press release
National Children’s Museum Welcomes Two New Trustees to Board
January 3, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
– Damle of Latham & Watkins and Kang of NAEYC bring content expertise and industry insight –
WASHINGTON – National Children’s Museum, a nationally recognized cultural institution dedicated to STEAM- and play-based learning in downtown Washington, D.C., is pleased to announce the appointment of two new trustees to their board: Sy Damle (Latham & Watkins) and Michelle Kang (National Association of the Education of Young Children).
“National Children’s Museum creates best-in-class science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) learning experiences for young audiences from across the world,” said National Children’s Museum president and CEO, Crystal R. Bowyer. “Trustees who are deeply knowledgeable in issues that impact STEAM and early education are essential to continuing our work to inspire children to care about and change the world. Sy and Michelle are giants in their respective fields, and we are honored and thrilled to have their passion, support and diverse skill sets as we continue to extend the impact of the institution.”
Sy Damle is a partner in the Litigation & Trial Department at Latham & Watkins. A former software engineer, he specializes in high technology matters, including those involving computer systems and networks and artificial intelligence. He is also an accomplished music lawyer, representing large and small technology and new media companies, including leading streaming services, software companies, and online commerce platforms, in high-stakes trials. In prior roles, Damle served as General Counsel and Associate Register of Copyrights at the US Copyright Office and as a litigator in the US Department of Justice, focusing on IP, administrative law, and constitutional matters. Alongside his work with Latham & Watkins, Damle is an adviser to the American Law Institute’s Restatement of Copyright Law project. He lives with his wife and three children in Washington, D.C.
“The National Children’s Museum is playing a crucial role in helping young learners prepare for the future, in which knowledge of the STEAM disciplines — science, technology, engineering, arts and math — will be ever more critical,” said Damle. “I’m beyond excited to help the Museum expand its reach.”
Michelle Kang is the Chief Executive Officer for the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), a global association dedicated to promoting high-quality early learning for all children. Her leadership of the organization includes a focus on elevating the voices of the dedicated and passionate child care workforce, which is predominantly women and especially women of color. She became CEO after serving as NAEYC’s inaugural Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer, where she helped pilot the organization through the pandemic at a critical time for the child care sector. Kang joined NAEYC after a long tenure at Bright Horizons, an international provider of early education, most recently as Vice President of Strategic Initiatives and Operation Strategy. She and her husband live in Maryland with their three children.
“The National Children’s Museum is a tremendous community resource that allows children to learn in the most important way possible — through the joy of play,” said Kang. “I’m thrilled to join the Museum and help it continue to spark curiosity and provide opportunities for children, families and educators to learn and grow.”
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About National Children’s Museum
STEAM adventure awaits at National Children’s Museum, located in the heart of downtown Washington, D.C. With a mission to inspire children to care about and change the world, the Museum sparks curiosity and ignites creativity for children under the age of twelve and their families. Through playful science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) based exhibits, programs and virtual offerings, the Museum reaches millions of people each year. Learn more and plan your visit at nationalchildrensmuseum.org.
