CORE Luncheon with Raising Readers & Nashville Early Education Coalition

You're Invited: CORE Network Nashville Quarterly Networking Lunch & Training

Come together with fellow early childhood professionals for an energizing afternoon of connection, learning, and collaboration at the CORE Network Nashville Quarterly Networking Lunch and Training. This in-person event will be held at the United Way of Greater Nashville offices, located at 250 Venture Circle, Nashville, TN.

This session is presented in partnership with Raising Readers Nashville and the Nashville Early Education Coalition, as we work collectively to address recent funding challenges and build community-driven solutions for the future of early childhood education.

We’re grateful to Raising Readers Nashville for generously sponsoring lunch.

Session Objectives:

• Understand recent and expected changes to the ECE landscape as a result of recent funding changes.
• Contribute to a policy-focused discussion that will inform 2026 advocacy strategies.
• Explore transformational leadership principles through the lens of storytelling to inspire visionary change in early learning environments.
• Identify and apply leadership strategies that nurture talent, build strong relationships, and foster resilient, growth-oriented cultures.

As part of this session, we’re honored to welcome Dr. DeeAnne Miree, Principal of Cambridge Early Learning Center, who will present:

Glass Slipper Leadership: Transforming Culture, People, and Success

Using the beloved story of Cinderella, DeeAnne will explore the power of transformational leadership and advocacy. Just as the Fairy Godmother turned pumpkins into carriages and overlooked talent into royalty, leaders and educators have the ability to shape environments, elevate others, and create lasting change. This engaging presentation will offer storytelling, practical strategies, and real-world applications to help attendees lead with impact, heart, and resilience.

We look forward to seeing you there!

About the Presenter

Dr. DeeAnne Miree is a passionate educator, transformational leader, and dynamic presenter with over 28 years of experience in education. She currently serves as the Principal of Cambridge Early Learning Center in Metro Nashville Public Schools, a culturally diverse Pre-K center dedicated to fostering the social-emotional and academic growth of young learners. Under her leadership, Cambridge ELC has flourished, reflecting her commitment to equity, inclusion, and excellence in early education. In recognition of her leadership, DeeAnne was honored as the 2024 National Distinguished Principal for the state of Tennessee, a prestigious award presented in Washington, D.C. A four-time graduate of Tennessee State University, DeeAnne holds a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education, a Master of Science, and an Education Specialist degree in Administration and Supervision. She recently completed her doctorate in Educational Leadership, focusing on culturally responsive social-emotional intelligence programs for Pre-K students, and is set to graduate in December. Beyond her professional achievements, DeeAnne is a dedicated wife, mother, mentor, speaker, and author. She and her husband, Daniel, have been happily married for 18 years and share a beautiful, blended family of six daughters ranging from ages twenty-seven to their 16-year-old twins. DeeAnne recently published her first women's devotional, Hey Sis…You Good? which reflects her heart for encouraging and empowering others. She is also the co-pastor of Spirit in Truth Believers Fellowship in Nashville, Tennessee, where she and her husband lead ministries focused on marriage, personal growth, and discipleship. With an unwavering belief in the power of leadership, education, and faith, DeeAnne equips others to reach their fullest potential—whether in the classroom, the workplace, or their personal lives. She brings energy, authenticity, and expertise to every training and presentation, inspiring others to lead with purpose, compassion, and resilience. She can be contacted at [email protected] or [email protected].

Thank you to our lunch sponsor, Raising Readers Nashville!

Raising Readers Nashville is a collaborative community group of over 65 organizations who collaborate to improve the systems and structures supporting Nashville’s families and young children.

The partners involved with Raising Readers Nashville have deep understanding of the complexities of this work and are committed to the communication and collaboration needed to realize long-term change. Raising Readers Nashville works to maintain a highly diverse group of involved partners to more deeply understand varying perspectives, in order to develop more informed solutions and positive outcomes. Find out more at https://www.raisingreadersnashville.org/.

Are you interested in sponsoring a future CORE Network Nashville event? Contact to learn how you can partner with CORE to support our community's early childhood educators.

About CORE Network Nashville

Core Network Nashville is Nashville’s community of connected resources for early childhood educators. We are the place to find educational and operational resources in the area, access coaching and mentorship opportunities, and get connected to the strong community of early childhood educators of all different backgrounds. At Core Network Nashville, we believe that no matter your role in education, you deserve to have the resources and community support you need to thrive in your work.

If you would like more information about CORE Network and/or would like to support the work, please email to learn how you can partner with CORE to support our community's early childhood educators.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher United Way of Greater Nashville