Sameerah Bilal Roby, Executive Director, Early Childhood Resource & Training Center (ECRTC) was awarded the Friend of the Family Award, which is given to a professional or organization who may or may not be in the family field, and who has made significant contributions to the quality of family life in Minnesota.

Sameerah, nominated by Carolyn Tatady, has been an advocate, educator, organizer and leader in the early childhood field for over 34 years.

Starting out as a foster parent in 1975, Sameerah has continued to demonstrate her commitment and passion for ensuring the healthy development of all children throughout her career.

She is currently the Executive Director of the Early Childhood Resource and Training Center in Minneapolis, a position she has held for the past nine years. Prior to becoming the Executive Director, Sameerah held many positions within ECRTC, including providing leadership for the Minnesota Cultural Dynamics Education Project, a statewide initiative to train child care providers on the importance of culture in healthy child development.

In Sameerah’s work to support the healthy development of all children, she continues to focus on initiatives that build bridges between systems, providers and families. She and ECRTC have a unique ability to uncover emerging community needs, particularly in communities of color and immigrant communities, and to then develop programs and services that respond to those needs.

Whether supporting the ethically diverse staff who serve families and providers via ECRTC programs, forming a partnership with Minnesota Tribal Resources for Early Childhood Care (MnTRECC) or hosting the annual Healing Vessels Forum, a time for cultural groups to come together to share resources and information to build healthier communities and improve education, Sameerah has and will continue to make significant contributions to the quality of life for families in Minnesota.

Sameerah Bilal (right) with Carolyn Latady (left)