FIRST 8 YEARS SPEAKER SERIES

The First 8 Years Speaker Series was launched in 2021 to help increase awareness about the importance of early learning and provide valuable tools and insights that educators and advocates can use to improve outcomes for children. This series brings local, regional, and national experts together to discuss important themes, research, and cutting-edge early childhood topics, and provide unique context on their place in the Memphis community.

Flyer for an inaugural event on November 11, 2021, from 3 to 4:30 PM featuring keynote speaker Dr. Iheoma U. Iruka, and guest panelists Dr. Antonio Burt, Chloe Hakim-Moore, Kellie Spilman, and Michael Whaley, with their photos and descriptions.
Event flyer for February 24 from 1 to 3 P.M., featuring a black and white headshot of Dr. Chandra Ghosh Ippen and details about her keynote speech on children's mental health and trauma-informed strategies. The flyer also lists three guest panelists with their photos and short bios: Dr. Mindy Kronenberg, Alicia Norman, and Kimberly Thomas.

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  • Keynote: Dr. Chandra Ghosh Ippen

    View bio here.

    Sponsor: Early Success Coalition

    Topic: The importance of investing in early childhood development and why creating a strong equitable system is important for our children and families

    View the resources here.

    *Recording available only to registrants for this session at the speaker’s request

Previous Events

A flyer advertising a free parent workshop on how to teach children to read. It includes the date, time, and location, and lists speakers. The flyer features images of parents and children, with colorful books and text promoting the event.

Recent Event

More than 100 early childhood professionals, educators, advocates, and community partners joined First 8 Memphis on June 23 for an engaging Lunch & Learn exploring one of the most powerful influences on a child's development: language.

Drawing from decades of research, her own lived experience as a multilingual learner, and years of work in child development, Dr. Samina Hadi-Tabassum challenged many long-held myths about bilingualism while highlighting the remarkable capacity of young children to learn language.

View the full session and get additional details below.

Flyer for an in-person event titled "Fathers and School Readiness: How Fathers' Engagement Improves Children's Success" scheduled for January 26, 2023, from 1 to 4 P.M. at Porter-Leath Academy Orange Mound. Features keynote speaker Dr. Clinton Boyd Jr., with moderator Marcus Harris and panelists Elyse Jones, Dr. Jerry Watson, and Ricky Floyd.

  • Date: January 26, 2023

    Keynote: Dr. Clinton Boyd, Jr.

    Sponsor: 100 Black Men of Memphis

    View bio here.

    Topic: Dr. Boyd, Jr. will discuss Fathers and School Readiness: How Fathers’ Engagement Improves Children’s Success.

    *Event was not recorded.

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  • Date: 4/19/2023

    Keynote: Dr. Walter Gilliam

    View bio here.

    Topic: The impact of implicit bias and COVID-19 in relation to early care and education settings.

    *Recording only available to registrants.

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A colorful event flyer for the 'First 8 Years Speaker Series' featuring a date change to April 19, 2023, from 1-4 PM. The flyer highlights a keynote by Dr. Walter Gilliam, with details about his credentials and other local expert panelists including Robin Mayweather, Dr. Brian L. Wright, and Dr. Cherise Clark. The event discusses the impact of implicit bias and COVID-19 on early care and education, held virtually via Zoom.
Flyer for an event titled 'Early Childhood Education Starts Before Birth: Reproductive Health and Birthing Experiences Matter.' It includes the date and time, August 17, 2023, 1-4 p.m., and the location, BRIDGES USA, Memphis, TN. The flyer features a photo of keynote speaker Dr. Monica McLemore, with her credentials. It lists local expert panelists: Dr. Nikia Grayson, Dr. Sandra Madubuonwu, Cherisse Scott, and Shanille Bowens. The event is part of the First 8 Years Speaker Series.
Flyer for a virtual event titled 'Lovin' on Our Babies: Supporting Immigrant Families & Educators,' scheduled for June 3rd from 12 to 2 PM CST. The flyer features a photo of a woman and young boy smiling and playing, with details about guest speakers Carmen Rosa Norona and Ivs Fernández-Pastrana, and a QR code to register on Zoom. Sponsored by Boston Medical and Su Casa family ministries.

  • Date: 06/03/2025

    Speakers: Carmen Rosa Noroña, Ivys Fernández-Pastrana

    Topic: Supporting Immigrant Families and Educators

    This virtual discussion, "Lovin’ on Our Babies: Supporting Immigrant Families and Educators," focused on the well-being of young children in immigrant communities.

    This event was not recorded.

    Local Immigrant/Refugee Organizations: ipsmemphis.com/immigration

A woman and a young girl looking at a colorful book together in a bookstore or library, both smiling and engaged.

While we are proud to present the First 8 Years Speaker Series at no cost for attendees, we appreciate donations to help us continue to bring dynamic speakers to Memphis. Thank you!

Donate to support the First 8 Years Speakers Series