Empowering Men of Color in Early Childhood Education
DC Men in ECE is dedicated to transforming the early childhood education landscape by supporting, developing, and advancing men of color in the field.
How We Got Here
DC Men in Early Childhood Education (ECE) was launched in April 2022 during the national observance of the "Month of the Young Child." Initiated by the DC Early Learning Collaborative, a trailblazer in early childhood advocacy, our mission is to empower men of color in the ECE field.
From a modest networking reception attended by 40 men, we have grown rapidly, hosting our first annual city-wide conference in October 2023 with over 200 participants.
Our commitment to recruitment, retention, and advancement is driving a more diverse and inclusive early childhood education landscape in Washington, D.C.
Men in ECE workforce
Men of Color
The Need for Such an Organization
In early childhood education, men make up just 3.3% of the workforce, with men of color representing less than 1%. This lack of representation means many children miss out on having role models who look like them and reflect their communities.
This low number of male educators also leads to feelings of isolation, resulting in lower retention and advancement rates. Our efforts aim to create a supportive community, ensuring educators not only enter the field but thrive in it.
What Makes Us Different
Our unique approach combines professional development with community building to create lasting change.
Empowerment & Leadership
Inspiring men of color to realize their full potential as educators and leaders, equipped to drive change and innovation in ECE.
Unity & Community
Cultivating a strong, cohesive community voice that encourages both individual and shared goals and a network that supports ECE professionals' collective action and growth.
Inclusivity & Collaboration
Building an inclusive network that values diverse contributions and fosters collaboration among all members to strengthen the collective.
Advocacy & Impact
Championing policies and practices that advance the interests of men of color in ECE and improve educational outcomes for all children.
Excellence & Quality
Committing to the highest standards of teaching, professional development, and expertise to effectuate positive change in education.
The Faces Behind the Mission
Meet the dedicated leaders driving DC Men in ECE forward.
Jamal Berry
Co-Convener
Jamal Berry is Educare DC's President and CEO. In 2013, Mr. Berry began his career with Educare DC as an infant and toddler Mentor Teacher, later becoming the school director and then vice president of programs. Over the years, he has applied his knowledge of leadership and early childhood development to steer Educare DC to earning high quality program ratings and to earning accreditation with the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Mr. Berry is an advocate for young children as well as for early childhood educators.
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Glenn Hopkins
Co-Convener
J. Glenn Hopkins is President and CEO of Hopkins House, a nonprofit center for children and families in Northern Virginia, where he has served since 1991. With more than three decades of experience in education and human services, Mr. Hopkins previously directed pre-college and youth education programs at Columbia University in New York City.
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Ihkeem Ma'at
Co-Convener
Ihkeem D. Ma'at is an accomplished leader with over 15 years of experience in management, project execution, and program development. As the Collaboration and Advocacy Director at the DC Early Learning Collaborative, Ihkeem drives partnerships and advocacy efforts that strengthen early learning initiatives for young children and families in Washington, DC.
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Maurice Sykes
Senior Advisor Emeritus
Maurice R. Sykes was a respected leader, mentor, and community advocate whose life's work centered on service, integrity, and uplifting others. Known for his steady guidance and principled approach, Maurice dedicated his time and talents to strengthening organizations, cultivating leadership, and advancing equity—particularly in spaces serving children, families, and historically underserved communities.
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