STAMFORD – A longtime city educator has been hired to lead the Stamford Cradle to Career program as the new chairman.
Edith Presley, who has served as principal of two elementary schools in Stamford, said she was “ecstatic to serve the community” as she takes on the leadership role on Jan. 18, United Way of Western Connecticut and Stamford Cradle said. to Career in a statement Wednesday.
“This opportunity will connect my leadership career, my passion for education and my lived experiences as a graduate, educator and parent at Stamford. I am thrilled to join such an incredible team and look forward to the continued growth of this accomplished organization,” Presley said in the statement.
Stamford Cradle to Career is a partnership that aligns community resources to ensure young people succeed in education, career and life. United Way of Western Connecticut serves as the backbone entity for SC2C, providing management and tax support under the partnership.
Presley brings “a solid background, a basic understanding of the organization’s mission and vision, and an unwavering commitment to the youth of Stamford to the role,” the statement said.
“Edith is an accomplished professional with a reputation as a leader and organizer who inspires trust, solves problems and builds lasting relationships,” said Isabel Almeida, president of United Way of Western Connecticut. “Under Edith’s leadership, we look forward to the continued growth and lasting impact of Stamford Cradle to Career in the Stamford community.”
Prior to joining SC2C, Presley spent over 20 years in education, instructional leadership and community organizing. Throughout her career, “her work has focused on equity and inclusion as well as a commitment to ensuring that all students can succeed and thrive in social and academic environments”, have said the organizations.
Most recently, Presley served as educational advisor to the non-profit organization DOMUS Kids in Stamford to help young people overcome adversity. She also has educational leadership experience with Lighthouse Community Corp. and Stamford Public Educational Foundation, coordinating student services during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Presley spent 12 years at Stamford Public Schools as the Central Office Human Resources Administrator, Co-Principal of Roxbury Elementary School, Principal of Julia Stark Elementary School, Assistant Director of Special Education Services and vice principal of Dolan Middle School.
“Edith brings with her a lifetime of experiences across Stamford, both personally and professionally, that will inform the work we do,” said Nadene Reid, Chair of the Stamford Cradle to Career Leadership Team. “I anticipate great results under his leadership.”
United Way of Western Connecticut is a nonprofit organization that works to improve the lives of households in northern Fairfield County, southern Litchfield County, and the City of Stamford. For more information, visit www.uwwesternct.org.
Stamford Cradle to Career works with more than 100 volunteers from the community, nonprofits, Stamford Public Schools, the City of Stamford and the business community to support children’s educational success. For more information, visit www.stamfordc2c.org.
