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Author: LauraBowen

Nurturing Diversity: Paving the Way for Black Excellence in Early Childhood Education.

A loving black family of 3: dad holds their baby while mom wraps her arms around them, creating a heartwarming embrace.

Read our full Nurturing Diversity series: 1. Celebrating the Power of Black Caregivers in Early Childhood. 3. County and Public Leadership’s Vital Role in Addressing This Challenge! As we continue Black History Month, it’s important to shed light on the challenges that persist for many Black children during their early years. The landscape of early childhood education (ECE) […]

Introducing Claire Cunningham to the First 5 San Mateo County Commission 

We at First 5 San Mateo County (F5SMC) are so excited to welcome our newest commissioner, Claire Cunningham, to the team. She brings a wealth of experience and passion for the well-being of children and families.  Claire shared insights into her background, inspirations, and hopes for the future with us, shedding light on how her […]

Supervisor Noelia Corzo on her Role on the First 5 San Mateo County Commission

In the dynamic landscape of early childhood development, First 5 San Mateo County (F5SMC) is proud to welcome a new commissioner, San Mateo County Supervisor, Noelia Corzo, whose personal journey has fueled her commitment to championing the well-being of young children and families. Supervisor Corzo was excited to share her background, motivations, and aspirations for […]

Nurturing Diversity: Celebrating the Power of Black Caregivers in Early Childhood.

This is the first post in our Nurturing Diversity series. Read the others: 2. Paving the Way for Black Excellence in Early Childhood Education. 3. County and Public Leadership’s Vital Role in Addressing This Challenge! Think about your favorite book or song— each tells a unique story that has shaped the way you see the world. Those stories […]

A Word of Thanks to Our Community

To our amazing San Mateo County Community, As we reflect on the last three years, our hearts swell with gratitude for the unwavering dedication and tireless efforts you’ve contributed to our shared mission: promoting positive outcomes for young children and their families. You have been a pillar of our success, and we are so appreciative […]

Adding Belonging to the Equation: The Shift from REDI to DEIB 

Years ago, we adopted a focus on bringing REDI–Race, Ethnicity, Diversity, and Inclusion–principles to all of our initiatives, communications, and partnerships. REDI initiatives laid the foundation for addressing issues of racial and ethnic diversity and inclusion. However, as we delved deeper into our equity efforts, we realized that we could create an even more truly […]

The Power of Storytelling in Transforming Early Childhood Systems: A Conversation with Christine Thorsteinson, Director of Early Childhood Development at the Silicon Valley Community Foundation

Christine Thorsteinson and the Silicon Valley Community Foundation have supported KQED San Francisco to harness the transformative power of storytelling in early childhood systems.  “We wanted to try to go deep in system-level change and find ways to address systemic inequities that underlie the disparities in our region. Think about it– everyone loves cute babies. […]

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Headshot of Kitty Lopez

Kitty Lopez has served as the Executive Director of First 5 San Mateo County since 2013, focusing on strategic investing, community leadership, policy and advocacy development for young children, 0-5, and their families.

Kitty has served as Co-Chair of the Advisory Body for Build Up for San Mateo County Children’s Initiative, with Board of Supervisor, Dave Pine, since 2018.  Congressman Kevin Mullin is Honorary Co-Chair.  This initiative was established to preserve, grow, and increase the number of early care sites in San Mateo County.  

Kitty previously served as the Executive Director of Samaritan House, one of San Mateo County’s leading Core Service Agencies and safety-net nonprofits serving low-income families and individuals with food, shelter, clothing, health care, counseling, education classes, and holiday assistance from 2002 to 2013. 

Kitty taught kindergarten, second grade, and high school in southern California and San Francisco and was a consultant in schools with children who have autism and special needs. Additionally, Kitty worked in a residential substance abuse treatment center in San Francisco and psychiatric hospital for children and youth in San Diego.  Kitty’s roots in supporting children began as a 16-year-old volunteer at the Braille Institute in Los Angeles where she taught swimming to children and adults with visual impairments.

She attended University of California Santa Barbara earning a California Teaching Credential and B.A in Psychology. Kitty is active in her community serving as Vice Chair of the San Mateo County Event Center, and Past President and Current Member of the San Mateo Rotary Club.  She is currently serving as Past President of the First 5 Association of California. On March 2022, Assembly Speaker pro Tem Kevin Mullin selected Kitty Lopez as the 2022 Assembly District 22 Woman of the Year.