Happy Women’s History Month! 🥳️
The theme for AECA this year is Linking Hearts and Minds: Early Childhood Connections.
This month we will be celebrating stories from our past presidents about women who who helped shape their experience as early childhood professionals. They were able to help grow our early childhood field here in Arkansas and I hope that continues to happen today with the women in YOUR life.
Today’s share comes from Traci Johnston, AECA’s Central Affiliate President.
I have had several mentors throughout my early childhood professional career. I was introduced to AECA while attending Harding University pursuing a degree in Child Development. One of my professors, Ms. Sharen Crockett encouraged me to attend a local AECA affiliate meeting. I’m sure she probably offered bonus points for attending. However, I will never forget that first meeting. She encouraged me to keep attending and she instilled in me the importance of networking and professionalism. From that point on, I knew I wanted to be a part of this amazing group of professionals. Ms. Crockett continued to mentor me even after graduating and we stayed in close contact in the early years of my career. I will always be thankful to her for introducing me to AECA.
I must also share my appreciation for Dot Brown, Donna Alliston and Diana Courson. They encouraged me to have a voice and gave me the confidence to take on leadership roles within AECA. I’m so thankful for their mentorship through the years.
Who are the women in your circles who have inspired you to become a better early childhood professional? Email president@arkansasearlychildhood.org with your stories.
Be sure to keep coming back to our socials to find more stories throughout this month and I look forward to reading yours.
Looking forward to connecting!
Natasha Kile
AECA President
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