Miranda Franco has more than twenty years of experience in early childhood education and Head Start. She currently serves as the Quality Assurance Manager at Metropolitan Family Services in Chicago, Illinois. Grounded in a strength-based approach, Miranda is committed to supporting and empowering others to recognize and build on their own strengths.

In 2022, Miranda earned a Master of Jurisprudence in Child Law and Policy from Loyola University and a master’s degree in child development from Erikson Institute. In truth, this journey began after she completed her undergraduate degree at DePaul University and joined City Year to serve communities across Chicago, which sparked her career in early childhood education and deepened her passion for empowering children and families. 

Throughout her career, Miranda has developed as an advocate and leader through roles as a Services Leader, Family Support Worker, Family Engagement Coordinator, Site Supervisor, and Quality Assurance Manager. Each role has strengthened her skills, expanded her perspective, and shaped the professional she is today. 

Her commitment to supporting others also extends to volunteer work, including coaching and mentoring with One Million Degrees and mentoring an early childhood professional through the Education Workforce Center for City Colleges of Chicago. 

Miranda joined the Chicago Southland Chapter of Illinois AEYC to strengthen her ability to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families. She immediately became a member of the Public Policy Committee of the Illinois Association for the Education of Young Children (ILAEYC), where she learned how to advocate with elected officials for the needs and priorities of the early childhood education field. 

Over the past four years, she has participated in Early Childhood Advocacy Day in Springfield, Illinois, speaking with elected officials about what children, families, and early childhood professionals need to thrive and succeed. 

Miranda lives on Chicago’s South Side in the Midway area, with her loving partner of thirty years, Rob, and her three beautiful children, Remy, Auria, and Zoey. She is a loving grandmother to Xiomara. In her spare time, she loves to travel and bake sweets to share with family and friends.