Lea J.E. Austin

Lea has nearly 20 years of experience in early childhood workforce and professional development. As Director, Lea leads the Center's research and policy agenda aimed at improving the status and well-being of early educators. She has extensive experience in the areas of workforce development, racial equity, early childhood leadership competencies and curricula, and public policy and administration. Her interest in securing access and opportunities for early educators to leadership and decision-making roles in the field were spurred by her work with Mills College and First 5 Alameda County (California), where she developed leadership programs in higher education and community settings and implemented a professional development initiative focused on attainment of college education. Lea earned a master’s degree in Public Administration from California State University, Hayward, and a master’s degree and Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Mills College.