Trying Together has selected Gwen Marcus, the director of Project Destiny, as its April advocate of the month.
Project Destiny provides a safe place where youth and families can find resources and get involved in support groups or cultural and educational programming. It aims to heighten children’s expectations and promote cultural awareness, respect, and physical, emotional, and social growth.
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Trying Together Kindergarten Transition Program Director Valerie Williams said that Gwen frequently gets involved in numerous activities – including sending children’s artwork to state legislators, attending Trying Together’s UnConferences, staff training, engaging with Hi5!, and partnering with community organizations to build broader connections.
“Gwen always shows up!,” Williams said.
Marcus said she became an advocate for early childhood education because she wanted to see change for early childhood educators, caregivers, and children.
“To be honest, I was a little hesitant at first,” she said. “I thought my voice wouldn’t make a difference. But the more I talked to advocates, I realized I wanted to be part of the change. Classrooms were closing, parents were struggling to pay for services, and it was becoming difficult to maintain staff – and the staff who stayed were finding it difficult to make ends meet.”
She said that in the years since she has made the decision to become an early childhood advocate, she has challenged elected officials to do right by early childhood educators.
“I also challenge early childhood educators, families, and community partners to raise their voices and start advocating for the future of our scholars, our community, and for the quality of our care for our future leaders, which they deserve and should receive,” she said.
