By, Katie Kurutz, Communications Specialist
March 27, 2025
In celebration of Women’s History Month and this year’s theme — Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations — we are excited to spotlight five remarkable women leading the way in early childhood education (ECE). Each of these professionals holds a leadership role at a respected academic institution in Los Angeles County, shaping the future through their scholarship, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to young children and their families. They are also members of the PEACH Collaborative, officially known as Partnerships for Education, Articulation, and Coordination through Higher Education (PEACH), which is a coalition of ECE faculty and stakeholders from 25 institutions of higher education in L.A. County. In the bios and Q&A’s that follow, they share their journeys, the lessons they’ve learned, and their visions for a more inclusive, inspiring future for the next generation. Please click on the links below to see the profiles and personal reflections of these fantastic women, making history.
Denise Kennedy, Ph.D. is Chair of the Early Childhood Studies Department at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. The scope of her research has expanded recently to focus on parents’ and teachers’ efficacy— the belief that they will be able to work successfully with children. New research also includes dual language learner competencies and student sense of belonging. Click here to read more about Dr. Kennedy and her reflections on her work.
Jan Fish, Ed.D. has been in the field of Early Childhood Education (ECE) since the late 1960s. As a Professor Emerita at California State University, Northridge and continuing adjunct professor in the Early Childhood Educational Psychology (ECEP) MA Program, Jan teaches Partnerships for Excellence, a core graduate course that pairs ECE mentors with students. Click here to read more about Dr. Fish and her reflections on her work.
La Tanga Hardy, Ed.D. is a Faculty Member at Los Angeles Trade-Technical College where she is also the director of the Child Development Center. Currently, Dr. Hardy’s research focuses on “Getting into Good Trouble in Early Education,” exploring ways to move beyond the “one size fits all” approach and create more inclusive, equitable learning environments for our youngest learners. Click here to read more about Dr. Hardy and her reflections on her work.
Nancy Hurlbut Ph.D. is an emeritus professor in Early Childhood Studies at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. She earned her Ph.D. in Life-Span Human Development from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. For over 45 years, she has been a faculty member and administrator in Early Childhood Education/Child Development (ECE/CD) in two countries and four U.S. states. Click here to read more about Dr. Hurlbut and her reflections on her work.
Alma Cortes, Ed.D. is an Associate Professor of Child Development at Los Angeles Pierce College and a First 5 LA Commissioner. She earned her Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from UCLA and has over 22 years of experience in early childhood education as a teacher, administrator, and faculty member.
Click here to read more about Dr. Cortez and her reflections on her work.
