2023 Bright Spots
This year, we’ve been busy growing our team of champions, diving into data and raising our voices in support of change. Take a peek at some of our favorite stories:
Increasing Our Capacity
Creating sustainable change requires a dedicated team of changemakers – and we’ve been working hard to expand ours!
In April, Kelsey Hau joined as the new fund development manger, focused on identifying new funding prospects. In June, Maria Hamidu ended her tenure as a Trinity Fellow and came on board as the high school success project manager, in charge of our youth-centered special projects. And this fall, Anna Smerchek transitioned to the new role of ECE community engagement manager, driving outreach and engagement among ECE Ambassadors, providers and families.
2 New Success Stories
Our Success Stories were born out of our ongoing commitment to data. In 2023, we added two new stories to the growing list.
The first dives into the Milwaukee Community Schools’ Quality School Lunch Project, where students set about improving the appeal of everyday lunch offerings. The second digs into the SKY Schools curriculum, which uses breathwork, yoga, conflict resolution and life skills to help students and staff manage their stress and emotions. Both Success Stories feature quotes from participants, survey results, program highlights and opportunities for growth.
Week of the Young Child
In honor of Week of the Young Child in April, educators, families and advocates all raised their voices in support of ECE.
Their inspiring personal stories provided a firsthand look at everything high-quality ECE can do – from setting children up for success in school and later life to boosting the workforce and supporting the economy. Yet their stories also highlighted the ongoing challenges for families, educators and ECE programs. The stories culminated in a call for change, emphasizing the need for a continuous and sustainable investment in early childhood education.
