ECS4Kids CEO Natalya Roby Selected for Leadership Florida’s Prestigious Cornerstone Class 43
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Today ECS4Kids, one of Florida’s largest and most impactful youth service organizations, announced President and CEO Dr. Natalya Roby has been selected for the 43rd class of Leadership Florida’s Cornerstone program—an esteemed statewide initiative that connects and empowers influential leaders across the state.
This highly selective, yearlong leadership development experience brings together top executives from business, government, and the nonprofit sector to engage in in-depth learning and meaningful relationship-building.
“I’m honored to be selected for Leadership Florida’s Cornerstone Class and humbled by the opportunity to contribute to the future of our state in meaningful ways,” said Roby. “Florida faces complex challenges – from ensuring every child starts school ready to learn, to building a resilient workforce and vibrant communities statewide. I look forward to exchanging ideas with other leaders, forging partnerships, and working together to create solutions that move our state forward and secure brighter futures for all Florida’s children and families.”
Episcopal Children’s Services, also known as ECS4Kids, provides early learning and holistic family services to nearly 30,000 children and families across 14 counties in North and Central Florida. Through its comprehensive programs and support resources, the organization not only prepares young learners for lifelong academic success, but also helps parents re-enter the workforce and achieve greater family stability.
Roby’s participation in Leadership Florida’s Cornerstone Class places early education and holistic family support squarely in the discussion about Florida’s future. Reliable, high-quality childcare remains out of reach for many families in Florida. This leaves many children unprepared for kindergarten, and it means many parents are unable to return to the workforce to create financial stability for their families. By collaborating with leaders from a variety of sectors, Roby will work to champion solutions that strengthen Florida’s early education landscape, grow the state’s workforce, and help our communities thrive.
Recognized as a “Woman of Influence” by the Jacksonville Business Journal and “Leadership Mentor of the Year” by the University of North Florida, Roby is a sought-after mentor, thought leader and keynote speaker with expertise in organizational and social change. She holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from UNF, and her “Leading with Love” principle inspires individuals to pursue their passions and embrace purpose-driven lives.
Roby is a passionate advocate for women, children and families. She developed “From Trauma to Triumph in Leadership for Girls”, a program that supports girls overcoming trauma and was published in The International
Mentoring Association Journal. She actively engages policymakers at state and federal levels, demonstrating how early childhood education lifts families from poverty and transforms communities.
For more information about ECS4Kids and its services, visit www.ecs4kids.org.
About ECS4Kids
ECS4Kids empowers communities to rise above generational poverty with comprehensive early childhood education and holistic family support. The agency provides School Readiness, Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK), and Head Start programs to more than 27,000 children and their families in 14 counties in Florida, including Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Citrus, Clay, Dixie, Duval, Gilchrist, Lake, Levy, Marion, Nassau, Putnam, and St. Johns counties.
ECS4Kids uses research and best practices to help families ensure their children enter school ready to learn. Talented, dedicated teachers and staff work proactively with children from birth to age five and their families to build a strong educational foundation. ECS4Kids empowers families to break the cycle of poverty and create brighter futures by connecting them to employment pathways and collaborating with community partners.
News
July 4, 2025
