The Paula Jorde Bloom Scholarship, first awarded in 2019, is intended to support emerging and aspiring early childhood leaders dedicated to providing the highest quality care and education for children and families. Scholarship recipients receive complimentary registration to the Leadership Connections National Conference for Early Childhood Leaders. The scholarship, established by Paula’s family after she passed in 2018, highlights her legendary devotion to improving early childhood professional standards. We extend congratulations to our 2025 scholarship winner, Shadeen Holmes.
Shadeen Holmes
Shadeen works full-time as a Professional Development Facilitator in the Equity Initiatives department at First Up in Philadelphia, PA. She also owns Lotus Tutoring Service, LLC, and is building a non-profit organization, HolmesSchool, which is an extension of Lotus Tutoring Service.
“Whether I’m facilitating professional development sessions, sharing resources with families and building relationships, providing individualized instruction to children, or advocating for literacy in the community, my leadership is centered around a commitment to fostering equity, personal growth, and collective success for all children and educators,” she said.
As the Paula Jorde Bloom scholarship recipient, Shadeen was awarded complimentary full-conference registration to Leadership Connections 2025, meals provided to conference registrants, and lodging at the conference hotel.
Leadership Connections, “Leadership in Bloom,” will be held at our new Schaumburg, IL, venue from May 7 through May 10, 2025. The national conference for early childhood leaders features interactive sessions and captivating keynote speakers specifically for leaders in early childhood education: center-based, school-based, and family child care program administrators, program coordinators, technical assistance specialists, advocates, researchers, and more. The second annual Family Child Care Summit will be held on Friday and Saturday of the conference, with specialized sessions designed for those desiring to enhance their businesses and leadership abilities within the family child care home setting.
“I am excited to attend Leadership Connections because I recognize that further developing my skills in communication, professionalism, and self-awareness will elevate my leadership. I am also looking forward to learning, connecting, and building new relationships with like-minded leaders in the field,” Shadeen said.
