Liz Barker-Alvarez with First Things First and Early Educator Kelly McCready E20
From birth to age 5, children’s brains develop faster than any other time in their lives and set the foundation for future learning. That’s why Arizonans created First Things First—a voter-initiated, statewide organization that funds early education and health programs to prepare young children to succeed in kindergarten and beyond. Local regional councils, staffed by community volunteers, decide how funds are spent to support the healthy development and learning of Arizona’s young children.
First Things First invests early childhood funds in programs and services that address the development, education and health needs of children birth to age 5 (before kindergarten). We administer statewide initiatives and award regional and statewide grants through competitive RFGAs (requests for grant applications). Funds are allotted to Arizona communities based on their population of young children (birth to age 5), and emphasis placed on getting resources directly to children and families through a network of community providers. Everything we do is strategically designed to help more Arizona children arrive at kindergarten ready to succeed.
Liz Barker Alvarez is Chief Policy Advisor for First Things First. In this role, she is responsible for strategic planning and oversight of FTF’s efforts to build awareness of the importance of early childhood among Arizona’s elected leaders and to work with policymakers at all levels to promote public policy that improves outcomes for young children.
Her unit’s work encompasses government affairs, tribal affairs, and statewide media. In addition, Liz advises the First Things First Board and Executive Team on communication/public affairs matters and serves as the primary media spokesperson for First Things First.
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Kelly McCready’s family started one of Arizona’s first child care centers in the 1950s – at 35th Avenue and Osborn in Phoenix. Now, she and other family members help operate four early learning environments – two in Maricopa County (including the original site) and two in Yavapai County.
Kelly has helped offer families quality child care since she was a young adult and knows first-hand how quality early learning helps prepare kids for success in kindergarten and beyond. In addition to working directly with young children and their families, Kelly believes it is an early educator’s job to help build awareness in our community of the crucial role early learning plays in getting kids ready for school and set for life.
About Arizona Good Business
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About Your Host
Thomas Barr is the Executive Director for Local First Arizona, the largest coalition of local businesses in North America. He advocates for a strong local business community that contributes to building vibrancy, equity, and prosperity across the state. A proud Arizona native and graduate of Arizona State University, Thomas leads the business coalition of Local First Arizona by advocating for the economic and cultural benefits provided by building strong local economies.
Thomas steers the strategic direction of LFA’s major programs and initiatives as well as the engagement of over 3000 businesses across Arizona. As Executive Director, Thomas guides a team of statewide senior directors overseeing the execution of LFA’s communication strategy, major initiatives and key partnerships, as well as the collaboration of over 30 staff implementing work in entrepreneurship programs, small business advocacy, local food initiatives, sustainability, urban development and community building. He frequently speaks to groups locally and nationally, presenting the impact of Local First Arizona and the importance of local economy work in building prosperity.
Outside of Local First Arizona, Thomas has participated in volunteering his time to many causes and organizations throughout the Valley including Young Nonprofit Professionals – Phoenix, Equality Arizona, Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits, Arizona Commission on the Arts, Heritage Square Foundation and Phoenix Legal Action Network. Additionally, Thomas is a 2018 Phoenix Magazine 40 Under 40 honoree, alumni of Arizona Leading for Change, and current participant in Valley Leadership Institute’s 40th cohort.
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Local First AZ
Local First Arizona is a nonprofit organization that celebrates independent, locally owned businesses. We support, promote and advocate for a strong local business community and raise public awareness of the economic and cultural benefits provided by strong local economies. Local businesses contribute to a sustainable economy for Arizona and build vibrant communities we’re all proud to call home.
