Date published: 12/18/25
Rena Wang
Rena is the Population Health Management Program Manager at Santa Clara Family Health Plan.
Crystal Kumtong Windmiller
Crystal works in LAUSD as a special education teacher, particularly with children with emotional disabilities.
Alyssa Fortner
Alyssa is a policy analyst at the Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP). She works to increase access to childcare for families of color and families with low incomes.
On May 19th, ADP students from past and present cohorts gathered together via Zoom to hear from three professionals in early childhood fields: Crystal Kumtong Windmiller (ADP ’13-14), Rena Wang (ADP ’14-15), and Alyssa Fortner. Crystal, Rena and Alyssa shared what they wished they had known coming out of undergrad, how ADP influenced their careers and how the roadblocks they faced ultimately brought them to where they are meant to be. All three women, with their diverse backgrounds and career paths, brought their authentic selves to the conversation and inspired ADP students in doing so.
The panelists offered profound insights about remaining committed to the early childhood field during tumultuous times:
Alyssa reminded us to remain hopeful, quoting Martin Luther King Jr.: “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” She affirmed the necessity of each of our individual contributions with the wisdom, “The political climate will ebb and flow, but I am always going to be here.”
Crystal encouraged us to remember our “why.” When the days get tough and it feels as though we are swimming against the current, we must remind ourselves of what fuels our fire and the driving questions that motivate our work.
Rena emboldened us to surround ourselves with people who hold our same passions and values because “they will hold you to your true North.” What better example of this notion than the ADP community?
The class of 2025 seniors were especially appreciative of the advice the panelists offered regarding life after graduation. The panelists validated and normalized not knowing exactly what to pursue after graduation, emphasizing that every twist and turn of their career was a chance to learn about themselves, build relationships, follow their intuition and return to their core values. We are inspired by how each of these women advocate for children and their fundamental right to learn and grow.
Category: ADP News