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Paula Jorde Bloom's legacy brought Shadeen Holmes to Leadership Connections : Shadeen received the 2025 Paula Jorde Bloom scholarship for aspiring and emerging leaders in early childhood education and care.

First awarded in 2019, the Paula Jorde Bloom Scholarship recognizes and supports aspiring and emerging leaders in early childhood education and care (ECEC) who are dedicated to delivering high-quality care and education for children and families. Established by the family of McCormick Institute founder Paula Jorde Bloom following her passing in 2018, the scholarship continues her legacy of advancing professionalism and leadership in the field. Scholarship recipients are awarded a full registration to the Leadership Connections National Conference for Early Childhood Leaders . Congratulations to our 2026 scholarship recipient, Monique Watts-Dennis. Monique Watts-Dennis is a Center Director at the Calvary Day Care-Hazel Dell Campus in Springfield, Illinois. “I see myself as an emerging leader in ECEC through my commitment to growth and positive change,” Monique said. “I don’t just show up to do a job; I show up to support my staff, families, and children in whatever way they need.” At the same time, Monique knows her leadership journey is ongoing. She is always looking for ways to learn, refine policies, and introduce new ideas that strengthen her program. She saw Leadership Connections as a valuable opportunity to continue that growth. With the Paula Jorde Bloom scholarship, Monique will attend Leadership Connections for the first time this May. “What I’m looking forward to most about Leadership Connections is the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally alongside other leaders who truly understand this work. Early Childhood is not a one-size-fits-all; it takes many different roles within this system to provide quality care. I’m excited to connect, learn, and have real conversations with people who share the same heart for children and families,” she said.

Wendy Connell, M.Ed., is the Manager of Early Childhood Leadership Coaching at the McCormick Institute for Early Childhood. Wendy has been with the organization since 2017, serving as the IDHS Report and Certification Specialist, then Leadership Coach for the Smart Start Quality Support program. She is also an adjunct professor in ECE at Waubonsee Community College. Throughout her career, Wendy has been a director of early childhood programs, an elementary school teacher, educator, volunteer coordinator, supervisor, and family child care provider.

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