Florida Afterschool Advocacy Fellowship Welcomes Inaugural Cohort
Florida After School, Inc. is proud to announce the launch of its inaugural Florida Afterschool Advocacy Fellowship, a transformative program designed to equip and empower outstanding individuals from across the state to champion the importance of high-quality out-of-school-time (OST) programs in our communities.
The 2025 fellowship cohort includes ten elite advocates from diverse backgrounds, all united by their passion for advancing afterschool programs and their impact on children, families, and communities. Over the next ten months, these fellows will engage in robust training sessions, advocacy activities, and collaborative opportunities, equipping them to become influential voices for OST programs in Florida.
The selected fellows for the 2025 cohort are:
- Christi Arrington, Girls Place, Inc.
- Tamara Bell, PBCSD – Extended Learning Department
- Asbury Edens, Champions, Kindercare LLC
- Kiwana Howell, School District of Palm Beach County
- Cherie Kelly, City of Gainesville
- Shanteva Leonard, Florida A&M University
- Brett Prilik, Innovation Learning
- Deidre Reid-Thomas, Thomas Ed Learning Center
- Hagit “Kate” Sela, The Brain Workout Academy
- Sophia Smart, Broward County Public Schools
The fellowship features a series of monthly virtual sessions, in-person events, and skill-building opportunities designed to deepen fellows’ understanding of the OST landscape and develop their advocacy skills. Key components include:
- Comprehensive Advocacy Training: Fellows will learn the essentials of advocacy, including the history and national context of OST programs, the difference between advocacy and lobbying, and strategies for effective engagement with policymakers.
- Skill-Building Workshops: Topics include leadership development, legislative advocacy, community mobilization, and empowering youth voices in advocacy. Fellows will also practice delivering impactful messages and organizing grassroots campaigns.
- Mentorship and Collaboration: Fellows will work closely with program staff and mentors while building a network of peers and partners dedicated to advancing OST programs.
- In-Person Advocacy Experiences: Fellows will participate in active advocacy during Children’s Week in Tallahassee (April 2025), where they will witness the legislative process firsthand and meet with lawmakers to discuss OST priorities. In October, fellows will attend the Florida Afterschool Conference in Orlando to host an ‘Afterschool for All’ Rally on Lights on Afterschool, as well as celebrate their achievements and share their advocacy stories.
“The Florida Afterschool Advocacy Fellowship is a powerful step toward amplifying the voices of afterschool advocates across our state,” said Lili Murphy, Executive Director of Florida After School, Inc. “These ten fellows represent the future of advocacy for OST programs, and we are thrilled to support them as they work to create lasting change for Florida’s children and families.”
The fellowship is part of Florida After School, Inc.’s commitment to promoting policies, partnerships, and practices that expand access to high-quality OST programs. Fellows will learn how to effectively engage policymakers, build coalitions, and advocate for sustainable funding to ensure every child in Florida has the opportunity to thrive.
For more information about the Florida Afterschool Advocacy Fellowship, contact Holly McPhail at hmcphail@flafterschool.com.