Her Story
About Diana
Diana McClarien serves as Vice President of Start Early, a network focused on early childhood education. In this role, she oversees a $70 million Head Start grant and community-based organizations throughout Chicago, having grown the portfolio from $17 million over nine years. With 27 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, her career began in a migrant program providing translation services and advanced through positions as a family support home visitor, site director, and coordinator, all within Head Start programs. She earned her PhD after immigrating from Colombia as a teenager with limited English proficiency, driven by a desire to access greater opportunities and inspired by her early leadership in teaching neighborhood children. McClarien attributes her success to recognizing the power of education to open doors and remains committed to strengthening families, developing new leaders in the field, and supporting low-income immigrant families facing current challenges.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Diana
01What do you attribute your success to?
The strength came from seeing the lack of opportunities in my country Colombia and knowing education can open doors. I wanted to do more and knew staying in Colombia would not provide the opportunities the United States did. My uncle brought me here for high school. I've always been a leader, gathering children to teach them since I was little.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Learn as much as you can. There are opportunities beyond working with children like leadership, finance, compliance, data, policy. Understand the entire field to influence it. Don't be afraid to use your voice respectfully but clearly and confidently. Bring others along and take care of yourself.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Challenges for low-income immigrant families who are scared due to current events in the country, leading some to switch from center-based to home-based programs. Pressures like cost of childcare happening at the same time. Opportunities to support families through barriers and for women in leadership.
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