Skip to main content

Critical Connections Season 2

Every child deserves an equal chance to reach her or his full potential. Our new podcast, Critical Connections, gathers state and community leaders to highlight local collaborations in the development of early childhood systems that can make a difference for all children.

The second season — Leading for Equity — focuses on how state leaders have used their roles, responsibilities and influence to intentionally increase opportunity and remove barriers for children and families. Host, Dr. Sherri Killins Stewart, explores tangible ways leaders are centering the perspectives of Black, Native American, Latino, and other populations marginalized by the programs and services within the early childhood system.

Click here to listen to season one of the podcast with host Karen Ponder, Distinguished Fellow at the BUILD Initiative.

Improving Access to Services by Listening to Families in Minnesota

Podcast November 1, 2022

Jovon Perry is Director of Economic Assistance and Employment Supports Division in the Child and Family Services Administration for the Minnesota Department of Human Services. Host Dr. Sherri Killins Stewart talks with Jovon about how she’s received and responded to concrete feedback from families about how they can better access state services. Plus, the importance of being generous with other leaders who are willing to build towards equity in early childhood systems.

Expanding Networks in Labor to Advance Systemic Change

Podcast October 18, 2022

Holly Low is Manager of Strategic Outreach for the New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development. Host Dr. Sherri Killins Stewart talks with Holly about how she brings an equity lens to her work in state government, specifically in developing strategies to help families access their labor rights and benefits.

Centering Families in Community Partnerships in Minnesota

Podcast October 4, 2022

Megan Waltz is Supervisor for Promotion and Prevention Unit within the Child Safety and Permanency Division at Minnesota Department of Human Services. Host Dr. Sherri Killins Stewart talks with Megan about how she develops systems that are more responsive to family needs by truly listening to the communities she serves.

Collaborating Across State Agencies to Benefit Families in New Jersey

Podcast September 20, 2022

Tonya Coston is the Executive Director of the Division of Early Childhood Services at the New Jersey Department of Education. Host Dr. Sherri Killins Stewart asks Tonya about how she collaborates across agencies and departments to involve other state leaders in the mission of increasing equity in early childhood systems for children and families in New Jersey.

Building Networks Responsive to Family Voice

Podcast September 6, 2022

As director of equity and inclusion at the Early Care and Learning Council in New York, Fannie Glover is constantly reminding her team to prioritize authentic relationships with families and their communities. Host Dr. Sherri Killins Stewart asks Fannie to share how she leads for equity in her day-to-day, and how she stays the course in the long-term.

Creating Family Centered Partnerships in Minnesota

Podcast August 23, 2022

Amanda Varley is the Preschool Development Grant Manager for the Minnesota Department of Education. Host Dr. Sherri Killins Stewart talks with Amanda about the ways her department has utilized partnerships to center family voices and increase opportunities for children and families.