Yohana Quiróz, Ed.D.
Chief Operations Officer (COO)
With almost three decades of experience in early childhood education (ECE) and in the non-profit sector, Dr. Quiróz is a passionate and experienced two-generation and collective impact leader and advocate dedicated to improving the educational opportunities, safety net and overall well-being of children, youth, and families in underserved communities.
Yohana I. Quiróz, Ed.D.
A prominent figure in the ECE field, Dr. Quiróz currently serves on the board of the National Association for the Education of Young Children, East Bay Chapter – California Association for Education of Young Children, and the Low Income Investment Fund and has chaired the Office of Early Care and Education Citizen’s Advisory Committee, demonstrating her commitment to shaping policies and practices.
Growing up in San Francisco’s Mission district, Dr. Quiróz’s lived experience as a teen parent and former Felton Institute client fuels her commitment to her work focused on equity, social justice, linguistic justice, coalition building, and systemic change. She actively examines and contributes to the ongoing work to create anti-racist policies, structures, and conditions.
Dr. Quiróz is a skilled advocate for creating a culture of philanthropy, showcasing her leadership in business development, grant writing, and cultivating strong donor relationships. Notably, she has led strategic partnerships and significant growth initiatives, overseeing the expansion of the Children, Youth, Family, and Transitional Age Youth Division from $4 million to $23 million in the last seven years. Her role as COO involves managing operations, facilities, quality assurance, grant writing, fundraising, strategic partnerships, growth initiatives, new acquisitions, and aligning the organization with key strategic priorities.
A lifelong learner and advocate, Dr. Quiróz ensures her collective work centers on and celebrates the lived experiences of BIPOC children, youth, families, and the dedicated workforce. Dr. Quiróz stands as a beacon of inspiration, showcasing how expertise, lived experiences, and unwavering passion can truly make a lasting impact on the trajectory of generations to come. Holding a doctorate in Educational Leadership, a Master of Arts in Organization and Leadership in Education, and a Bachelor of Arts in Child and Adolescent Development, she also brings a wealth of knowledge to her role.
Residing in the East Bay with her family, including her dog Snoopy, Dr. Quiróz dedicates her free time to gardening, cooking, and mentoring young people.
“The need for quality ECE is greater now than ever. Felton Institute has chosen to play a significant role, by continuing to advocate for, expand on, and address the access to quality care and education for San Francisco’s low-income families.”