Jennifer McGowan

Jennifer McGowan (Jenni) is the Program Operations Director for the Tribal Childcare Association of California (TCCAC), where she leads the development and implementation of Tribal Child Care quality initiatives as part of Quality Counts CA Region 11. Her work champions culturally responsive and equitable practices across Tribal early learning and care systems. Jenni’s journey with TCCAC began through her participation in the World Forum Global Leaders for Young Children program, where she engaged in voluntary projects focused on cultural competence and equity in Tribal communities. These efforts deepened her commitment to supporting Indigenous children and families. Before joining TCCAC, Jenni served for over a decade as Program Director at Pinoleville Native American Head Start and Early Head Start, where she cultivated her passion for early childhood education within Tribal settings. Her educational foundation includes a degree from the University of Memphis and a certificate in Nonprofit Management from Cal State East Bay. She began her career teaching middle and high school students with exceptional learning needs. A strong advocate for social-emotional development and holistic wellness, Jenni is also a certified instructor in Breathe for Change and Yoga for the Special Child. Her work is grounded in listening to the voices of children, families, and communities to better understand their unique strengths and challenges—and to advocate alongside them for equitable opportunities for all children.