Natalie Alvarez is the Chief Operating Officer for the Greater Phoenix Urban League. She has worked for the Greater Phoenix Urban League for over 27 years, serving most of her career as the Head Start Director. Natalie was born and raised in Ajo, Arizona, a small mining town in the southern part of the state. She knew from an early age the she wanted to work with children and youth. She has dedicated her career to working with children and families. The Greater Phoenix Urban League provides one of the largest Head Start programs in the city providing services to our city’s most vulnerable populations.
 
When the National Urban League launched their No Ceilings on Success, Education Equality for All, Natalie knew she had to help bring this movement to Arizona. Natalie partnered with Tucson Urban League and State of Black Arizona to examine if and how Arizona is Advancing Equity in our schools. The team has been meeting with the community to not only bring awareness around our states Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) State plan, but hold the State leaders accountable.
 
Alvarez received her Associates degree in Early Childhood Education from Glendale Community College and received her Bachelors or Science degree and Masters work from Ottawa University. Natalie is an advocate of lifelong learner.
 
Natalie serves on the Region -9 Head Start Association Executive Board, Arizona Head Start Association Executive Board, Read on Phoenix Executive Committee and the Cartwright School District Acceleration Grant Project Committee. Natalie also collaborates with community leaders and other organizations to keep our youth in the forefront.