Celebrating Three Years of Service: Spotlighting on our Project Manager
In this special blog post, we shine a spotlight on one of our invaluable team members who has been instrumental in driving our projects to success over the past three years. Join us as we celebrate the dedication, expertise, and achievements of the ELA Project Manager, Rebecca Rueda.
As I reflect on my three-year journey as the Project Manager for the Early Learning Alliance (ELA), I am filled with a sense of pride and accomplishment. ELA has been a beacon of hope and progress in the field of early childhood education, and it has been an honor to contribute to its mission.
When I joined ELA, I was immediately struck by the organization’s commitment to social-emotional wellness, racial equity, and research-driven approaches to early learning. My role as the Project Manager allowed me to oversee committees, collaborate with partner organizations, manage our social media and newsletter, and host special events that raised awareness about the importance of early childhood care and education. In addition, I gained new skills that I never thought I would possess. For example, graphic design stands out as one of my newfound talents, providing me with a platform to unleash my creativity and bring ideas to life. Event planning is another favorite talent that I gained during my time with ELA. I have the privilege to lead and co-host a total of five conferences in parent leadership, early childhood education, and maternal and infant health.
My favorite part of the job as project manager is organizing Happy Hour socials and Quarterly Alliance meetings, as they afford me the opportunity to unite early childhood professionals, advocates, and families in a shared space of collaboration and camaraderie. In addition, these events allow me to blend my creativity skills with my passion for bringing people together. I like fostering meaningful connections, facilitating knowledge-sharing, and cultivating a sense of community among stakeholders dedicated to the well-being of young learners.
Currently, I have been passionately raising awareness of the importance of language justice for non-English speaking families in early childhood events and programs. Recognizing the crucial role of language in fostering inclusive environments, I want families, regardless of their linguistic background, to have equal access to resources, information, and opportunities.
On a personal level, I am a first generation Mexican-American and college graduate who loves to bake, read, and explore coffee shops. A passion of mine has been traveling since I was a little girl. I have embarked on adventures across four countries (Mexico, Spain, Turkey, and Thailand) and explored the hidden gems of more than nineteen U.S. states. Fueled by wanderlust, my goal is to traverse all fifty U.S. states, seeking new experiences and embracing the diversity of cultures and landscapes along the way.
Looking forward, there is still much work to be done. As we continue to navigate the challenges and opportunities that come with advancing early childhood education, I am committed to leveraging my experience and the lessons learned over these three years to drive even greater impact.
Rebecca currently holds multiple leadership positions in Tarrant County. She sits on the board for the Texas Association for Education of Young Children - Fort Worth Chapter, Help Me Grow North Texas - Family Engagement Subcommittee, and Hispanic Wellness Coalition. In addition, she is a member of the Hispanic Women's Network of Texas and Steer Fort Worth. Rebecca is a proud alumni of Leadership Fort Worth and Leadership ISD.
Rebecca’s dedication to honing her skills and embracing new opportunities reflects her commitment to personal and professional growth, embodying the spirit of innovation and creativity at the heart of the Early Learning Alliance. On this special occasion, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our project manager for her exemplary leadership, unwavering dedication, and profound impact on the Alliance’s mission. As we look ahead to the future, we are inspired by her vision and energized by the possibilities that lie ahead. Cheers to our incredible project manager!
