Marissa Mota, Senior Director of Policy and Data
Connect with Marissa if you need help understanding the ins and outs of early childhood policy and implications to programs.
Marissa is a federal policy expert, systems thinker, and data strategist dedicated to ensuring early childhood programs are grounded in strong policy, equity, and evidence-based decision-making. She has worked across federal, state, and local levels, supporting initiatives that enhance early childhood workforce development, funding strategies, and program accountability.
With deep experience in federal Head Start and Child Care policy, she specializes in translating complex regulations into actionable strategies, helping organizations navigate and leverage policy to strengthen services for children, families, and educators. Marissa is passionate about bridging the gap between data and policy, ensuring that early childhood systems work smarter, not harder to serve communities effectively.
She is a coast to coast collaborator and change maker.
When she’s not analyzing policy or designing strategic solutions, you can find Marissa exploring new cities, engaging in community activism, or making data storytelling accessible for the next generation of leaders. She lives by the belief that good policy is people-centered policy—and the strongest systems start with intentional investment in those who care for young children.
