MADELEINE THAKUR

PRESIDENT & CEO, THE CHILDREN’S MOVEMENT OF FLORIDA, MIAMI

A nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, the Children’s Movement of Florida advocates for policies and investments that help each child in Florida thrive in their first five years. With a team of 10 employees, Thakur has been a leader in the organization for seven years, building relationships with statewide business leaders and elected officials and informing the public about early childhood issues. Under her leadership, the organization has helped secure significant funding increases for early learning and expanded access to Florida KidCare. Thakur also serves on the board of the Florida Chamber Foundation.

EDUCATION: University of Chicago (BA)

IF I WERE GOVERNOR: I would create a strong foundation for our education system: a fully-funded birth to age 5 early education program with teachers who are celebrated, supported and well-compensated.

MENTOR: Tony Carvajal, CEO of the Association of Florida Colleges. He asks insightful questions and holds me to a high standard.

READING: The Myth of Normal, by Dr. Gabor Maté

INSPIRING FLORIDIAN: Dave Lawrence (former publisher of the Miami Herald and founder of our Movement). He’s focused on impact and action, was a driving force behind the creation of Florida’s VPK program and builds genuine relationships with people from all walks of life.

MOTIVATIONAL MANTRA
“Choose joy.”