Some people talk about solving problems and then some do it. After starting as an early childhood educator and seeing the many challenges, Marica Cox Mitchell credits UDC with inspiring her to be a catalyst for change. She now serves as vice president, early childhood for the Bainum Family Foundation.
“I’ve always enjoyed being an early childhood educator, but I was able to very quickly see the policy conditions impeding children and families,” Cox Mitchell said. “As I deepened my understanding of policy at UDC through courses and speakers, my understanding of the system increased.
“What I do is rooted in my experiences at UDC, as an educator, parent, and the experiences of my colleagues whom I remain connected with who are working with children and families.”
Cox Mitchell (‘07) began her professional journey working in early childhood programs as a teacher assistant, teacher, and curriculum specialist while working toward her degree. During her time at UDC, she was inspired to focus on policy to address the factors that impact children’s success in learning because of issues they may face at home.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education from the University of the District of Columbia and a Master of Science in Educational Administration from the University of Scranton.
Cox Mitchell leads the Bainum Family Foundation’s efforts to support the healthy growth and development of young children and the well-being of their families through work in the areas of practice/direct service and policy/advocacy.
The Bainum Family Foundation works to create a society where all children thrive. It works alongside communities experiencing racial and economic disparities to create lasting systems change for the well-being of children and families.
Founded in 1968 by Stewart Sr. and Jane Bainum, the foundation focuses on early childhood and what children need for a strong start in life (including early learning, health and mental health, family economic security and stable housing).
Last month, Cox Mitchell returned to UDC as a speaker for the first cohort of students to earn UDC’s Bilingual Associate in Arts degree in Education, Birth to Age 3. The Foundation was a sponsor of the program.
“It was a grounding experience coming back to UDC,” she said. “It gave me the opportunity to reflect on my professional journey and how I was supported. I am in the position to pay it forward.”
Marica Cox Mitchell of the Bainum Family Foundation introduces WeVision EarlyEd, a new initiative to transform child care in the District of Columbia and beyond.
Marica Cox Mitchell of the Bainum Family Foundation introduces WeVision EarlyEd, a new initiative to transform child care in the District of Columbia and beyond.Before joining the foundation in 2019, Cox Mitchell worked for the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), where she most recently served as deputy executive director of early learning systems. In this role, she led a portfolio encompassing public policy and advocacy, accreditations of early learning programs, higher education accreditation and the Power to the Profession initiative. Previously, she was senior director, NAEYC Accreditation for Higher Education Programs.
She also worked for the District’s Office of the State Superintendent of Education from 2009 to 2012 — serving as director of the school preparedness division and the supervisor for the professional development unit.
In her current role as vice president for early childhood at the Bainum Family Foundation, she is proud of the work being done to partner with and provide financial support to more than 40 organizations in DC and nationwide that are focused on improving resources for young children and their families.
“It’s important to me because early childhood is one of the most important periods in human development and one of the most under-supported,” she said. “I am most interested in narrowing the gap between educators, families and the policy-making process.”
Marica Cox Mitchell of the Bainum Family Foundation introduces WeVision EarlyEd, a new initiative to transform child care in the District of Columbia and beyond.