Episode Summary:

Jeana Ross learns about Tanya Wright’s surprising journey from award-winning TV actor (Orange is The New Black, True Blood) to educational entrepreneur. The conversation explores how a background in the arts can bring a refreshing perspective to the field of early education.

Tanya delves into the latest phase of her career as an actor-turned-educator and how it feels like all the dots in her life are connecting in an energizing, new way. Recently at Harvard Innovation Labs, Tanya developed her “Hairiette of Harlem” children’s book series and literacy platform, which employs the intersection of education and entertainment to encourage improvements in reading for kids through age eight.

Visit: http://startingatzeropodcast.com

Produced by the Saul Zaentz Charitable Foundation.

Tanya Wright: https://bighairhairiette.com

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About Jeana Ross:

Jeana Ross is a lifelong educator who believes that early childhood education is a key component of a strong economy at state and national levels. As former Secretary of Alabama’s Department of Early Childhood Education, Jeana led successful efforts to grow the state’s early learning program which earned consecutive recognition as the nation’s best throughout her term. Recently, Jeana was elected to the Alabama House where she intends to prioritize education. In addition, Jeana joined the Saul Zaentz Charitable Foundation as its Strategic Advisor on Early Education Policy & Practice, where she works with policymakers, nonprofit organizations, funders, and practitioners to support the early education workforce and advocate for increased funding for high-quality early childhood education.