Community Voices - June 8, 2026

When asked what makes the World Forum on Early Care and Education so impactful, the answer is almost always the same: the people.

At the recent gathering in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, that truth was felt in every conversation, every session, and every shared experience throughout the week. There is an energy that is difficult to fully describe, yet immediately present. Conversations begin easily. New voices are welcomed. Long-time leaders share their wisdom while encouraging those just stepping into leadership to speak, question, and contribute.

Across cultures, languages, and experiences, there is a shared sense of purpose that draws people in and invites them to stay engaged. The thoughtful planning and care by the host committee and organizing team were evident throughout, creating an environment where connection, learning, and cultural sharing could flourish.

Even the spaces themselves seem to support this experience. Gathering areas are intentionally designed to encourage meaningful conversation. Sessions are filled with thoughtful participation, where people are not only listening but actively reflecting and responding. Throughout the week, there is a visible commitment to honoring culture through music, movement, art, and the voices of children, reminding us why this work matters so deeply.

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When I began my role as Director of the Office of Child Care and Family Resources (OCCFR) in 2015, I stepped into a system that was strong but strained.

At the time, the child care system at the University of Wisconsin–Madison was comprised of three campus centers, two contracted centers, and a small network of family child care providers. The educators were committed, the programs were licensed, and the foundation was solid… but the waitlists told a different story.
University families were waiting months for a child care spot, with many of them needing infant care—an area that desperately needed expansion. It quickly became clear the issue we faced was not simply about child care.

After spending some time sitting with the daunting waitlist numbers, it struck me that behind every name on each list was not just only a child needing care, but a faculty member deciding whether to accept a position, a graduate student wondering if she could remain enrolled, or a staff member struggling to balance work and family without stability. Ultimately, the issue here was about whether families could truly thrive within our campus community.

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Everyone who works in the field of Early Childhood Education (ECE) has a story of how they got to where they are today. Some of us knew we wanted to work with young children when we were young children ourselves. Others had a pivotal moment in our lives that made us realize we wanted to work with young children. And others were in a completely different field of work for years before discovering or stumbling across ECE. No matter where you come from, what your journey has looked like, we all have one thing in common: our desire to support young children.

I have always believed storytelling is one of the most powerful ways to connect with others. People love to hear stories. People love to know about other people. And the love for storytelling starts at such a young age. Expecting mothers read to their growing bellies, knowing that their baby will recognize their voice when they are born. Parents read stories to their toddlers and other young children as part of their bedtime routine. Stories help us empathize with others, and, oftentimes, we may see a piece of ourselves in someone else’s story. Here, I will share some of my story; a handful of core moments and opportunities from my life that led me to the path of being an ECE leader. At the end, I will share several take-home messages that I hope will guide others who are pursuing ECE Leadership.

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