Women United Addresses the Child Care Crisis with Powerful Community Conversation
Norwalk, CT (April 3, 2025) — United Way of Coastal and Western Connecticut (UWCWC) brought together local leaders, advocates, and changemakers for a critical discussion on the child care crisis at Women United: Tackling the Child Care Crisis on Wednesday, April 2, 2025. Held at the House Up On the Hill in Norwalk, the event provided a platform for engaging dialogue and strategic action to address the pressing challenges facing families and early childhood educators.
Isabel Almeida, President and CEO of United Way of Coastal and Western Connecticut, emphasized the urgency of the issue, stating, "Tonight’s focus could not be more timely—or more important. The child care crisis is one of the defining issues of our time—not just for parents or providers, but for all of us. It’s a workforce issue, an economic issue, an equity issue, and a community issue. When families can’t access affordable, reliable care, they can’t work. When providers can’t earn a living wage, the system collapses. When children miss out on quality early learning, it impacts their entire future."
With child care at the forefront of economic and workforce development conversations, Women United convened this event to explore innovative solutions and advocacy efforts. Attendees had the opportunity to network, share experiences, and gain insights from experts committed to shaping a more sustainable and accessible child care system.
The evening commenced with a warm welcome and opening remarks, setting the stage for keynote speaker Sherri Killins Stewart, Ed. D, President and CEO of Leaders Making it Possible Inc. Dr. Killins Stewart provided thought-provoking insights on the systemic barriers to quality child care and the steps needed to create equitable solutions. She emphasized that child care is often viewed primarily as a women's issue, but if it were truly seen as a broader community issue, we would witness a significantly different response. "The responsibility of child care should not fall solely on women—it is a societal challenge that impacts everyone. If we addressed it as a community-wide issue, we would see greater investments, policy shifts, and structural support to ensure accessible, high-quality childcare for all families," she stated.
Following the keynote, a dynamic panel discussion featured a distinguished group of leaders, including Tasha Spaulding, M. Ed., Director of The Children's Playhouse, Too!; Karina Mendez, Parent and Early Childhood Community Advocate with Norwalk Acts; and Emylly Souza Silva, a Family Child Care Provider with Cora's Kids.
The panelists engaged in a powerful discussion on the state of child care, the economic and social impact of the crisis, and the actions needed to support working families and child care providers. They shared personal stories, policy perspectives, and practical strategies to drive meaningful change.
Attendees left the evening inspired and motivated to take action—whether through advocacy, support for child care providers, or engaging in policy initiatives that will create long-term improvements.
Women United remains committed to addressing issues that disproportionately affect women and families by fostering community collaboration and leading impactful initiatives. This event marked another step toward ensuring that every family has access to high-quality, affordable child care.
What’s Next for Women United:
Women United is committed to creating opportunities for members to engage in meaningful ways throughout the year. This initiative will offer a variety of ways for leaders to drive change and give back to their communities.
To stay up to date on all future Women United events and engagement opportunities, please visit: https://www.unitedwaycwc.org/women-united