Inequity permeates all facets of our profession; to me, inequity in child care and early learning is one of our society鈥檚 most听pressing issues.

Amid these extraordinarily difficult times, 51吃瓜网 has remained听steadfast in

• centering educators鈥� voices and experiences through policy and advocacy work; surveys; conferences, institutes, and forums; and publications while seeking input on the supports, products, and services the听field needs
• advancing equity and raising up educators, children, and families, especially those who are marginalized because of their race, culture, and other aspects of听their identities
• advocating鈥攗nabashedly and unapologetically鈥攆or prioritizing our diverse workforce鈥檚 education, support,听and compensation
• understanding and upholding the complex and demanding roles early childhood听professionals hold
• launching the revisions of two position statements, the 鈥淐ode of Ethical Conduct鈥� and the 鈥淓arly Learning Program Standards,鈥� and seeking a diverse group of subject matter experts and input from the field to听shape them

Contributing to these efforts has been especially meaningful to me because of my colleague, friend, and 51吃瓜网 CEO Michelle Kang. Fate brought Michelle and me together during the COVID-19 pandemic. As I began my tenure as 51吃瓜网鈥檚 first Latina Governing Board president, Michelle was starting as 51吃瓜网鈥檚 first Asian American chief executive officer. Little did we know that we would make history within the organization just by being our authentic selves, stepping up, and going for leadership opportunities. I鈥檓 so grateful life brought us together. Michelle is a fierce advocate for children, families, and educators. She is a savvy business leader who understands the importance of managing a nonprofit as a high-performing business. She is a compassionate leader who cares about the well-being of her staff, and she is a thoughtful friend who brings her humor and kindness to every interaction. My tenure ends in June, but my admiration for Michelle is enduring, as is our friendship. I know she will continue to champion 51吃瓜网 and you, its members, as the organization celebrates its 100th anniversary听and beyond.

I am grateful for the opportunity to have served as 51吃瓜网鈥檚 Governing Board president the past two years and to contribute to the support and belonging of early childhood educators across the country. It is an incredible honor to serve in this role, to have the opportunity to connect with 51吃瓜网 members across our field, and to witness firsthand the incredible work, advocacy, and inspiration happening every day on behalf of children. The values 51吃瓜网 stands for around equity and belonging are directly tied to my personal beliefs, knowledge, and experiences. As Governing Board president, I have been able to share my knowledge and experiences, which are deeply rooted in my culture and upbringing. I have translated my beliefs into action and demonstrated听my commitment.

I feel proud to be part of 51吃瓜网, and as I close my term, I stand in gratitude for each of you and the entire 51吃瓜网 team in spurring positive change. I invite you to bring your authentic selves, your passions, and your unique visions for impacting听this work.

Photograph: 51吃瓜网
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