Policy & Outreach

The Policy & Outreach Pillar informs state and local government and educational agencies as well as community stakeholders on how to translate research into scalable education programs and best clinical practices, thus building capacity in schools and communities, and promoting family engagement in their children’s education.

In coalition with advocacy partners, this pillar evaluates the impact of existing and proposed policies, engages stakeholders in addressing literacy needs, and educates policy makers on community needs and highlights key research on literacy.

Policy & Outreach Pillar Members

Brandi Slaughter

Associate Director, Policy

Brandi Slaughter brings a wealth of public policy experience to work at the University of Maryland having served nonprofits and government in advocacy and lobbying roles. At the outset of her career, Brandi offered direct service to children and families—mainly those considered high-risk youth at several settlement houses. As an advocate for policy change, she has supported the development of state and federal policy which has impacted people with disabilities, the health of Ohioans, and children and families. She worked in the Ohio Senate as a legislative staffer and has lobbied on behalf of the Ohio Department of Health and the Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission. While at Public Children Services of Ohio, she advocated for reforms to the foster care system. She coordinated and mobilized advocates from across the country to pass a bi-cameral, bi-partisan federal bill, “Fostering Connections to Success Act” to support children in foster care. At Voices for Ohio’s Children, Slaughter led policy reform and system change to maximize the well-being of Ohio’s children, most notably work to expand Medicaid in Ohio and defense of the Affordable Care Act at the congressional level. Through teaching, Brandi has inspired students to use their power and influence to advocate for reform. Her passion for bringing voice to marginalized communities is apparent in all of her work.

She received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Morgan State University, and a Juris Doctor from Capital University with a concentration in Child and Family Law.

Learn more about Brandi Slaughter