DR. TAFONA ERVIN

Tafona is a dedicated advocate for equitable education with nearly 15 years of service in education and several years of experience leading transformation work in a place-based community setting. Serving as the Executive Director for the Foundation for Tacoma Students, Tafona partners with more than 350 community partners that make up a coalition of advocates aligning to a shared vision and community-built goal that supports Tacoma’s youngest residents in achieving success from cradle to college and career. She has become a champion in her community advocating for early learning, STEAM education and training for under-represented populations, serves on a statewide equity taskforce, the WA State Kaiser Permanente Community Advisory Board, Child Care Resources of Pierce and King Counties board of directors, named Golden Apple winner for equity in education, and one of the Puget Sound’s 40 Under 40. Tafona has earned a bachelors, masters, and doctoral degree from Washington State University, whereby educational policy and leadership has been her focus.