Lois Martin

Lois Martin is the Director of Community Day Center for Children, a cherished early learning center in Seattle’s Central District. Founded by her mother in 1963, CDCC is one of the city’s longest-operating child care programs, deeply rooted in community, cultural legacy, and resilience. For over 30 years, Lois has devoted herself to nurturing young children, supporting families, and advancing equity and justice in early education.

A powerful advocate and respected leader, Lois has contributed her voice and expertise to more than 40 workgroups, advisory councils, and organizations at both the state and national level. Her service includes the DCYF Early Learning Advisory Council, the Washington Child Care Centers Association, and Child Care Aware of Washington, where she has helped shape policies for the early learning field. Nationally, she has collaborated with early childhood networks to promote equity-driven, culturally grounded approaches to care and learning. She was also a founding member of the Cultivating the Genius of Black Children Taskforce, a groundbreaking initiative that centered the brilliance and identity of Black children in early learning spaces.

In addition to her work in child care, Lois serves on the board of Seattle Roots Community Health, the last remaining Black Panther-founded health clinic in the United States. Her commitment to health equity, community power, and intergenerational care extends beyond the classroom and into the heart of grassroots community health.

Whether shaping policy, mentoring educators, or protecting legacy institutions, Lois Martin continues to be a vital force in the fight for just, culturally grounded, and community-rooted care.