Full name: Kayla Rosen
Current title & company: Director, Early Care and Education at Afton Partners
Brief description of who you are professionally with concise accomplishments:
Throughout my career, I’ve focused on improving systems for young children and their families in roles both inside and outside of government. In my current position at Afton, I work with partners across the country who are focused on improving early childhood governance and finance at the state level to expand access to high-quality early care and education. Prior to joining Afton, I worked in the RI state government for almost a decade, with roles in the Governor’s Office, Housing, Health and Human Services and Commerce. In my role as Director of Early Childhood Strategy in the Governor’s Office, I got to work with some of the most incredible people inside and, outside of state government, to expand prekindergarten programming, expand childcare access and eligibility and make new investments in the early care and education workforce.
Why did I join TWT and what are you hoping to achieve?
I joined TWT because I appreciate being in communities that are not just within one sector– it feels like a rare opportunity to meet amazing leaders working in other fields across Rhode Island who have different passions and perspectives.
One of my most proud professional moments and what are you most looking forward to professionally the next five years:
One of my most proud professional moments was finding a way to move $1 million within a grant budget to open up more than 100 additional Pre-K seats for four-year-olds in Rhode Island. Over the next five years, I’m looking forward to working in states across the country to learn about their approaches and innovations to improve early childhood systems.
What do I do in my “free” time?
Walk my dog Scoop, catch up with friends, root for the Valkyries.
3 core values: Justice, Generosity, Integrity.