Diana McClarien leads Start Early’s Early/Head Start Network, working with local community-based agencies to deliver comprehensive supports that address families’ immediate needs while also helping them plan for future success. Diana is known for her commitment to advocating for the well-being of young children and the staff who nurture them. Her collaborative approach is instrumental in inspiring and supporting early childhood professionals, emphasizing that staff well-being and professional growth are crucial for delivering high-quality care and education to children.

Diana’s academic journey, marked by her Master of Education in Teaching Learning and Assessment from National Louis University and her current pursuit of a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership at Concordia University Chicago, is a testament to her unwavering commitment to excellence in early childhood education.

As an Afro-Latina, Diana is a dedicated advocate for diversity and inclusion in early childhood settings. She actively supports organizations that serve families from diverse backgrounds. Diana is the Chair of the Young Hearts Community Advisory Board at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago and serves as a board member of United Way Fox Valley in Aurora, IL, and a member of the advisory board of Illinois Facilities Fund in Chicago.