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John Quinones, host/producer of “What Would You Do?”, to present second Munson Lecture on Jan. 12, 2021

 Dallas and Fort Worth TX, Dec. 8, 2020Vickie Allen, Executive Director for Dallas/Fort Worth’s Educational First Steps (EFS), is pleased to announce John Quinones as the headlining speaker for the second installment of the Munson Lecture Series, a three-part virtual event series that focuses on themes of Equity, Resilience, and Independence. The session is scheduled for Tuesday, January 12, 2021 at 4 p.m. CST via Zoom. Tickets and sponsorships are on sale now.

John Quinones is the host and creator of ABC’s popular hidden camera ethical dilemma series, What Would You Do?,  that puts ordinary people on the spot in dealing with everyday issues. During his Jan. 12 lecture for EFS, Quinones will share personal stories that explore resilience and its profound impact on education and life. Alanna Sarabia, host/producer at Good Morning Texas on WFAA-TV Channel 8 (ABC affiliate in Dallas/Fort Worth), will moderate the presentation.

The presentation benefits North Texas-based non-profit Educational First Steps, a leader in advancing quality early learning in partner centers throughout the area. The first Munson Lecture Series speaker in November 2020 was Emmanuel Acho. Clinical psychologist Wendy Mogel will close the series on March 31, 2021.

EFS believes Quinones is ideal to discuss the importance of resilience – especially as we continue to face increasing strains during this pandemic season.

A lifetime of never taking no for an answer fueled Quinones’ progression from migrant farm worker and poverty to more than 30 years at ABC News, where he anchored 20/20 and Primetime. Along the way, he also broke barriers, won the highest accolades, wrote books, and became a role model for many. His moving life story, exceptional career, incomparable insights, and powerful presence have inspired audiences worldwide. A champion of the Latino American Dream, Quinones will provide thought-provoking insights into human nature and behavior in this second event of the Munson series. 

“His reflections celebrate the life-changing power of education,” said Julie Smith, chair of the EFS Board of Directors. “And at EFS, we are all about improving lives and futures through education. We create and support high-quality early learning environments that ignite the minds of children from birth to age five.”

The Munson Series is an opportunity for EFS to gather virtually with interested supporters from across the area, the state, and the country and raise funds and awareness, all in a digital format. According to Allen, proceeds from the events make a direct impact on North Texas childcare providers and the communities they serve.

Among the sponsors are Bank of America, Bank of Texas, Berry Corporation, Courtney & Courtney Properties, Marconi, PNC Bank, and Scheef & Stone Solid Counsel and many additional companies and individuals.

“Through the generosity of sponsors and ticket buyers, we support our partner centers and meet their most crucial needs,” said Allen. “EFS’ quality-building programs help elevate early learning environments for over 8,000 children and 1,500 educators throughout the area.”

For sponsorships or to purchase individual tickets, contact Christina Salinas, csalinas@educationalfirststeps.org;
214-824-7940, ext. 305. Series sponsorships start at $500. Individual tickets are $50. Unique corporate group opportunities are also available.

With offices in Dallas and Fort Worth, Educational First Steps is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to create and support high-quality early learning environments that ignite the minds of children from birth to age five. EFS offers childcare centers a combination of one-on-one mentoring, classroom instruction, scholarship assistance for CDA certification, and upgraded materials, supplies, and playground equipment. In addition to training tracks available both for center directors and teachers, EFS provides marketing, enrollment management, and basic business training to over 100 centers serving more than 8000 children across North Texas. EFS was founded in 1990 by Dave Munson, Sr., and former Dallas ISD Superintendent Linus Wright and his wife, Joyce Wright. EFS is on the web at www.educationalfirststeps.org.

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Art available. Contact Melissa Anderson at EFS, manderson@educationalfirststeps.org; 214-824-7940