Maria Whelan Leadership Institute Early Childhood Emerging Leaders Fellowship Alumni Spotlight

The Maria Whelan Leadership Institute (MWLI) Early Childhood Emerging Leaders Fellowship is rooted in a commitment to equity and community impact. Developed to cultivate and empower emerging leaders in early care and education, the program equips mid-career professionals with the tools and the perspective to navigate complex systems and drive change long after their fellowship ends.

Across their communities, alumni continue to lead with intention, drawing on both their lived experiences and time during the fellowship to influence systems, inspire others, and advocate for meaningful change. Through the MWLI Early Childhood Emerging Leaders Alumni Spotlight series, we celebrate where their leadership is taking them next and the many ways they continue to put leadership into action.

Sabrina Robertson, Ed.S. 

Fellow, Cohort 3 | Lead Mentor, Cohort 4 | Founder, SDC Consulting LLC

From Fellow to Mentor to Author 

Participating in the MWLI Early Childhood Emerging Leaders Fellowship was a meaningful step in Sabrina Robertson’s leadership journey. As founder of SDC Consulting LLC, Sabrina entered the fellowship with a passion for supporting educators and advocating for young children. Her fellowship experience helped her to see leadership through a broader lens— one rooted not only in a title, but in influence, voice, relationships, and action.

Sabrina remained engaged after completing the fellowship, returning as a lead mentor for Cohort 5. In that role, she intentionally created opportunities for fellows to learn, connect, and give back. Her mentorship pod volunteered at a local food pantry, participated in leadership book discussions, shared meals, and even created shirts representing their collective identity and journey.

Her leadership and advocacy have also expanded through writing. In August 2026, Sabrina celebrated the release of her book, Play Is the Curriculum: The Neuroscience of Early Learning, which explores how play, nurturing relationships, and responsive interactions help build the foundation for lifelong learning, resilience, and well-being.

For Sabrina, becoming an author reflects years of commitment to young children and the professionals who support them. She notes, “Publishing Play Is the Curriculum is the culmination of years of learning, leadership, and advocacy on behalf of young children and the early childhood workforce.”

Sabrina continues to demonstrate that leadership grows when we use our experiences, expertise, and voice to create opportunities for others. 

Pamela Castro 

Fellow, Cohort 3 | MWLI Alumni Engagement Leader | Education Coordinator

Envisioning What Comes Next 

Before participating in the Early Childhood Emerging Leaders Fellowship, Pamela Castro served as a mentor teacher. Today, she is a center director, a transition that reflects a larger shift in how her leadership has grown.

Through conversations with her mentor and others during the fellowship, Pamela began reflecting more deeply on her professional goals. She gave herself permission to think beyond her current role and consider the impact she could have on a broader scale. One of the most transformative experiences of the fellowship was traveling to Springfield and seeing government and advocacy in action. Witnessing firsthand how policy decisions affect early care and education expanded Pamela’s understanding of leadership beyond the walls of her classroom and center.

Since completing the fellowship, Pamela has continued stepping into new spaces, delivering presentations, pursuing new professional opportunities, and growing increasingly confident using her voice. Her leadership also continues within the MWLI community as an alumni engagement leader. Pamela is helping reimagine how alumni, lead mentors, and current fellows remain connected through meaningful experiences. She has also supported the future of the fellowship by participating in the interview process for incoming fellows.

Pamela’s journey demonstrates what can happen when emerging leaders are given the space to reflect on what they want, recognize what they bring to the table, and imagine what is possible.

Ciara Llave 

Fellow, Cohort 3 | Women United Manager, United Way Quad Cities

Turning Relationships into Leadership 

For Ciara Llave, leadership has always been deeply connected to relationships, trust, and community. In August 2026, Ciara began a new chapter in her professional journey when she was promoted to Women United Manager at United Way Quad Cities. The role gives her an opportunity to continue building partnerships while empowering women and strengthening her community.

The promotion represents more than a new title. For Ciara, it affirms the relationships and impact she has built throughout her career.

“This opportunity is meaningful because it represents both personal and professional growth,” she explains. “It validates the work I’ve done to build trust, create partnerships, and support others in meaningful ways.”

Ciara sees the role as an opportunity to continue creating lasting change. She shares, “I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue my career with United Way in a role that allows me to empower women, strengthen our community, and help create lasting change.”

Her journey is another example of how leadership can take many forms, from influencing systems and advocating for others, to building relationships that make change possible. 

More Updates from MWLI Alumni Community 

Alumni are reaching new milestones, expanding their influence, and continuing to grow as leaders. Here are a few more accomplishments we’re celebrating: 

Vikki Podlipni | Fellow, Cohort 4
Vikki was selected to serve on the first-ever National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC) Policy Council, expanding her advocacy for family child care providers from Illinois to the national level. She also recently co-presented at the NAFCC conference on partnering with family child care providers to support their leadership in state-level policymaking.

Nidia Escobar | Fellow, Cohort 4
Nidia began a new leadership role as dean of students for the Early Childhood Division at the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools. She describes the opportunity as a chance to create a community where “children feel like they belong, families feel heard, and educators feel supported.”

Tamekia Holman | Fellow, Cohort 1
After setting a long-held professional goal for herself, Tamekia earned her Certificate in Nonprofit Management from the University of Illinois Chicago in June 2026.

Yvonne Sosa | Fellow, Cohort 5
Yvonne celebrated earning her master’s degree in June and is continuing her professional growth in an endorsement program.

Jameycia Jenkins | Fellow, Cohort 2
Jameycia stepped into a leadership position with the City of Chicago Department of Family and Support Services Children Services division as supervisor of program quality. She also completed a two-year social emotional learning certificate program at Erikson Institute.

Kimberly Stickell | Fellow, Cohort 4
Kimberly began a new chapter as regional administrative support for Birth to Five Illinois, Region 49 where she is learning, working with families, and supporting community advocacy.

Kira N. Smith | Fellow, Cohort 1
Kira earned her master’s degree in early childhood education administration from National Louis University.

Diamond Harris | Fellow, Cohort 1
Diamond was selected as one of Illinois Association for the Education of Young Children’s (AEYC) 2026 Children’s Champions and will be recognized during the Illinois AEYC Growing Futures Conference in October of 2026.

Erin Acosta | Fellow, Cohort 3
Erin has had a year filled with professional milestones, including stepping into a center director role, being selected to represent the early childhood workforce during The State We’re In panel discussion, participating in multiple professional development conferences, and continuing her doctoral studies in strategic educational leadership. 

Leadership That Continues to Grow 

Across cohorts, alumni are continuing their education, earning credentials, accepting new positions, launching businesses, sharing their expertise, advocating for the early childhood workforce, and stepping into leadership opportunities within their organizations and communities.

Their journeys are different, but each demonstrates something at the heart of MWLI: leadership is not a destination or a title, but is how we use our experiences, relationships, knowledge, and voice to make an impact. 

For more MWLI news and updates, follow our new MWLI  Facebook page. Interested in applying for the fellowship? Learn more about the program and application process.