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LAEP Leaders Shine in Promising Ventures Fellowship

We’re thrilled to celebrate LAEP’s own CEO, Dr. Dawn A. Kurtz, and Director of Ready2Teach, Elsa Leal, M.A., for their recent participation in the prestigious Promising Ventures Fellowship. This five-month accelerator program, specifically tailored for leaders of equity-driven, early childhood organizations, provides invaluable learning and networking opportunities. Dawn and Elsa were selected from a highly competitive pool of applicants, a testament to their dedication and leadership in the early childhood education sector. The fellowship’s focus on community-centered approaches and transformative impact aligns perfectly with LAEP’s mission, making this experience particularly enriching for our leaders.

The Promising Ventures Fellowship offers a unique blend of practical learning, collaborative problem-solving, and personalized coaching. Dawn and Elsa joined a vibrant community of practice, analyzing challenges, sharing insights, and building lasting connections with fellow early childhood leaders. They worked closely with dedicated coaches to refine their strategic goals and develop actionable plans to further LAEP’s impact. The fellowship’s emphasis on tailored support and addressing the highest priority needs of participating organizations ensured that Dawn and Elsa gained knowledge and skills directly applicable to their roles at LAEP. We are incredibly proud of their commitment to continuous learning and their dedication to advancing early childhood education.

“I am grateful for the journey with the Promising Ventures Fellowship. I gained wisdom from incredible coaches and fellows, expanded my perspective, and felt the uplifting power of community each time we came together. Honored to stand among fierce ECE changemakers who are inspired and committed to keep uplifting our field every day.” – Elsa Leal, M.A.

We’re celebrating Dr. Dawn A. Kurtz and Elsa Leal, M.A.! Their participation in the 2024 Promising Ventures Fellowship highlights LAEP’s commitment to leadership development and advancing early childhood education. We’re proud to see our leaders among those driving positive change for children and families. Congratulations to the entire cohort!

As the nation’s only accelerator dedicated solely to the critical early childhood stage, the Promising Ventures Fellowship provides a powerful platform for leaders to enhance their organizational capacity and drive positive change. The fact that this enriching experience is offered at no cost further underscores its commitment to supporting impactful organizations. We are confident that the knowledge and connections Dawn and Elsa gained during their fellowship will translate into even greater success for LAEP’s programs and the children and families we serve. We are honored to have them as part of our leadership team and commend them for their commitment to excellence.

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LaCora Stephens

Marketing and Communications

LaCora is a seasoned communications professional with a passion for using multimedia storytelling to empower movements for social justice and equality. For over 13 years, she has honed her skills as a versatile multimedia director, overseeing media operations across diverse organizations, including the NAACP Beverly Hills-Hollywood Branch and The Shirley Chisholm Education Foundation. Her deep understanding of the education and equity landscape fuels her creative vision, allowing her to craft impactful narratives that resonate with audiences.

With strategic communication​ and collaboration, LaCora excels in developing and executing compelling​ multimedia campaigns that not only raise​ awareness of critical issues but also​ inspire action and drive meaningful change. Her proficiency in concept​ development, production execution, and​ team leadership ensures projects are​ delivered with exceptional quality. Furthermore, LaCora fosters strong​ relationships with internal and external​ stakeholders, cultivating partnerships​ that maximize campaign reach and impact.

LaCora's educational foundation began with a Bachelor of Science in Theatre Education from Florida A&M University. She then pursued a master’s degree in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) from Alliant University of San Diego. This passion for storytelling, fueled by her background in education, translates to her belief in the power of shared narratives. Her work in this area was recognized through her selection as a Women in Film Mentee and film director for Viola Davis’ sponsored film showcase, Diversity in Cannes. Now, LaCora leverages her love of storytelling and commitment to educational equity in her role leading marketing and communications for Los Angeles Education Partnership, while also serving on the board of the Pasadena African American Film Foundation.

Eric Barela, Ph.D.

Senior Consultant, Raya Cooper Impact Consulting

Dr. Eric Barela has worked as a measurement & evaluation professional for over 2 decades, helping organizations to better understand and act on their social impact. He’s currently a Senior Consultant with Raya Cooper Impact Consulting and previously worked at Salesforce, where he led efforts to measure the social impact of the company’s work with nonprofits and educational institutions across the globe. He began his career working with the Los Angeles Unified School District and with the nonprofit, Partners in School Innovation. Eric previously served on the Board of the American Evaluation Association and currently serves on the Editorial Advisory Board of the American Journal of Evaluation.

Eric grew up in East LA and was educated in the Montebello Unified School District. He holds a Ph.D. in education from UCLA. He loves a good road trip, with his husband serving as trusty navigator.