Leaders working in the prenatal to age three (PN-3) and early childhood field play an integral role in maintaining the health and wellness of our children, families, and communities. Supporting leaders on the front lines of this movement to build momentum, move resources, and create and sustain a vision for their communities is essential to a just and joyful future for us all. The inaugural PN-3 Power Building Fellowship strategically centers leaders working with Pritzker Children’s Initiative-funded coalitions in New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio and Texas. This inspiring collective of leaders will engage in personal transformation, creating shared vision and values for their state coalitions, and answering: What do you want your field to look like in 5 years? Rockwood is delighted and honored to embark on this powerful journey with leaders whose skills, humanity, and “heart work” move mountains with and for marginalized children and families.
Please join us in welcoming and congratulating the 2024 PN-3 Power Building Fellowship cohort.
Alex is the Chief Communications Officer for AVANCE Inc. As a first-generation college student, Alex is passionate about the AVANCE mission and believes in the power of education as the great equalizer and wants to see the systemic inequities eliminated. Through his role as CCO, Alex is responsible for leading the organization’s communications, marketing, branding, and community engagement efforts. Alex has more than 15 years’ experience in communications and marketing for educational non-profits. Before joining AVANCE, Alex worked for WGTE PBS, Trellis (formerly Texas Guaranteed Student Loan Corporation), Austin ISD, and E3 Alliance, leading various marketing and community initiatives while also doing graphic design and video and photography. Alex received his Bachelor of Visual Communication Technology from Bowling Green State in Bowling Green, Ohio, and studied art, photography, and graphic design at the Studio Arts Center International in Florence, Italy.
Brenda is a social sector consultant and a co-founder of the newly emerging organization Interconnected Alchemy, a BIPOC founded and focused organization. During her professional career Ms. Blasingame has focused her work on systems change efforts that are addressing issues that most impact the lives of children, families and communities marginalized by racial injustices and social inequities. She has over two decades of experience working on public health issues such as child abuse prevention, tobacco prevention, homelessness, psycho-social well-being, maternal child health and birth equity. She has worked for over two decades specifically on early childhood/early learning systems development working across issue areas and sectors. She has worked at the executive and senior management level and her experience spans working in three sectors: non-profit, government/public and philanthropy at the local, state, and national levels.
Brianna is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Esperanza de Tejas, Inc. A Coastal Bend native, Brianna obtained her GED at the age of 18 and pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Social Science from the University of Houston-Downtown and a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Southern California. With over 12 years of experience in social services, Brianna has dedicated her career to addressing and mitigating the social determinants of health, ensuring that mothers are healthy and children have access to essential items they need for a strong start. For the past four years, Brianna has focused on providing vital resources to the most vulnerable communities, including diapers, wipes, formula, hygiene items, and access to community resources. She aims to create positive community outcomes, improve health, and expand educational opportunities for underrepresented populations throughout Texas. Brianna’s commitment to social justice and community well-being drives her efforts to make a tangible difference in the lives of families, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive.
Charles has over 21 years of experience working in Health & Human Services, Public Relations, Management, and DEI Strategy. He leads Lucas County Children Services’ DEI department in ensuring that their organizational methods of engagement, practices, and policies are effective, current, equitable, and data-supported. He is an evolving expert in leadership development, valuing methods of implementing mission-driven strategies. In a post-COVID society, he is both trauma-informed and trauma-trained and partners thoroughly with various systems within the Lucas County community. He has worked, volunteered, or partnered with notable non-profit agencies like Big Brothers Big Sisters, The Boys and Girls Club, The Boys Scouts of America, YMCA, and NAMI. He oversees various committees within his agency that focus on diversity and equity in the community. He is a public speaker, most recently discussing the significance of promoting fatherhood within African-American communities.
Colleen, M.Ed. is a member of the Navajo Nation, residing in Window Rock, Arizona. Her maternal clan is Naneesht’ezhi Tabaaha (Zuni Waters Edge People Clan), paternal clan is Kinlichii’nii, (Red House Clan), maternal grandfathers are Tohtsohnii (Big Water Clan), and paternal grandfathers are Kinya’aanii (Towering House). Her interest and focus have been in the field of early intervention and special needs services. Her current position as the McKinley County Early Childhood Coalition Coordinator entails partnering with stakeholders and creating a more cohesive, equitable and effective early childhood system and coordinating a continuum of family driven, community based, high quality prenatal to five programs and services that are available and accessible to all families in the county.
Danielle is the Director of Outreach and Parent Education at the Early Childhood Resource Center (ECRC). Danielle’s career has spanned 20+ years spent in both social services and education. Danielle is an advocate in the community for those that have been disenfranchised, especially children and families. Her personal and educational philosophy is based on Frederick Douglas’ quote “It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.” Danielle believes that the building blocks for healthy children exist in the prenatal space surrounding conception. That said, Danielle believes children are the responsibility of a whole community. Danielle is currently working on her doctorate in Learning & Organizational Change from Baylor University. She is a divorced single mother of 4 very different human beings. Through the years she has had many successes and challenges, but those four unique gifts of God delight and challenge her the most.
Deepa is the Director of Early Childhood Initiatives at SPAN Parent Advocacy Network, a non-profit, family organization in New Jersey. She is also the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” Ambassador, the Division for Early Childhood Recommended Practices (aRPy) Ambassador, and the State Parent Lead for New Jersey’s Early Childhood Initiatives (Help Me Grow, Early Childhood Comprehensive Systems Prenatal-3, and Home Visiting). Deepa is a well-recognized family leader and thought partner in the early childhood space at the local, state, and national levels. Deepa is deeply passionate about and committed to enhancing early childhood systems and family engagement outcomes because of her own experiences as an immigrant mother. Through individual assistance, peer-to-peer support, and trainings, she supports family leadership development and facilitates equitable family-professional partnerships. In collaboration with her state team, Deepa has also developed several resources for families with young children.
Dr. Waffiyah, founder of SHE MATTERS, a wellness movement inviting BIPOC/ALAANA women, girls, femmes to healing and liberation via consulting, healing circles, liberatory design curricula, interactive training and workshops. Currently, serving as The Chief Wellness Officer at The HUBB ATC, Mental Health Consultant/Facilitator for Simon Youth Academy, Consultant/Facilitator for NJ Child Welfare Training Program of Rutgers University, Deputy Director for (COCNJ), Board of Trustee for Berea Scholars, NYC and NECCS, NJ. She has 20 years experience working in Child Protection and Higher Education in NJ. Dr. Waffiyah expanded her advocacy and traveled to over fourteen countries throughout Africa, Central America and Europe bringing awareness, sharing in advocacy, encouraging responsibility, exchanging in engagement, and supporting resilience. Dr. Waffiyah subscribes to the Ethiopian Proverb, “S/He who learns, teaches.” Her charismatic engagement and infectious spirit ushers a pursuit of igniting purpose, inspiring self-discovery, and introducing possibilities.
Faryal is a dedicated advocate with a decade-long career in journalism and four years in grassroots organizing. She works with a nonprofit organization in New Jersey, where she champions healthcare access, paid leave, and financial justice. As a mother of two girls, aged 7 and 9, Faryal strongly believes in advocating for all things related to children — from home visitation programs to affordable childcare. Holding a master’s degree in mass communication, Faryal leverages her extensive experience to amplify the voices of those often unheard and is driven by a commitment to equity and justice, ensuring that marginalized communities receive the attention and resources they deserve. Outside of her professional endeavors, Faryal enjoys traveling with her family (she has been to 36 countries and speaks 4 languages), enriching her perspectives and fostering a global understanding of diverse cultures and issues.
Gloria is a transformative leader with 28 years of experience in the non-profit sector, specializing in early childhood advocacy. In 2017, she founded Black Child Development Institute – Ohio, an affiliate of the National Black Child Development Institute, dedicated to supporting Black and Brown children affected by poverty and racial discrimination through education and advocacy. She mobilizes communities to influence policy for equitable systems and develops programming to ensure all children have access to essential services and resources. G. has been an instructor for 16 years, focusing on child development, business practices, and taxation, supporting educators in enhancing their skills. Prior to BCDI Ohio, Gloria served as CEO of Early Childhood Options for 17 years, overseeing childcare operations and providing technical assistance and professional development for educators. Previously, she was CFO/Program Manager at Early Childhood Options for 10 years. She holds a Master of Non-Profit Management from David N. Myers University, a Bachelor of Business Administration from Cleveland State University, and SHRM-CP HR credential.
Ivette is a dedicated Latina business owner, consultant, and educator with over 15 years of experience specializing in enhancing care and educational services for family childcare providers in Cuyahoga County through the Care for Kids’ program. Her career focuses on overcoming language barriers in childcare through innovative training and professional development. As founder of IC Language Solutions, she provides B2B services in Family Childcare solutions and ESL classes, enriching educational opportunities for Latinos. At El Barrio, she progressed from Career Coach to Bilingual Instructor, earning my CWDP certification. Her work centers on advancing Latino educational empowerment by fostering growth and inclusion. She also advises New Jersey childcare professionals, supporting their development with tailored solutions. Dedicated to breaking cultural, economic, and language barriers in 2024, she ensures educational advancement for ourselves, family childcare providers and our children.
Jacob is the Deputy Policy Director at New Mexico Voices for Children, where he has led their early childhood work, as well as work on anti-poverty initiatives, which he’s done through research and statewide outreach and advocacy. Prior to joining NM Voices, Jacob worked in advocacy and coalition building in Illinois and California on early childhood and children’s health issues. He also worked as a government relations representative advocating for quality subsidized child care in several Western states. Before entering public policy, Jacob was a social worker and educator. Jacob holds a BA in Latin American History from Pomona College in Claremont, CA, and a Master’s in Social Work from Loyola University Chicago.
Jaye Wilson | CEO/Founding President, Melinated Moms
After 10+ years at Callen-Lorde, Jaye went through several transitions, both personally and professionally, which sparked the idea of creating a community of support that changed the narrative of motherhood, sisterhood and womanhood. Starting as a small mommy meetup group, Melinated Moms quickly grew into a health equity-focused women empowerment organization that changed the way community engagement related to maternal health. Melinated Moms is a MOM Profit – a community-centered women empowerment social enterprise supporting moms and women to become better versions of themselves through advocacy, education, awareness and entrepreneurship. They provide support for our community by creating opportunities for moms and women across the Melinated Spectrum to connect, engage and empower each other with the right support behind them. They primarily work with nonprofit and philanthropic organizations to curate community engagement opportunities that learn from the communities that we support; creating trust and real-time change with the community members as the primary stakeholders and changemakers.
Jenny is Executive Director for Empower House, a non-profit in San Antonio that offers layered, supportive programming for women and girls of color that empowers them to transform themselves, their families and their communities. Jenny holds a BA in English and has had a meandering career through the fields of public education, communications, advocacy, community health, and program development. She is passionate about co-creating spaces for healing and wholeness, especially for Black and brown women and girls, which has been the throughline across her career. She is also blessed to mother three remarkable young people who challenge her, ground her, inspire her, and make her life more beautiful. Jenny enjoys the outdoors, natural water, a good book, and a good cup of coffee.
Originally from El Paso, Texas, Jocelynn started her eye opening desire to delve into cultural learnings and volunteerism during her time in the United States Navy. Her service abroad equipped her with the leadership skills, strategic thinking, and resilience necessary to tackle challenges head-on and inspire others to do the same. She later became an instructor at Coastal Carolina Community College in North Carolina for 6 years, creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment for GED and military students’ success. She returned to El Paso where she became a Project Manager for an e-litigation support group and became drawn to the more immediate needs of the El Paso community. She transitioned as an Education Specialist and Parent Educator with United Way of El Paso where she worked collaboratively for 7 years alongside caregivers to promote early parenting skills and positive learning experiences for PN-5 children. She is currently the Associate Director of Advocacy at AVANCE Inc., leading advocacy efforts and implementing strategies to address key issues facing Texas communities in PN-5.
Jovanna rejoined the LANL Foundation after serving as the nation’s first Assistant Secretary for Native American Early Childhood Education and Care with the newly established cabinet level state Early Childhood Education and Care Department of New Mexico. Prior to her appointment, Jovanna worked for the LANL Foundation as the Pueblo Outreach Coordinator working with the Eight Northern Indian Pueblos to develop individual early childhood strategic plans. As the Early Childhood Community Outreach Director, she is revisiting the Tribal early childhood strategic plans and supporting the Vice President of Early Childhood in expanding early childhood work in advocacy, collaboration, and education. She maintains the Foundation’s critical partnership with the Eight Northern Indian Pueblos Council, Inc. to improve outcomes for children and families in an equitable and culturally responsive manner. Jovanna comes from the Pueblo of Nambe where she lives with her two children and husband. She earned a Master’s in Business Administration from New Mexico Highlands University and a Child Development Certificate through the Pueblo Outreach Cohort from Central New Mexico Community College.
Inspired at an early age by the incomparable Rep. Barbara Jordan, Karen is an advocate for children who look like and experience the same challenges that her own African American family encountered when she was growing up. Her work, first as an attorney and later as a policy advocate for nonprofits and elected officials, has involved advancing equitable policies for children and families marginalized by racism and other inequities. Karen is the founder of Crossover Partners, her consultancy business, and among the founders of Interconnected Alchemy, a nonprofit that supports community-based organizations and coalitions to harness their power, agency and self-determination to disrupt systems of oppression and create a future they envision for themselves. Karen is also a proud mom, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend to many, an avid reader, and a baseball fan (NY Yankees).
Lysette is the Policy and Operations Coordinator at Public Children’s Services Association where she provides public policy advocacy for safe children, stable families and supportive communities. Prior to joining PCSAO she worked for Groundwork Ohio – a research, policy and advocacy organization focused on the prenatal period to age five as the policy and community engagement associate. Before Groundwork, Lysette was a project manager for a drug policy non-profit that worked to reduce the stigma associated with drug policies. Lysette managed their “anti-stigma project,” educating the public and policymakers to treat people who use or used drugs with respect and without judgment. Lysette earned her bachelor’s degree in public leadership, management, and policy from the Ohio State University’s John Glenn College of Public Affairs. She specialized in race and public policy, served in the Public Affairs Multicultural Student Association, and worked for multiple social change organizations while at Ohio State. Lysette is a graduate of YWCA’s Kathy Duffy Espy “Leadership for Social Change” program and looks forward to her future in a leadership position.
Monica is the Executive Director of the New Mexico Breastfeeding Task Force. As a Certified Lactation Counselor and Community Interpreter, she has dedicated over 10 years to supporting families as a breastfeeding peer counselor. Monica is an alumnus of the Health Connect One Birth Leadership Academy and the NM Women of Color Leaders in Nonprofit. As a Mexican immigrant living in Albuquerque’s South Valley, she deeply understands the importance of centering BIPOC families and other marginalized communities to achieve healthier outcomes. Monica is passionate about ensuring communities have access to culturally competent, safe, and community-centered reproductive care. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys hiking and gardening with her husband and two children.
Monica is a maternal and public health advocate passionate about making our communities safer and healthier though care work with interpersonal and family systems. Monica recently graduated with a Masters of Science in Social Work from the University of Texas at Austin. Originally from Ohio, Monica is grateful to be part of a loving community in Austin, TX. She is a full-spectrum community doula, working primarily with Spanish-speakers who might be navigating U.S. healthcare systems for the first time while pregnant. Monica is proud to serve on the board of GALS (Giving Austin Labor Support). In her free time, you can find her working on miscellaneous creative projects or exploring the outdoors.
Qianna has worked in early childhood administration for over 18 years. She is the first Black Co-Executive Director of the Ohio Association for the Education of Young Children. This role allows her to share her passion for ensuring equity in access to education and services for children and families on the local, state, and national levels. She also empowers early childhood educators through coaching and leadership training. Qianna is bold in her convictions regarding diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Qianna is a Certified Trainer for the Center for Serving Leadership. She embeds these principles as a Pastor’s Wife, a PTA Executive Board member, and Chaplain of the Erie Shores Chapter of Jack and Jill of America and the Greater Cleveland Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. Qianna is the proud wife of Jason Tidmore, Sr.; mother of Brianna, Jasmine, Olivia, and Jason, Jr.; and GiGi of Eli.
An accidental sociologist, Richard was on his way to becoming an investment banker when a class on International Agencies at American University sparked his curiosity about how organizations behave, grow, and change social structures and relationships. He found himself holding a graduate degree in Applied Sociology. Forget about investment banking; he wanted to change the world. The degree and his experience in nonprofit work for over three decades equipped him to look at data, history, social dynamics, and emerging trends to create strategies for sustainable growth, scale, and long-lasting impact. He has done exactly that for all the organizations in which he has played a leadership role including currently as President and Executive Director of E3 Alliance. Richard has been at the forefront of health, education and community development work that benefit children, families, and marginalized populations. He has done grassroots outreach, program development and design, policy development and advocacy, led organizations to grow and scale, and raised millions of dollars to initiate, evaluate, and sustain children and family-centered initiatives and systems-change work.
For more than two decades, Shakira has been committed to improving maternal and infant/child health outcomes, with a focus on reducing racial, ethnic, and economic disparities. Shakira was also the Director of Reproductive Health and Childhood Initiatives and Regional Manager for Family Support with NJ Early Intervention System with Central Jersey Family Health Consortium. She began her career in health administration at Cigna Healthcare, working with the company in Connecticut, New York and New Jersey in the company’s Human Resources, Sales and Provider Relations sectors. Shakira earned her Master’s of Science, in Public Health, at Temple University in PA, a Bachelor’s of Science, in Health Science, at William Paterson University in NJ and a certificate in Women’s Entrepreneurship from Cornell University. She currently serves on several boards, coalitions and social service organizations. She resides in New Jersey with her husband and their three children.
Shanita is a licensed social worker and certified perinatal mental health specialist and educator from Southern New Jersey. Shanita brings 20 years of experience in the field of advocacy and support for the vulnerable children and families in NJ. She helped implement a birth equity program with AtlantiCare’s Women’s and Children’s services to bring equitable care to high risk pregnant and postpartum patients in Atlantic City, NJ. Shanita serves as a Regional Leader with the Coalition for Change NJ and advocates for support and resources for the rural southern New Jersey families that often experience lack of resources. As an Alliance representative for Postpartum Support International NJ Chapter, she is a champion for increasing access and equitable mental health support for BIPOC birthing persons. She is passionate about the representation, empowerment, and well-being of the BIPOC community. Shanita enjoys spending time with her loving family, traveling, and reading a good book when she can find time.
TL is a co-founder and the Organizational Development Lead for Interconnected Alchemy, and founder of her consultancy organization, Capacity Allies. She is a systems change consultant that has diverse experience in developing, assessing, and expanding programs and initiatives that center children, families and communities who are furthest from opportunity. TL partners with local and national organizations to help them further their missions by providing direct support that includes: Leadership Coaching, Board Development, Equity, Program Evaluation and Organizational Development.
Dr. Tatiana, founder and CEO of Aurelius Wells Education, LLC (AWE) girls’ youth mentoring and educational consulting, significantly impacts her community. As Program Director for Early Childhood and Teacher Education at Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C), she prepares future educators. An author, she inspires with “Live Like a Toddler” and the children’s book “Mommy, When I Fall.” Dr. Wells’ research focuses on school-community partnerships in impoverished areas. Embracing the Ubuntu philosophy, she emphasizes relational education and community service. An East Cleveland, Ohio native, Dr. Wells earned her BA in Child Development and Education from Washington & Jefferson College, her MA in Early Childhood Education from the University of Phoenix, and her PhD from Walden University. Dr. Wells was recognized with the Professional Excellence Award for her commitment to students and community partnerships at Tri-C. She serves on various boards, enjoys dancing, and travels with friends and family.
Teresa brings interdisciplinary training and lived experience to her role as Director of Programs and Organizational Learning at the Partnership for Community Action, whose mission is to dismantle systems of inequity by investing in people and families to build power. She leads initiatives that promote wellness, economic security, and access to early childhood education. Her dedication to social justice, equity, and advocacy is evident through her extensive work with community-based participatory programming and evaluation, evidence-based practice, and grassroots advocacy. As a first-generation graduate, she holds a Master of Public Health and Health Policy from the University of Washington, Seattle. Transitioning from academia to the non-profit sector, Teresa is excited to implement comprehensive and targeted strategies to impact families in her community. She also serves on the board of a local non-profit addressing health inequities through loving service with Indigenous youth and communities.
Tonique is a 50+ year old, life-long resident of Newark, NJ and a mother of three responsible adults. Her passion for being a Community Doula started over five years ago and has now blossomed into advocacy for a sustainable doula workforce. Supporting over 100 families over this time has also fueled advocacy to empower birthing families to access community resources they may need to thrive. Her vision is to create a space and entity to support doulas to support her community.