ZERO TO THREE Chief Policy Officer honored as part of inaugural Care 100 list
WASHINGTON — ZERO TO THREE, the leading nonprofit dedicated to ensuring all babies and toddlers have a strong start in life, proudly announced this week that Dr. Myra Jones-Taylor, the organization’s Chief Policy Officer, has been honored as part of the inaugural Care 100. Created by The Holding Co., the list honors the 100 most influential people working to re-imagine and re-humanize the care system. Dr. Jones-Taylor takes her place on the list for her work advocating for babies, toddlers, and families in Congress and across the country.
“Myra’s incredible success as an advocate and champion for babies, toddlers, and their families derives from her deep personal passion, smarts, and commitment,” stated ZERO TO THREE Executive Director Matthew Melmed. “She is a tireless fighter for policies and programs that will improve the lives of the youngest among us, and her focus on improving equity and leveling the playing field for every child is an inspiration for us all.”
Dr. Jones-Taylor leads the development and implementation of ZERO TO THREE’s policy agenda, priorities, and strategies. She also oversees the Policy Center, which includes federal and state policy, advocacy, and federally funded technical assistance units. Under her leadership, ZERO TO THREE has pioneered the Think Babies campaign, a call to action for federal and state policymakers to prioritize the needs of infants, toddlers, and their families; established Strolling Thunder, an annual event bringing parent advocates from across the country to Capitol Hill and state capitals to meet with their elected officials; and launched the State of Babies Yearbook, an innovative, state-by-state look at how where a baby is born can determine their future and well-being.
“To be honored alongside such luminaries as First Lady Rosalynn Carter, Serena Williams, Geoffrey Canada, and Nadine Burke Harris is a true honor and career highlight. I am so proud to be thought of in the same light as so many colleagues I’ve worked closely with over the years, as well as those whom I’ve admired from afar,” added Dr. Jones-Taylor. “The truth is that it’s the work of everyday people from all walks of life that can make change in the world. From fighting for paid family leave to making the potential of every baby a national priority, the work we do makes a real impact for families across the country. I’m proud to work with a tremendous team at ZERO TO THREE, and this recognition belongs to all of them as well. I’m so grateful to The Holding Co. for this recognition of this important work and I hope it will lead to the advancement of our efforts for years to come.”
Prior to joining ZERO TO THREE, Dr. Jones-Taylor served as the founding Commissioner of the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood. She received her doctorate in American studies and anthropology from Yale University. Dr. Jones-Taylor is an active board member of organizations committed to young children and ending racial and social inequality, including All Our Kin, Capita and Equity Partners. She is also a member of the Irving Harris Early Childhood and Reproductive Health Advisory Committee.
Learn more about the work the ZERO TO THREE Policy Center is doing on behalf of babies, toddlers, and their families.
The full Care 100 list can be found at care100list.com.
About ZERO TO THREE
ZERO TO THREE works to ensure all babies and toddlers benefit from the family and community connections critical to their well-being and development. Since 1977, the organization has advanced the proven power of nurturing relationships by transforming the science of early childhood into helpful resources, practical tools and responsive policies for millions of parents, professionals and policymakers. For more information, and to learn how to become a ZERO TO THREE member, please visit zerotothree.org, facebook.com/ZEROTOTHREE or follow @ZEROTOTHREE on Twitter.
