December 2020

Shayna Cook

Senior Manager of Early Learning Systems

Bainum Family Foundation

Who are you? 

My name is Shayna Cook. I am originally from Cleveland, Ohio. I have lived in the District of Columbia for about 15 years. I started my career teaching pre-K, Head Start, and third grade.   

What is the nature of your job? 

In my current role as the Senior Manager of Early Learning Systems at the Bainum Family Foundation, I have the opportunity to direct funding and resources to support children, families, and educators in the early childhood education field. To this end, I work in close partnership with the District of Columbia Association for the Education of Young Children.

What interests/concerns drew you to early childhood work?

In high school, I volunteered at a Head Start program in East Cleveland. My passion for early childhood education deepened during my time working with children, families, and educators. Through that experience and the many others that followed, I developed an unwavering belief in the life-changing power of high-quality early childhood education.

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Wishes for the future of children...

My wish is for all children to grow up in a safe and loving environment, where they can share their unique gifts with the world. In our country, I hope that we can reach the day where all children are valued by society, and families have universal access to high-quality early childhood programs and wraparound supports, starting at birth. 

What do you do when you are not working?

When I am not working, I am mostly reading and writing papers to complete my doctoral degree in education. If I am not doing schoolwork, I enjoy baking and watching true crime TV.