Ivon is an educational leader with over a decade of experience dedicated to advancing equity and justice in early childhood education. Her diverse roles—including teacher, director, founder of private centers and family child cares, and Head Start coordinator—have provided her with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the early childhood sector. As an equity-driven leader and edupreneur, Ivon is committed to serving historically marginalized children and families across various early childhood settings.
In her practice, Ivon is a reflective practitioner who employs systems thinking to cultivate relationships within the early childhood education ecosystem. This approach enables her to create high-quality environments that benefit all children. With a strong emphasis on merging research and practice, Ivon strives to positively impact the field of early childhood education through evidence-based strategies and community collaboration.
Currently, Ivon is pursuing her EdD in the Leaders for Equity And Democracy (LEAD) program at the University of California, Berkeley. Her research focuses on the strategies and practices of educational leaders regarding the recruitment and retention of educators, their conceptualization of high-quality education, and their connections within the educational landscape. A central aim of her research is to elevate the voices of Black and Brown women within the intricate system of Universal Pre-Kindergarten, advocating for their representation and influence in leadership positions.
In her current role with the 21st Century California School Leadership Academy (21CSLA) Universal Transitional Kindergarten (UTK) team, Ivon delivers professional learning to educational leaders across California. She fosters equity in the implementation of Transitional Kindergarten and works to unify the state’s vision for aligning early childhood quality standards for all children. Through these efforts, Ivon is dedicated to enhancing educational practices and promoting systemic change, ensuring that every child has access to high-quality early educational experiences.
Specializations and Interests
Education Policy, Equity and Education, Teacher Wellbeing, School Governance and Leadership, Recruitment and Retention in Education
