Early Childhood Fellowship Spotlight: Tionna Barksdale
Q. Tell us about yourself and your current professional role. What kind of work do you do, and who do you serve?
A. I am an early childhood educator and Lead Teacher in a Pre-K classroom. I create meaningful learning experiences, support children’s development, and help create an environment where children feel safe, supported, and ready to learn. While I value my role in the classroom, I know my professional journey extends beyond it. I want to grow into leadership, where I can have a broader impact on children, families, educators, and the early childhood field.
Q. What made you want to apply for the Early Childhood Leadership Fellowship?
A. I applied because I believe my voice and experience can contribute to larger conversations about early childhood. I want to better understand leadership, advocacy, and policy, and learn how decisions are made within the field. I want to be in the room with decision makers, not just listening, but contributing and eventually helping shape those decisions.
Q. What are you most excited to learn, gain, or take away from the Fellowship experience?
A. I am most excited to learn and grow as a leader. I want to strengthen my understanding of advocacy and policy, build meaningful professional relationships, and learn how to use my voice beyond the classroom. I want to be prepared for leadership opportunities where I can contribute to and influence decisions that impact children, families, and educators.
Q. How did you first hear about or get involved with Groundwork Ohio?
A. I became involved with Groundwork Ohio through a professional connection. Someone saw potential in me and connected me with this opportunity. It means a lot to have people who advocate for you, believe in your growth, and genuinely want to see you succeed. I am grateful for that connection and excited about where this opportunity can lead.
Q. What’s one issue or challenge in the early childhood system that you’re passionate about addressing?
A. I am passionate about better supporting and valuing early childhood educators. Educators need meaningful professional development, fair compensation, resources, and opportunities for advancement. When we invest in educators, we strengthen the entire early childhood system and ultimately improve outcomes for children and families.
Q. How does your lived experience shape the way you lead or advocate for young children and families?
A. My experiences have taught me that leadership starts with listening, showing up, and advocating for others. Working directly with children and families gives me firsthand insight into the realities of early childhood. I want to carry that perspective into larger conversations and ensure the voices of educators and families are represented.
Q. What do you think is important to help make Ohio the best place to be a young child?
A. Ohio must invest in young children, their families, and the educators who serve them. Children deserve safe, nurturing, high-quality early learning environments, while educators need the resources and support to provide them. Strong children and families start with a strong early childhood system.
Q. How do you hope to use your voice as a leader in this space now and in the future?
A. I want to use my voice to advocate for children, families, and early childhood educators while helping shape the future of the field. I want to bring my classroom experience into the rooms where policies and decisions are made. My goal is not simply to have a seat at the table, but to contribute meaningfully and eventually become a decision maker myself. My current role is the beginning of that journey, not the limit of it.
