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FHSA Welcomes Newly Elected Board MembersStrengthening Leadership for Florida’s Head Start CommunityTallahassee, FL – October 02, 2025 — The Florida Head Start Association (FHSA) is proud to announce the election of four outstanding leaders to its Board of Directors: LaShonda Watson-Clark, Steven Martin, Alisa Thorton, and Mary Muniz-Pellicer. With deep commitment and diverse expertise, these newly elected leaders join FHSA’s thirteen-member Board of Directors in advancing our mission: empowering members to advocate, lead, and enhance the education, health, and social services that Head Start provides to Florida’s families. Elections were held last month to fill four open seats:
Each newly elected board member will serve a two-year term, with the opportunity to renew for an additional two years. FHSA also notes one remaining vacancy in the Southeast Region, following the conclusion of Akia Davis's term. The FHSA Nominating Committee will work closely with the Board to determine the best path forward to fill this seat and ensure continued regional representation. We’re excited to welcome these new leaders as they officially take office on October 01, 2025. Their induction will take place during the FHSA Annual Awards Luncheon which will be held in conjunction with FHSA 2025 Annual Conference & Expo on October 29 at the DoubleTree by Hilton at the Entrance to Universal Orlando. Please join us in celebrating their commitment to Florida’s children, families, and Head Start programs statewide.
Suncoast Director, LaShonda Watson- Clark Why do you want to serve on the FHSA Board of Directors? It would be an honor to serve on the Florida Head Start Association Board as a representative of my fellow Head Start Directors. I have dedicated nearly 25 years to the mission and work of Head Start, and I remain committed to its core values of empowerment, opportunity, and comprehensive support for children and families. As a seasoned leader, I bring both experience and passion to this role. I am eager to support Head Start families and my fellow co-laborers, elevate best practices, and ensure that our collective efforts are reflective of the quality and excellence that Head Start represents. Throughout my career, I have witnessed the transformative impact of Head Start, especially on those most in need. I sincerely believe that advocacy, collaboration, and strategic leadership can truly drive meaningful change. Serving on the Board would allow me to amplify the voices of directors, contribute to policy discussions, and help shape initiatives that improve program quality and outcomes.
Why do you want to serve on the FHSA Board of Directors? For over a decade, I’ve had the privilege of partnering with Orange County Head Start through VyStar Credit Union, where our shared commitment to empowering families and supporting children has never wavered. Head Start’s mission—to uplift future generations through education, health, and social services—deeply resonates with me both personally and professionally. Serving on the FHSA Board of Directors is an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to a vision I believe in: a future where all Head Start families thrive. I’m eager to support strategic growth, strengthen statewide partnerships, and help shape decisions that advance equity and opportunity for Florida’s children. This role also offers a chance to expand my leadership in service of a cause that has long felt like family. Over the years, I’ve watched children step into classrooms with curiosity and leave with confidence. I’ve seen parents empowered through resources and relationships. And I’ve seen staff pour their energy into building futures that many families never thought possible. That’s why I want to serve on the FHSA Board of Directors, because I believe in this mission with everything I’ve got. Head Start doesn’t just change lives; it transforms communities. And FHSA’s vision of a future where all Head Start families thrive is one I’m proud to stand behind. Serving on the board would allow me to help guide that future, using both my experience and my passion to make sure every decision reflects the values we share. 
Why do you want to serve on the FHSA Board of Directors? With over 25 years of continuous involvement in Head Start and currently serving as a Head Start Senior Manager, I am deeply invested in the success of Florida's children and families. My journey through the Head Start program, spanning frontline work, leadership roles, and community partnerships, has shaped not only my career but also my unwavering belief in the power of early childhood education to transform lives. That is why I am seeking the opportunity to serve on the FHSA Board of Directors. My commitment to the Florida Head Start Association extends well beyond professional alignment. I view this as a personal mission. I wholeheartedly support FHSA's vision of building a future where all Head Start families thrive, and am driven by the organization's core mission: to empower members to lead, advocate, and enhance the quality of education, health, and social services we provide. I believe my lived experience, leadership capacity, and collaborative mindset can support that mission at the board level. In my role as Senior Manager, I work directly with diverse teams and families, navigating complex challenges and leading with integrity, creativity, and accountability. I understand the importance of listening to varied perspectives and working across differences to find solutions that center the needs of children and families. These are the same principles I would bring to board service, rooted in inclusion, transparency, and a shared vision for equitable access to opportunity. My professional background includes strategic planning, program development, staff mentorship, and policy implementation. I have also had the privilege of supporting and mentoring new leaders entering the Head Start world. This experience aligns with the FHSA's purpose of delivering high-quality professional development to staff, parents, and community members. I am also committed to using my voice to advocate for policies that truly reflect and respond to the needs of our most vulnerable children and families. Throughout my career, I have remained actively engaged in FHSA efforts, events, and initiatives, and I am committed to contributing to its ongoing success. I understand the importance of strong, mission-focused leadership and am ready to step into a role where I can help shape strategy, build coalitions, and support Head Start professionals across Florida. Serving on the FHSA Board would allow me to apply my decades of experience, strategic insight, and passion for early childhood development in a meaningful way. I am ready to contribute, collaborate, and help ensure FHSA continues to be a strong, visionary force for children and families across our state.
Why do you want to serve on the FHSA Board of Directors? I have been working for YWCA South Florida for almost 20 years. For the last 13 years, we have been a delegate agency. My desire to serve on this Head Start association board stems from my deep commitment to its mission of promoting school readiness for young, low-income children and empowering their families. Just like YWCA's main emphasis on eliminating racism and empowering women, I am sharing my personal values and have many skills that can contribute to the organization's goals, and my leadership role at the agency brings me to understand the program and its people.
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