“There are lots of talented people working in early childhood that really care about children. I’m always lifted up when I get the opportunity to be with and learn from my peers and friends.”
What inspired you to pursue a career in philanthropy, particularly in early childhood?
My being in philanthropy was an unplanned accident. I suspect many of us had a similar wandering path. Soon after entering I realized it was work that fit my skills, personality and values. I do not have an academic or professional background in early childhood, from personal experience I knew (two sons) how important it was to provide them with enriching experiences in their formative years. I also learned how expensive it was to have two children in childcare. As I have learned more about the science of early childhood, I can say I am a true believer.
What systemic shifts are most critical right now in early childhood and philanthropy?
How much time do you have? In the nearest term, how does philanthropy respond to the equally important need to mitigate near term threats to programs that support young children and families while simultaneously building capacity to develop and sustain an agenda that would elevate investments in children and families as a priority for our nation. While there is agreement both are necessary, I think it fair to say that it can also feel like these choices are in competition for a limited pool of resources. Philanthropy has a role to play. It’s part money, but it’s more than that, what is that role?
Who is a Black leader—historical or contemporary—who has influenced your leadership and advocacy?
So many, but I’m going to cite Sydney Poitier. When I was young, I thought he was the coolest man on the planet; I still think that today. I was not only an admirer of his talent, but his whole persona signaled to me that a Black man could exist in any environment (real or fictional) and be the most competent, dignified, refined, and smartest person in the room and not have to apologize for it. It wasn’t until much later that I learned about his social activism which made me admire him even more. Many years ago, I saw him in a restaurant in Los Angeles. He had to be in his late sixties or early seventies at the time and even at that age he was a magnetic person in the room.
How do you see your work contributing to the legacy of Black leaders in early childhood philanthropy?
I had the great pleasure of seeing Nikki Giovanni speak a few months before her passing. At the end of her presentation, she sat for an interview with two adolescent Black girls. They asked her what it meant to her to be considered an inspiration for women and activists. She replied that she did not consider herself an inspiration for others. Her work is what motivated her and if others were inspired by it, so be it. She shared she would do her work if no one noticed. She encouraged the girls not to look to others but to find inspiration from within and do the work that excites them. I feel the same; look inside and do what moves you.
What advice would you give to the next generation of Black leaders in philanthropy and advocacy?
Not sure I should be giving anyone advice. If pressed I’d say, always be learning, don’t worry about things that are out of your control, prioritize relationships, observe how leaders you admire treat people and find things to do outside of work you can enjoy alone or with others.
What gives you hope for the future of early childhood philanthropy, and how can ECFC members be part of the change?
There are lots of talented people working in early childhood that really care about children. I’m always lifted up when I get the opportunity to be with and learn from my peers and friends. ECFC provides a place for the field to come together and learn with and from each other. Providing a forum for communication, relationship building, and engagement cannot be understated.