Longtime Stamford educator tapped to lead Cradle to Career program
STAMFORD — A longtime city educator has been hired to lead the Stamford Cradle to Career program as its new president.
Edith Presley, who has been principal at two elementary schools in Stamford, said she is “ecstatic to serve the community” as she takes over the leadership role on Jan. 18, the United Way of Western Connecticut and Stamford Cradle to Career said in a statement Wednesday.
“This opportunity will bridge my career in leadership, passion for education and lived experiences of being a graduate, educator and parent in Stamford. I am very excited to join such an amazing team, and looking forward to continuing the growth of this accomplished organization,” Presley said in the statement.
Stamford Cradle to Career is a partnership that aligns community resources to ensure that youth succeed in education, career and life. United Way of Western Connecticut serves as the backbone entity for SC2C, providing management and fiscal support in the partnership.
Presley brings to the role a “strong educational background, a core understanding of the organization’s mission and vision and an unwavering commitment to Stamford’s youth,” the statement said.
“Edith is an accomplished professional with a reputation as a leader and organizer who inspires confidence, solves problems and builds long-lasting relationships,” said Isabel Almeida, president of United Way of Western Connecticut. “Under Edith’s leadership, we look forward to Stamford Cradle to Career’s continued growth and lasting impact throughout the Stamford community.”
Before joining SC2C, Presley spent more than 20 years in education, educational 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,” the organizations said.
Most recently, Presley served as an education adviser with the nonprofit DOMUS Kids in Stamford to help young people rise above adversity. She also has educational leadership experience at Lighthouse Community Corp. and Stamford Public Educational Foundation, coordinating services for students during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Presley spent 12 years at Stamford Public Schools as human resources administrator at the central office, co-principal at Roxbury Elementary School, principal at Julia Stark Elementary School, assistant director of special education services and assistant principal at Dolan Middle School.
“Edith brings with her a life of experiences across Stamford both personally and professionally that will inform the work that we do,” said Nadene Reid, chair of Stamford Cradle to Career’s Executive Team. “I anticipate great outcomes under her leadership.”
United Way of Western Connecticut is a nonprofit 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, nonprofit agencies, Stamford Public Schools, the City of Stamford and the business community to support the educational success of children. For more information, visit www.stamfordc2c.org.