R.E.S.T.

Conference

What is the R.E.S.T Conference?

The REST Conference is the inaugural in-person gathering of the Early Childhood Leaders of Color Collaborative and its members. REST stands for Restoration, Enlightenment, Solidarity, and Transformation. Our 2-day retreat creates space for members to explore each theme in pursuit of sustainability, social capital, and power.

  • Take the time to rejuvenate and replenish. Restoration is essential for sustained leadership.

    "Restoration" represents a heartfelt call to reconnect with one's inner self and the essence of one's actions. It embodies a healing embrace, a safe haven where individuals can rediscover their core energies and find a space to rejuvenate, recover, and thrive.

  • Embrace the opportunity to learn, grow, and gain new insights. Relationships illuminate our path as leaders.

    Enlightenment embodies the awakening of profound awareness, stemming from our deep connection with a shared purpose. It signifies the realization of our collective potential and the understanding that, as leaders of color, our narratives and experiences possess invaluable wisdom to guide the early childhood sector.

  • Connect with fellow leaders. Forge bonds and foster a sense of community that transcends the conference walls.

    Solidarity represents the unbreakable bond that unites leaders of color, serving as a testament to our shared journeys, aspirations, and obstacles. It's a unity that magnifies our collective voice, fortifying our determination to create inclusive spaces where every leader is acknowledged, heard, and empowered.

    Leadership is not a solitary path; it's about building bridges, forging connections, and drawing strength from unity.

  • Be open to transformation—personal and professional—that can arise from the shared experiences and wisdom within this community.

    Transformation embodies the profound metamorphosis that unfolds when leaders of color unite, collaborate, and co-create. It signifies a radical departure from existing paradigms, ushering in a new reality where equity, inclusivity, and liberation are not merely ideals but tangible, lived experiences for every early childhood leader of color.

February 20 to February 22, 2024

“Our gathering for the R.E.S.T. conference marks the realization of a dream surfaced in our design —a national conference dedicated to us, leaders of color in early childhood. We aspired to center our stories, address our needs, and explore our aspirations.”

Vance Lewis, Promise Venture Studio

San Francisco, CA

This is more than an event.

it's an invitation to immerse fully in the power of rest.

Rarely do we find ourselves in an environment that focuses on our REST - our Restoration, Enlightenment, Solidarity, and Transformation - as leaders of color on this journey in early childhood.

During time at REST, attendees are encouraged to reflect on these pillars and embrace whatever is necessary to feel present in each of these dimensions.

What Members Are Saying

“It is necessary to have a village to rest and move the work forward and I feel like I found my village.”

“It helped me refocus, reflect, and reset my mind to refine my purpose with intentionality to be better in my heart (and) work.”

“That is the power of our group. I learn from those who are coming into the field. I draw on the gifts they bring and their energy, as I hope they do mine because we really are in it together.”


Supported By

Collaborative Sponsors

Institutional Investors

About Us

Launched in September 2022, the EC LOC Collaborative is a national, self-organized network for leaders of color in early childhood.

We dream that the Collaborative is a transformative network for members because it is designed by, for, and with them. We strive to center our voices, needs, and aspirations. This practice of co-design and co-creation in community is essential.

At present, we have over 150 active members across 31 states, representing various areas of early childhood. We believe increasing the sustainability, social capital, and power of proximate BIPOC leaders in the ECD field will lead to thriving, liberated environments for children, prenatal to five, nationwide.

Get Involved.

Visit promisestudio.org/ecloc. Email ecloc@promisestudio.org