First 8 Years Speaker Series

This First 8 Years Speaker Series brings local, state, and national early childhood experts together to discuss the most impactful topics and trends in early childhood education and provide unique context to their place in the Memphis community.

First 8 Memphis is thrilled to welcome award-winning author and nationally recognized keynote speaker Dr. Walter Gilliam to our November event. Dr. Gilliam is Vice President of ZERO TO THREE.

Attendees will learn about the impact of implicit bias and COVID-19 in relation to early care and education settings. Dr. Gilliam will also be joined by a panel of local experts, including:

• Robin Mayweather, Owner/Executive Director of Red Robin Academy of Learning; Robin is a long-time advocate for strong, well-funded, public school systems and a highly sought conference speaker and childcare consultant.
• Dr. Charise Clark, Deputy Director of Su Casa Family Ministries; Dr. Clark is fueled by a passion for languages and cultures and has focused her studies on intercultural teaching and learning, serving in Pre-K – 12 education for the past 15 years.
• Dr. Brian Wright, Associate Professor & Program Coordinator of Early Childhood Education at the University of Memphis; In addition to his role as a professor, Dr. Wright is an award-winning author, co-author and editor of many articles and books. He is also the Coordinator of the Middle School Cohort of the African American Male Academy at the University of Memphis.