‘Their expertise, passion, and leadership will strengthen our efforts to ensure every Florida child has access to quality early learning.’
The Children’s Movement of Florida is adding two new members to its Board of Directors: Ashley Bell Barnett and Monesia Brown.
Bell Barnett is an education leader and community advocate who also serves on the Florida Board of Governors for the State University System and the Polk State College District Board of Trustees. Brown is a veteran policy strategist and executive consultant whose work focuses on education policy, strategic transformation and leadership development.
“We are honored to welcome Ashley and Monesia to our board,” Children’s Movement of Florida President and CEO Madeleine K. Thakur said. “Their expertise, passion, and leadership will strengthen our efforts to ensure every Florida child has access to quality early learning, health care, and nurturing family support.”
In addition to her work in the education space, Bell Barnett’s civic involvement also includes leadership roles with United Way of Central Florida, the Southwest Florida Water Management District and the Lakeland Regional Health Foundation Board.
A fifth-generation Floridian, Bell Barnett has been a longtime supporter of early childhood initiatives and literacy programs. Her family was one of the founding supporters for The Children’s Movement of Florida, specifically the ReadingPals program, which is active across 22 Florida counties.
Bell Barnett earned her Master of Public Administration from the University of South Florida and her bachelor’s degree from Florida Southern College.
Brown is President and CEO of Monesia T. Brown, LLC. She has more than 30 years of experience in the corporate, government and nonprofit sectors. She previously served on the State Board of Education, chaired the Early Learning Coalition of the Big Bend Region, and is currently a Trustee at Tallahassee Community College. Brown has been recognized among Florida Trend’s 500 Most Influential Business Leaders for her impact on Florida’s education landscape.
The Children’s Movement of Florida works to unite parents, educators, business leaders and policymakers to champion early childhood education. The group advocates for smart policies and investments that ensure Florida kids can thrive from birth through age 5.