Inside Erikson | April 2025
a monthly comm(unity) newsletter
April 2025 – Welcome to the April edition of the Inside Erikson newsletter. Spring is in full bloom, and with it comes fresh energy, new beginnings and plenty of exciting updates. Last month, Erikson partnered with Holy Family Ministries to bring “An Evening of Art Therapy” to our community. This event is the first in a series dedicated to promoting and uplifting mental health. Employees, students and board members were able to experience different forms of art and Art Therapist Pierra D. Brown presented on the various ways art supports mental health. Thank you to everyone who contributed to the success of this event and we hope to see you all at the next one. Also, on March 20, we hosted our annual career fair. Erikson students were able to connect and network with over 20 employers in the industry. It was a huge success and we look forward to partnering with these organizations and more as we work to continue strengthening the early childhood workforce. As we step into April, we’re embracing longer days, warmer weather and all the inspiration that this season brings.
Erikson Updates
Spring Series: On Jazz & Poetics
Erikson Institute cordially invites you to join us on Wednesday, April 30 to Firedance, a dynamic evening of artistry and healing through jazz, poetry and movement presented by Emmy Award Winning, Dr. Lasana Kazembe, and Watu Wazuri. Spoken word, dance, live instrumentation and visual culture commingle in a sublime expression and aesthetic exploration of heritage, memory, meaning and transcendence. If you have any questions, please contact Ayanna F. Brown, PhD.
New Chapter from Erikson Faculty
Congratulations to Erikson’s Associate Vice President for Internal Affairs & Institutional Accountability & Professor, Ayanna F. Brown, Ph.D. who recently co-authored “Diasporic Tellings of Race, Literacies, Joys, and Geographies in the Lives of Black African Immigrant Youth” in Research in Teaching English.
Learn more and order your copy here.
Gold Star Alumni Series
The Gold Star Alumni Series aims to celebrate the exceptional individuals who have not only excelled in their respective fields but have also made a significant impact on their communities.
Learn more about our April feature, Olayemi Tobi Ponnle, MSCD ’21
Do you know any Erikson alums making a difference in the field? Reach out to Institutional Advancement Manager, Zahoor Khan, to nominate them for the Gold Star Alumni feature.
Racial Justice in Early Math Project Receives $800,000
Our Racial Justice in Early Math (RJEM) team recently received an $800,000 grant to support new research and tools for preschool teachers.
About Erikson
Graduate Education
Recognized for our groundbreaking work in the field of early childhood, Erikson specializes in preparing child development, education, and social work leaders to improve the lives of young children, families, and their communities. For more information on our degree and certificate programs, visit our website or email our admissions team.
Policy and Leadership
Erikson’s Policy and Leadership department engages leaders in government, business, and nonprofit sectors to inform effective policies that benefit children and families. They offer unique programming that equips decision-makers and influencers with the resources, skills, and deep knowledge about early childhood development that will support their efforts to make lasting change.
Learn more about our Policy and Leadership
Make a Difference — Refer a Friend to Erikson Institute
Know a passionate early childhood educator or social worker looking to advance their career? Refer them to Erikson! You’ll help them achieve their goals, expand their impact and grow their network. As a thank you, you’ll be entered to win referral prizes including a $100 Amazon gift card or $50 in Erikson merch.
Give to Erikson
The first 1,800 days of life set the stage for a child’s long-term physical and emotional health, socioeconomic trajectory, life expectancy, happiness, and well-being. Can we count on you to make a gift to strengthen our ability to serve children and families, as well as our students, faculty, and staff, during this time? Your support for Erikson prepares the heroes in young children’s lives—teachers, social workers, civic leaders, parents and caregivers—to get them safely through this crisis so they can soar into promising futures.
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Create a Better Future For Children While Building Yours
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