Aruna Gilbert serves as Chief Program and Policy Officer at the Early Learning Coalition of Palm Beach County, where she leads strategic program development and policy initiatives that impact early childhood education across the region. With her unique blend of economic analysis, communications expertise, and social work practice, Aruna brings a comprehensive perspective to addressing complex challenges in early learning systems.
Aruna holds a Master of Social Work from Barry University and a Bachelor’s degree with concentrations in Economics, Communications, and Journalism. This interdisciplinary background enables her to approach early childhood policy through multiple lenses—understanding both the economic implications of early learning investments and the communication strategies needed to build support for children and families.
In her role at the Early Learning Coalition, Aruna oversees program implementation, policy analysis, and strategic partnerships that strengthen the early learning infrastructure in Palm Beach County. Her work focuses on ensuring equitable access to quality early education programs and developing evidence-based approaches to support children’s developmental outcomes.
Aruna is passionate about translating research into actionable policy and sharing insights on how communities can build more effective early learning systems that serve all children and families.