On the Journey to Leadership and Empowerment

Becoming an early education advocate and leader In the 1990s, some forward-thinking, revolutionary leaders in early education created a leadership class designed for early educators and directors. A threecredit course, retreats, advocacy efforts, action projects, and lots of community building emerged over several years-all driven by demand from the field. The connections I made, the content I learned, and the opportunities I had to research a topic, participate in policy discussions, develop solutions, and learn from experts in the field helped me find my voice as an advocate. Teaching LEAP classes opened the door for me to serve as adjunct faculty at both public and private institutions in Massachusetts-at Quinsigamond Community College in Worcester, at Cambridge College, and at Boston University Wheelock College of Education and Human Development.