Celebrating Black Excellence in Early Childhood Education: Graduation of Our Third & Fourth Cohorts

By Gesita Melkamu, Senior Director of ECE Workforce Equity & Innovation

On Friday, June 6, 2025, Children’s Council proudly hosted a heartwarming and joyous graduation ceremony honoring the incredible accomplishments of our third and fourth cohorts of the Black Early Childhood Educator Career Development Pipeline program. The celebration took place at the beautiful Southeast Community Center and welcomed more than 200 guests including friends, family members, and community leaders who came together to uplift and honor the 30 extraordinary graduates.

The event was more than a graduation, it was a powerful affirmation of community, culture, and commitment. Our graduates have not only completed a rigorous program designed to support their growth as educators, but they are also stepping into their roles as change-makers in early childhood education, shaping brighter futures for children across our city.

We were deeply honored to have special guests join us to recognize this important milestone. Ingrid Mezquita from the San Francisco Department of Early Childhood offered moving remarks about the importance of representation and equity in education. Adrian Owens and Carmen Towler from the SF Office of Economic Workforce Development also shared heartfelt tributes, underscoring the significance of this program in building a more inclusive and empowered early learning workforce.

This day was a testament to the power of community-led initiatives and the resilience, passion, and brilliance of Black educators. We are incredibly proud of each graduate and grateful for the continued partnership of all who support this work.

Congratulations to the Class of 2025! We can’t wait to see the incredible impact you’ll make!

Learn more about the Black ECE Career Development Pipeline Program.