ECE Director Daria Hall Says Goodbye to Milwaukee Succeeds
ECE Director Daria Hall, right, speaks during the Week of the Young Child Parade in April 2023.
After four and half years as an integral part of the Milwaukee Succeeds team, Early Childhood Education (ECE) Director Daria Hall is leaving to pursue policy work as part of the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families. Her last day with the organization is September 8.
“We cannot begin to thank Daria enough for her leadership and the results she helped drive forward in partnership with parents, ECE providers and advocates,” says Dave Celata, deputy director. “Daria was instrumental in helping Milwaukee’s ECE sector respond to COVID-19 – successfully advocating for private and public dollars and amplifying the voice of providers and parents in decision-making.”
With her help and tireless efforts, the ECE Coalition grew and blossomed, evolving into a robust team of early childhood champions. Together, they’ve undertaken countless projects and initiatives designed to bolster the workforce, support provider mental health, increase program quality, expand access and further stabilize the sector.
“It’s been a true honor to work with everyone,” says Daria. “I have learned so much and have been so inspired. And I’ve been really proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish together and where this work is going. In my new role, I’m excited to build a new set of skills and perspective on our shared work and am committed to finding ways to move the work forward.”
In Daria’s absence, Milwaukee Succeeds and the ECE Coalition will continue their vital work to strengthen the sector and expand access to quality, affordable ECE. Thanks to Daria’s incredible work, both are well-placed to create change, collectively transforming the systems that impact our earliest learners.
“It’s a bittersweet moment to be bidding Daria goodbye,” says Ellen Gilligan, president and CEO of the Greater Milwaukee Foundation, which fuels Milwaukee Succeeds. “We’ll miss her and the tremendous work she’s done, both for Milwaukee Succeeds and Milwaukee’s families.”
Join us in wishing Daria the best on her next adventure!