Advocacy All Stars Honored at 2024 Fall Leadership Institute

Head Start advocacy extends far beyond the four days of the Fall and Winter Leadership Institutes. It’s making phone calls, writing emails, and sending texts to decision-makers throughout the year. It’s writing press releases and letters to the editor. It’s meeting with your representatives–both in your districts and on Capitol Hill. It’s inviting and hosting members of Congress and their staff at your programs. And it’s raising funds through Dollar Per Child so NHSA can advocate for you on Capitol Hill.

This tireless dedication to advocacy doesn't go unnoticed. In fact, those who consistently go above and beyond in their efforts are recognized for their outstanding contributions. At the Fall Leadership Institute last month, several advocacy All Stars were honored for their exceptional work in championing the Head Start cause.

Kim Dodd: Director of Children’s Services, Community Action Partnership of North Alabama | Decatur, Alabama

Kim demonstrated tireless outreach to her Congressman, Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-AL), chairman of the subcommittee that funds Head Start.

Katie Quigley: Early Head Start Director, Child Development Resources | Williamsburg, Virginia

Katie assisted with a Spanish translation of the open letter to President Biden on the future of Head Start that preceded the administration’s Head Start final rule.

Erin Lyons: Chief Executive Officer, Child Parent Centers | Tucson, Arizona

Erin helped develop the Outside Witness Testimony submitted to the House Labor, Health and Human Services & Education Appropriations Subcommittee and sent a letter to Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ) on the need for Quality Improvement Funding to address deferred maintenance and repair issues.

Latisha Howze: Executive Director, Higher Horizons | Baileys Crossroads, Virginia

Latisha made remarks at the Congressional Pre-K and Child Care Caucus staff briefing on Capitol Hill and helped launch the Head Start to Congress Caucus by bringing 17 kids and 19 parents and caregivers to the launch event at the U.S. Capitol.

The Policy Council at NINOS (Neighbors in Need of Services) Head Start | Rio Hondo, Texas

The Council led a successful fundraising effort for Dollar Per Child, which supports our advocacy efforts on behalf of Head Start’s children, families, and staff, along with all the communities served by Head Start.

Aman Ayalew

Aman is the Solutions Marketing Manager at NHSA, where he leverages data to shape and optimize the organization's marketing strategy. With extensive experience in association marketing, Aman brings a wealth of knowledge to his role at NHSA. Previously, he served as a Marketing Director at the Insights Association, where he spearheaded the organization's marketing and sales enablement initiatives.