Advancing Equity and Embracing Diversity in Early Childhood Education: Elevating Voices and Actions

Iliana Alanís, PhD, a native of South Texas, is a professor of early childhood and elementary education in the department of interdisciplinary learning and teaching at the University of Texas–San Antonio. She taught children in bilingual first- and second-grade classrooms while earning a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction with a concentration in bilingual education from the University of Texas–Pan American.

María G. Arreguín, EdD, is an associate professor of early childhood and elementary education in the department of interdisciplinary learning and teaching at the University of Texas–San Antonio. She earned her doctoral degree in Bilingual Education at the Texas A&M University–Kingsville. Her research on dual language education, early childhood education, dyad learning and dialogue, and critical science pedagogy illuminates the intricacies of cultural and linguistic factors that influence minority children’s access to education in early childhood and elementary bilingual settings.

Irasema Salinas-González, EdD, is an associate professor and coordinator of the early care and early childhood studies program at the University of Texas–Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV). During her 29 years in the bilingual and early childhood education fields, she has been a preschool and kindergarten teacher and reading specialist, and has worked with preservice and in-service teachers. She received her MEd in Early Childhood Education from the University of Texas–Pan American and her EdD in Bilingual Education from Texas A&M University–Kingsville. Her work focuses on language and literacy development of young dual language learners through play, the development of cognitive skills of dual language learners through play-based learning, and creating engaging classroom environments for young dual language learners.

Susan Friedman is NAEYC's Senior Director of Publishing and Professional Learning. In this role she leads the content development work of NAEYC’s books and periodicals publishing, digital content, and professional learning teams. Early childhood educators rely on NAEYC’s content including books, and award winning periodicals Young Children, and Teaching Young Children, to stay up to date on research and best practices they can apply directly to their classrooms. In addition to her roles at NAEYC, she brings extensive prior experience in content programming, editorial oversight and production with many years of experience creating content on developmentally appropriate uses of media, play, and other topics for educators and families. Susan has presented at numerous educational conferences including the National Association for the Education of Young Children’s Professional Learning Institute and Annual Conference, SXSW EDU, and at the Early Childhood Cohort for the AASA (The School Superintendents Association. She began her career as a preschool teacher at City & Country School in New York City. Susan holds degrees from Vassar College and the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Alissa Mwenelupembe has worked in the field of early childhood education for over 18 years as a teacher, coach, director and college instructor. She is currently working as the Director of Early Learning at St. Vincent Early Learning Center in Evansville, Indiana and also serves on the governing board of the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

Alissa holds a BA from the University of Southern Indiana, a Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education from Ball State University and is currently pursuing a doctorate in Early Childhood Education, also at Ball State University. As a Black woman working in Early Childhood Education and navigating higher education spheres, Alissa is well versed in the issues of equity and diversity. Her research interests center around social emotional development of children of color, primarily those living in families and communities that are not a racial match. Alissa has presented both locally and nationally at early childhood conferences including the National Association for the Education of Young Children’s Professional Learning Institute and Annual Conference, the Maryland Head Start Association Conference, the Indiana Association for the Education of Young Children’s Annual Conference and more.

Louise Derman-Sparks is an internationally respected anti-bias educator and author. She speaks throughout the United States and abroad. Louise has a lifelong commitment to building a more just society for all people. She was a Pacific Oaks College faculty member for 33 years—when its mission and pedagogy reflected anti-bias education principles. She served on the NAEYC Governing Board 1997 to 2001.

Julie Olsen Edwards began her early childhood education career working as a family child care provider. She worked for Head Start and taught in private and public preschools and elementary schools. For 38 years, Julie was on the faculty of Cabrillo College’s early childhood education department, served as program chair, and was founding director of the campus Children’s Center. A lifetime activist for children and families, she continues to write, teach, and consult on issues of equity, diversity, and anti-bias; emerging literacy; and family life and empowerment. She served on the NAEYC Governing Board from 2003 to 2007.