Vice President of Equity & Program Supports, Think Small

Candace has worked in early childhood care and education for 19 years as an educator, program director, trainer, and coach. As Vice President of Equity and Program Supports at Think Small, she manages the development of long-range and annual goals supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strategies across the organization and provides overall leadership to the Quality Coaching, Capacity Building, Professional Development, and Outreach & Engagement teams.  

Since joining Think Small, Candace has become an influential leader focusing on advancing equity for BIPOC children, families, and staff within the statewide early childhood system. She serves on the Voices and Choices for Children Coalition, 80x3 Advisory Committee, and Parent Aware Racial Equity Action Workgroup. She is a Board Director for the Minnesota Association for the Education of Young Children (MNAEYC). 

Candace holds a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish Studies from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and leadership certificates in Diversity and Inclusion from Cornell University and the University of South Florida’s Muma College of Business. Candace is also an IDI Qualified Administrator and Embracing Equity Leadership Residency alum.