UNF assistant professor and graduate student join statewide fellowship

Dr. Adrien Malek-Lasater, assistant professor of early childhood education, and graduate student Courtney Ballestero have been selected for the 2025–2026 Florida Early Childhood Advocacy Fellowship (FECAF), an initiative of the Children’s Forum. Their selection highlights UNF’s commitment to preparing educators who advance early childhood education through advocacy, leadership and policy.

The year-long FECAF program equips rising leaders in the early learning workforce to engage in local, state and national conversations around early childhood topics. Fellows participate in workshops, legislative training and networking opportunities designed to help them become effective voices for change.

For Malek-Lasater, the fellowship represents professional growth. “I am recognizing more and more the importance of knowing how to advocate effectively in the early childhood education field,” she said. She first learned about the fellowship during Children’s Week at the Capitol, where alumni described how the experience transformed their careers. Inspired by their stories, she applied as soon as the opportunity opened.

Over the next year, fellows will deepen their understanding of policymaking. “We will be learning how to read and analyze a bill as well as understand how a bill becomes a law,” Malek-Lasater explained. “We will also practice talking to our state legislators so we get more comfortable and effective at using our voice.”

Representing UNF adds meaning to the experience. “Each of the fellows brings unique skills and perspectives from the field of early childhood. To bring what I have learned at UNF means I can contribute to the learning process and also grow in my professional role,” she said.

Her experiences at UNF, particularly working alongside colleagues and students engaged in research and advocacy, have prepared her well. “This inspires me and gives me role models to look up to as I move through the fellowship,” she reflected.

Ballestero, pursuing her graduate degree in early childhood education, also serves as executive director of New Horizons Country Day School, where she champions high-quality programming for young learners.

Together, Malek-Lasater and Ballestero bring both faculty and student perspectives to the fellowship, underscoring UNF’s role in preparing leaders who are ready to make a difference in the lives of children and the future of early learning.

The Children’s Forum’s FECAF program is supported by the Bainum Family Foundation, whose generosity helps foster the next generation of early childhood advocates.