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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.

Discover the enduring legacy of visionary founder Paula Jorde Bloom and how her leadership transformed early childhood education through the McCormick Institute for Early Childhood at National Louis University, inspiring leaders and advancing quality nationwide.

Paula Steffen reflects on over 40 years in early childhood leadership—her journey, roles, and heartfelt gratitude as she retires as Quality Supports & Evaluation Manager.

Meet the 2025 Paula Jorde Bloom Scholarship recipient and learn how this outstanding individual is advancing leadership and excellence in early childhood education.

The words from the song PEOPLE: People who need people Are the luckiest people in the world These words are what come to mind as I reflect on my career at National Louis University (NLU). I want to thank all those people whom I have I worked with, encountered, coached, and served in the various […] The post Retiree Marleen Barrett celebrates her 15 years with National Louis University first appeared on McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership.

The McCormick Center will soon be housed in the McCormick Institute for Early Childhood as the Center for Early Childhood Leadership. The Institute, which will launch in late Fall 2024, will expand access, equity, and innovation within the early childhood education (ECE) sector. With this important work and transition already underway, Lisa Downey, Ed.D., has […] The post Lisa Downey assumes the role of Executive Director of the McCormick Institute for Early Childhood first appeared on McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership.

CHICAGO (March 28, 2024) – National Louis University (NLU) is pleased to announce the creation of the McCormick Institute for Early Childhood. Made possible in part by a generous grant of $5 million from the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, the Institute will officially launch in late fall 2024 with the mission to expand access, equity, […] The post National Louis University to Launch Institute for Early Childhood with $5 Million McCormick Foundation Grant first appeared on McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership.

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. 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 […] The post Introducing the 2024 Paula Jorde Bloom Scholarship recipient first appeared on McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership.