TAYLORSVILLE, Utah — Waterford.org is pleased to announce the appointment of an esteemed group of national education equity thought leaders to its National Advisory Committee on Inclusive Practices (NACIP). Formerly known as Taking All Students to Success in Early Learning (TASSEL), the committee serves as an advisory body to Waterford.org leadership to support the development of strategies and programs aimed at advancing access, excellence and equity for all learners.

Waterford.org is a national early education nonprofit that provides equitable access to proven programs for children and the adults who support them. By partnering with caring adults at school and home, Waterford provides personalized learning that meets the needs of every child to help them build confidence, curiosity and a sense of belonging.

Members of the NACIP bring their national perspective and lens for inclusive excellence. The committee will network Waterford.org into their various communities, provide subject matter expertise, and advise on content development, messaging and strategies to enhance family and community engagement with Waterford programs.

NACIP members include:

  • Veda Ajamu, Managing Director of DEI Programs and Community Engagement, National Civil Rights Museum
  • Natalie Alvarez, Chief Operating Officer of the Greater Phoenix Urban League, representing the National Urban League
  • Luis Chavez, National Education Committee Equity Chair, LULAC (League of United Latin American Citizens)
  • Jacob Crane, Program Strategist, Indigenous Economic Wellbeing Alliance
  • Dr. Carrie Gillispie, Senior P-12 Research Associate, The Education Trust
  • Dr. Matthew Grimes, Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Cleveland Guardians
  • Chase Hobson, Executive Director and Founder, Indigenous Health and Wellness Connections
  • Lee Means, Director of Family Equity and Justice, Family Equality Council
  • Lisia Satini, Program Director, Utah Pacific Islander Health Coalition
  • Emily Simon, Senior Manager of Consulting, TNTP
  • Dr. Ivory Toldson, Director of Education Innovation, and Research, NAACP National Office
  • Daniel Vivas, Founder, Jardin Education Group

“We are grateful to have this dedicated group of experts to advise us as we work with families, schools, and communities in support of excellence and equity for young learners. Improving how we engage externally also helps us become more inclusive internally,” Waterford.org President & CEO Andy Myers said.