About EYLDI

A research and advocacy initiative for ECE leadership

The Early Years Leadership Diversity Initiative (EYLDI) engages and strengthens Early Care & Education leaders as they work to advance rising leaders — with the goal of improving equitable access to quality early learning across the sector.

Our Values

What guides EYLDI's work

Skilled Leaders Unlock Human Potential

We invest in developing leaders who coach, mentor, and support others, expanding what is possible for individuals, teams, and communities through relational, skillful practice.

Representative Leadership Matters

We create pathways that elevate underrepresented leaders and ensure leadership reflects the communities served, strengthening belonging, decision-making, and collective impact.

Humble Inquiry

We listen deeply, question assumptions, remain open to new ideas from unexpected places, and are awed by what we don't know.

Strengths-Based Equity

We strive to recognize and nourish the personal strengths of future leaders through greater access to resources and opportunities and the elimination of barriers.

Inclusive Community

We affirm all identities and differences in our collective communities and workforce, and embrace cultures of belonging and collaboration that support the agency of others.

Responsibility

We hold ourselves responsible for weaving our values into all parts of our work — and seek to inspire leaders to remove barriers and champion those who influence change.

Who We Are

The 2024 Research & Leadership Team

EYLDI's current team, who led the 2024 research now featured on this site. See the 2021 research team →

Meredith Callanan
Founder & Director
Started EYLDI to accelerate development of ECE leaders from underrepresented backgrounds.
Candice McKinnon, PhD
Research Lead
Assistant professor & researcher of early childhood studies; PhD, University of South Florida.
Dina Kapengut, PhD
Research Lead
Applied psychologist & research strategist; PhD, Teachers College, Columbia.
Kate Dooley
Research Interviewer / Analyst
Resident in Counseling; M.A., Lesley University.
Kate Barranco
Project Manager & Research Analyst
Founder, Conscious Futures Studio; B.S., Georgetown University.
Caroline Paine
Data / Research Analyst
B.S. in Psychology, St. Lawrence University.
Hannah Folau
Research Associate
Roots in global & public health; M.S., Georgetown University.
Katie Lemaire
Leadership Competencies Expert
Strategic advisor to the EYLDI research team since 2020.

Fiscal Sponsorship

With gratitude

Partner With Us

Work alongside EYLDI

If you're an ECE leader or organization, here are ways to get involved:

  • Participate in EYLDI's next research study
  • Bring the five competencies to your team as a training
  • Share your own developmental-relationship story
Contact EYLDI to Partner →