As a director on the Start Early Consulting team, Dr. Tamilah Richardson consults with public sector leaders and advocates to build high-quality, equitable early childhood systems. With a passion for early childhood systems building, Tamilah’s diverse portfolio has focused on issues such as strategic planning, leadership advising, community engagement, and workforce development. Tamilah has served the early childhood and elementary education fields for over two decades, including as a former Pre-K teacher, school library media specialist, and school division Pre-K administrator.

Prior to joining Start Early, she was the Director of Early Childhood Learning for the Virginia Department of Education. Dr. Richardson’s work is driven by her commitment to equity and excellence in education, culturally responsive and sustaining pedagogy, family engagement and empowerment, social emotional learning, and early literacy development. She holds degrees from Hampton University (BS English-ECE), Old Dominion University (MSEd), and The George Washington University (EdS and EdD). Virginia is forever home for Tamilah and her family.