EmPowerED

Celebrating the Power of Early Childhood Educators

EmPowerEd

Celebrating the Power of Early Childhood Educators Symposium

"EMpowerED" is not just a celebration; it's a testament to the powerful impact early childhood educators have on our community. We look forward to gathering with you to honor these champions of education.

Honoring Educators. Strengthening Community. Building the Future.

The 2025 EMpowerED: Celebrating the Power of Early Childhood Educators Symposium was an unforgettable evening of inspiration, gratitude, and community connection. Together, we honored the extraordinary work of local early childhood educators—those who nurture curiosity, build confidence, and create the foundation for lifelong learning.

We were also inspired by keynote speaker Natalia D. Macker, Commissioner of the Teton County Board of Commissioners, mother, and early childhood education advocate, who reminded us that when we invest in educators, we invest in the future of our community.

This year marks an exciting milestone for Champions for Children. What began as a collaboration between Children’s Learning Center, Jackson Hole Children’s Museum, and Teton Literacy Center has now evolved into a unified community initiative—one dedicated to celebrating, supporting, and elevating early learning professionals across Teton County.

"EmPowerEd" is not just an event; it's a gathering of minds, hearts, and aspirations, all aligned to support the growth of our community's youngest members and the dedicated professionals who mold their minds.

Honoring Educators. Strengthening Community. Building the Future.

The 2025 EMpowerED: Celebrating the Power of Early Childhood Educators Symposium was an unforgettable evening of inspiration, gratitude, and community connection. Together, we honored the extraordinary work of local early childhood educators—those who nurture curiosity, build confidence, and create the foundation for lifelong learning.

We were also inspired by keynote speaker Natalia D. Macker, Commissioner of the Teton County Board of Commissioners, mother, and early childhood education advocate, who reminded us that when we invest in educators, we invest in the future of our community.

This year marks an exciting milestone for Champions for Children. What began as a collaboration between Children’s Learning Center, Jackson Hole Children’s Museum, and Teton Literacy Center has now evolved into a unified community initiative—one dedicated to celebrating, supporting, and elevating early learning professionals across Teton County.

Excellence in Early Education Award

In addition to the inspiring presentations, we proudly announced the winners of our 2025 Early Childhood Educator Awards including the “Childhood Champion” Award which will be awarded to a grand prize winner ($5000) and two “Elite Educator” Awards ($2500 each). These awards honor educators who have demonstrated outstanding dedication, creativity, and leadership in their classrooms and communities.

Nominations are open to parents, community members, fellow educators, and employers who wish to recognize the extraordinary efforts of early childhood educators in Teton County. We encourage everyone to participate and highlight the remarkable work these individuals are doing to build a brighter future for our children. Nominations were submitted from September 16th to 29th, 2025

2025 EMpowerED Winners

Childhood Champion

$5,000 prize

Maria Del Rosario Vasquez

Mountain Academy
of Teton Science Schools

Elite Educator

$2,500 prize

Joy Anderson

Moose Corner Children’s Academy

Elite Educator

$2,500 prize

Rilla Ferreria

Children’s Learning Center

2025 Symposium Nominees

Cecelia Contador, Children’s Learning Center
Danny Martin, Mountain Academy of Teton Science Schools
Emilie Rendall, Children's Learning Center
Heather Martin, Little Lambs Preschool
Jasmin Moreno, Children Learning Center 
Jennifer Lopez, Children's Learning Center
Jenny Olvera, Children's Learning Center
Jessica Castillo, Children's Learning Center Rafter J
Joyce Susano, Children’s Learning Center  
Justin Finch, Children's Learning Center
Karla Sanchez, Teton Literacy Center - Literacy Lab
Samantha O'Brien, Children's Learning Center Rafter J
Sheila Jones, St Johns Hospital Childcare
 

2024 Symposium Winners

Childhood Champion


Elite Educator 1


Elite Educator 2


2024 Symposium Nominees

2023 Symposium Winners

Childhood Champion


Elite Educator 1


Elite Educator 2


2023 Symposium Nominees

Thank You Sponsors!

Education for Our Futures Endowment Fund
Noa & Ted Staryk