April supports MELA’s role as a backbone organization in coalition building. She oversees incentive programs, devises strategies to recruit coalition members and grow the number of engaged members, and ensures the meetings are facilitated effectively. April is from Jackson, MS. She brings 19 years of experience in education and early childhood professional capacity-building, as well as her deep connections within the early learning community of Mississippi, to her role. April has an intricate understanding of the childcare system: she serves on the board of the Mississippi Early Childhood Association, is a past member of the State Early Childhood Advisory Council (SECAC), and launched the first Mississippi Leadership for Children Network with forward-thinking colleagues and Leading for Children, Inc.
