We’re celebrating a work anniversary at Building Our Future! Eric Lequesne, Research and Evaluation Manager is celebrating his 1-year anniversary!! Eric is responsible for collecting relevant data, translating that data into actionable information to drive systemic change toward success for every child, cradle to career. We are so proud to have him as part of our work family. We look forward to seeing all the great things we know he will accomplish in the upcoming years!
Building Our Future is pleased to introduce Tatjana Bicanin as the partnership’s new Executive Director, bringing a unique balance of mission focus, strategic depth, and steadiness to the team. Her initial reaction to Building Our Future was excitement. “I was encouraged by past and new colleagues to learn about Kenosha’s first cradle to career collective impact effort focused on education and workforce development. I was instantly excited about the work,” said Tatjana. Her relationship with Building Our Future started in 2016 when she attended the Kenosha Strive Community Summit held at University of Wisconsin-Parkside. Shortly thereafter, she was hired as Community Impact Manager, facilitating the Smart Beginnings (formerly known as Kindergarten Readiness) Action Network and Community Engagement Network. Before becoming Executive Director, she was the Director of Operations, providing oversight to the daily operations, staff development, and strategic effort to lead the partnership goals: (1) Every child enters school ready to learn, (2) Every student succeeds in school, and (3) Every student succeeds in a career. Tatjana has over 14 years of experience in the non-profit sector, both domestic and international, including serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer in the Eastern Caribbean. In her past roles, she developed strong working relationships with leaders in business and the non-profit community to effect social change to benefit the common good – our students, our families and our neighborhoods. Through this work, she has become convinced that the most effective way to address issues of equity requires a focus on our children, especially those that come from economically disadvantaged families. “I am eager to advance the cradle to career success of Kenosha County youth,” she says. “Placing children at the center is critical to ensuring all children have the opportunities they need to achieve their personal potential from cradle to career.” Tatjana is a native of Kenosha. She received her B.A. from University of Wisconsin-Parkside and holds an M.A. from The University of Chicago in Social Service Administration. Her passion and commitment to Building Our Future, coupled with her knowledge of the work and community, enables her to plan more effectively for the future, expand our outcome areas, and continue to strengthen our relationships with community leaders from all sectors — which includes our youth and parents of Kenosha County. How To Get Involved
Article written by Megan Maurer Communication Intern Carthage College Published in Kenosha News With the success the Smart Beginnings Network has had in its first year, we are excited to add a dedicated staff member to lead this work! Lynn Debilzen joined the team in March as the Manager of Birth to 8 for both Building Our Future in Kenosha County and Higher Expectations in Racine County. Lynn is leading our Smart Beginnings and Early Grade Reading Networks. Lynn's background is in program management and child development. Prior to joining the team, Lynn worked for national nonprofits Bright by Three, Playworks, and Jumpstart. Lynn earned her MBA in Social Impact Management from Brandeis University, her MA from The University of Montana, and her BSW from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. |
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