As 2024 draws to a close, we at the Carole Robertson Center would like to reflect on this groundbreaking year of growth. From making unforgettable memories with our children and families to advocating for fairer, more equitable systems, the impact we made this year is possible because of the incredible staff, families, partners, who drive our mission to educate, enrich, and empower.
Here are the highlights that shaped our journey and made this year truly impactful:
Bela Moté shares key insights into early childhood education during FedListens panel.
David Walker presents at the McCormick Center’s Leadership Connections Conference.
1. Center Conference Roundup
Earlier this year, Carole Robertson Center President & CEO Bela Moté and McCormick Center Advisory Board Member, presented at the McCormick Center’s Leadership Connections Conference, where she also awarded the Visionary Leadership Award to Dr. Walter Gilliam, Executive Director of the Buffett Early Childhood Institute. David Walker, our Senior Director of Mental Health, joined Dr. Gilliam on a panel discussing the mental health crisis within the early childhood education and care workforce.
Bela Moté also participated in the FedListens Panel hosted by the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, where she joined leaders from Michigan Tri-Share, Child Care Resource & Referral of Northwest Iowa, and IFF to discuss the vital role of child care and strategies for overcoming challenges faced by parents and employers.
Additionally, Bela and Sonja Crum Knight, Chief Programs and Impact Officer; Julissa Cruz, Senior Director of Community Based Advocacy; Ashley Nazarak, Vice President of Programs and Dissemination; Tonia Holden, Albany Park Site Director; and Ahsan Akbar, Facilities Manager shared the center’s programs, impact, and history at the National Head Start Association Region 5 Conference.
2. Julissa Cruz Graduates from Erikson Institute’s Barbara Bowman Leadership Fellows Program
Julissa Cruz, Senior Director of Community-Based Advocacy, graduated from the 2023-2024 cohort of Erikson Institute’s Barbara Bowman Leadership Fellows Program. This program brought together early childhood leaders to develop policy recommendations and drive systems change in Illinois.
3. President & CEO Bela Moté Pens Op-ed in Chicago Tribune in Support of the Illinois Department of Early Childhood
Carole Robertson Center President & CEO Bela Moté authored an op-ed for the March 28 issue of the Chicago Tribune in support of Illinois’ plan to consolidate early childhood services under a new unified state agency. The bill for this agency, now called the Illinois Department of Early Childhood, was signed by Governor Pritzker in June. Bela currently serves as chair of the Early Childhood and Care Transition Advisory Committee, which gathers stakeholder feedback and provides advisory support to the new agency’s leaders.
4. North Lawndale and Little Village Flagship Sites Earn ExceleRate Illinois Gold Circle of Quality Designation
Our North Lawndale and Little Village flagship sites earned the ExceleRate Illinois Gold Circle of Quality designation, reflecting their ongoing commitment to providing high-quality care for children and families. ExceleRate Illinois is the state’s quality recognition and improvement system for early childhood education and care programs.
5. Staff Travel to Springfield for Early Childhood Advocacy Day
Staff advocates traveled to Springfield to champion investments in early education and youth development, and spoke with Deputy Governor Martin Torres, State Senator Lakesia Collins, First Assistant Deputy Governor for Education Teresa Ramos (recently named first Secretary of the Illinois Department of Early Childhood in December 2024), and State Senator Ram Villivalam.
6. Youth Celebrate Summer at the Carnival of Caring
Volunteers from NHS Global Events, Center staff and youth came together to celebrate the end of summer by creating fun-filled memories at our Carnival of Caring. From face painting to rock climbing to dunk tanks, our kids truly had fun in the sun. As the culmination to our annual back-to-school fundraiser, students were gifted backpacks stuffed with school supplies to ensure they were ready to learn!
7. Center Fosters Professional Growth at the Staff Education, Enrichment, and Development (SEED) Conference
Over three days, our entire workforce came together to grow, learn, and inspire one another. This year’s Staff, Education, Enrichment, and Development (SEED) Conference centered around the theme “People. Purpose. Passion,” with our keynotes Dr. Gloria Rosario Wallace and Mawi Asgedom echoing our mission by encouraging us to grow as positive change agents and engage in community care.
8. Erikson Institute/ACF Panel with Bela and LaTonya
Erikson Institute brought together early education leaders like our North Lawndale Site Director LaTonya Jones and President and CEO Bela Moté to discuss innovative strategies in early childhood education.
As LaTonya shared her career journey from parent to educator and site director, and Bela addressed systemic inequities in the early education workforce, a strong call to action emerged: It takes all of us to create environments that support the growth of both our children and workforce.
Photo credit: Erikson Institute
9. Ana Hernandez Wins Home Visiting Impact Award
Home Visitor Ana Hernandez won this year’s Chicago Region Home Visiting Impact Award. This award recognizes Ana’s outstanding contributions to our Home Visiting program, her dedication to fostering family well-being, and her commitment to the communities we serve. Ana was honored at the Illinois Home Visiting Summit Celebration Dinner in Springfield, part of the Annual Prevent Child Abuse Illinois Statewide Conference.
10. Carole Robertson Center Hosts International Delegation of Early Childhood Advocates at North Lawndale Site
Chief Programs & Impact Officer Sonja Crum Knight and Site Director LaTonya Jones shared personal and professional stories, as well as our Center’s history, as we welcomed an international delegation of early childhood advocates from the Erikson Institute’s “Reconceptualizing Early Childhood Education (RECE) Conference” to our North Lawndale flagship site. Attendees toured the facility, learned about our innovative teaching models, and discussed systemic challenges in early childhood education.
11. Center Board Member and Alumna Christine Brambila Named 2024 Notable Nonprofit Board Leader by Crain’s Chicago Business
In recognition of her professional achievements and profound contributions to the Center, Board Member and Center alumna Christine Brambila was honored by Crain’s Chicago Business as a 2024 Notable Nonprofit Board Leader. Crain’s published a special editorial feature in its December 2 print and online issues, highlighting Chicago leaders like Christine who bring their energy, expertise, and networks to the vital work of strengthening communities.
12. The Center Rebrands Apprenticeship Program as TransformED to Reflect our Growing Impact
Formerly known as Grow Your Own, the Carole Robertson Center’s apprenticeship model now goes by a new name: TransformED. Launched in 2021, TransformED addresses the critical early education workforce shortage by creating pathways for professional development, continuing education, and economic opportunity. This year, the Center rebranded the apprenticeship model to better reflect TransformED’s purpose: eliminating barriers to employment while ensuring that classrooms are staffed with qualified professionals whose lived experiences reflect those of the children, youth, and families they serve.
Bonus: Hear From Our Staff, Parents, and Board Members as They As They Share Their Personal Connection To The Center
As we close the door on 2024, the Carole Robertson Center looks forward to opening another one with you! Kick off the New Year by strengthening Chicago communities, one family at a time!
I love Carole Robertson and always will.