April May is from Jackson, MS and serves as MELA’s Coalitions and Programs Director. She brings 18 years of experience in education and early childhood professional capacity-building, as well as her deep connections within the early learning community of Mississippi to her role. April has an intricate understanding of the childcare system: she serves on the board for the Mississippi Early Childhood Association, was a member of the State Early Childhood Advisory Council (SECAC), and launched the first Mississippi Leadership for Children Network with forward-thinking colleagues and Leading for Children, Inc.