Joanevia “Navie” Eason 

Joanevia “Navie” Eason is Senior Director of Child Development Services (on staff since June 2020) for YWCA Central Alabama, whose mission is to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. Joanevia was enlisted in the United States Army and spent a number of years in Germany. After returning to the states, she resided in Florida where she worked with Head Start in numerous capacities and at South Florida State College as the Chair of the Child Development Department.  She later moved to Alabama where she has managed programs under federal regulations, private programs and religious exempt programs. Her leadership portfolio includes programs with as few as 12 staff up to as many as 68 staff. She currently works with the Council for Professional Recognition as a Professional Development Specialist and is involved with the Alabama Institute for Social Justice where she is a part of the Alabama Movement for Child Care initiative. She has presented at numerous early learning conferences as well as conferences for children with exceptionalities throughout the southeast region and is proud of commitment over the past 27 years to the field of early learning. Born and raised in Mobile County, she graduated magna cum laude from John Le Flore High School and later with the same honors from the University of West Alabama with a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Development and Education. Joanevia is a huge advocate for young children and their families. She believes that “empowering families today is the gateway to the success of early learners tomorrow!”