“It is a privilege to be a translator of sorts – to be able to listen to the collection of experiences shared by another, and help weave those experiences into a narrative that offers personable insights alongside relatable wisdom for anyone who may encounter their story.
Our educators, parents and leaders had the privilege of early insight into the directions their careers would take them. Despite obstacles and setbacks, they persevered. They shared challenges they have overcome, moments of doubt and frustration that they have encountered, their hopes for the future, and the indelible memories and career-shaping moments that have become crystallized for them in profound and significant ways.
They used their education and training to create and expand pathways for children. These pathways are shaped with hopes for new opportunities that encourage boldness, empathy, and understanding towards one another to rebuild social ties.
Our educators, parents and leaders know how it feels to be ‘othered,’ so they advocate for inclusion.
They know what it means to struggle with language acquisition, so they advocate for immersion programs.
They know what it means to work alongside their relatives to put food on the table, so they acknowledge sacrifices that have been made on their behalf and embody gratitude.
They know what it means to have their lives deeply impacted and changed by caring adults they could learn from and relate to, so they advocate for mentorship.
They understand firsthand what it meant to grow up in families and communities that are resourceful by necessity, so they bring resources into schools and classrooms that support whole families as well as young children.
Our educators see immersion and multiple languages as bridges that allow communities to become stronger and more connected. They see early childhood learning as a path towards more equitable outcomes. They believe in a shared responsibility that involves all stakeholders in a community to guide the upbringing and development of our little ones. Their beliefs about the responsibility – and the possibility – of shaping what our little ones can do and who they become are a north star for policymakers, parents, business leaders, philanthropists, and community leaders who want to play a role in shaping our children’s future.”
