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

When I stepped into my role as NAEYC’s 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 NAEYC 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 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’s most pressing issues.

Amid these extraordinarily difficult times, NAEYC has remained steadfast in

• centering educators’ 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 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 their identities
• advocating—unabashedly and unapologetically—for prioritizing our diverse workforce’s education, support, and compensation
• understanding and upholding the complex and demanding roles early childhood professionals hold
• launching the revisions of two position statements, the “Code of Ethical Conduct” and the “Early Learning Program Standards,” and seeking a diverse group of subject matter experts and input from the field to shape them

Contributing to these efforts has been especially meaningful to me because of my colleague, friend, and NAEYC CEO Michelle Kang. Fate brought Michelle and me together during the COVID-19 pandemic. As I began my tenure as NAEYC’s first Latina Governing Board president, Michelle was starting as NAEYC’s 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’m 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 NAEYC and you, its members, as the organization celebrates its 100th anniversary and beyond.

I am grateful for the opportunity to have served as NAEYC’s 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 NAEYC members across our field, and to witness firsthand the incredible work, advocacy, and inspiration happening every day on behalf of children. The values NAEYC 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 my commitment.

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

Photograph: NAEYC
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