Cultivating Strength Conference Empowers Early Educators

On September 20, Milwaukee Succeeds took a bold new step in supporting early educators with our first-ever Cultivating Strength in Early Childhood Education (ECE) conference. Presented alongside Daniel Educational Services, this fully bilingual event combined learning and wellness activities to create an experience that truly nurtured educators’ bodies, minds and spirits.

“It was a relaxing and joyful event,” explained Yimma Davila-Castro, Milwaukee Succeeds’ ECE manager. “I loved seeing so many new faces, happy expressions and the amount of interaction and networking happening throughout the day.”

Altogether, 61 early educators joined us for a day of learning, laughter and community. Across two keynotes, eight breakout sessions and multiple wellness rooms, attendees discovered invaluable tools to strengthen their practice, their community and their own well-being.

Learning Side by Side

From the start, the conference was intentionally designed with both English and Spanish speakers in mind. Live translation and headsets were provided in each room, allowing participants to follow along in real time. The goal was to create an experience that transcended language, giving participants the freedom to choose sessions based on topics that inspired them – not the language they were offered in.

Sara Daniel, executive director of Daniel Educational Services, witnessed firsthand how powerful this type of environment can be. “Someone came up to me and said, ‘You know, I don't speak Spanish, and I never would have selected a presentation in Spanish to attend. But you said take a risk, go outside of your comfort zone, so I did. And it was an amazing experience. The presentation was great, as was the interpretation to English.’ This is what we meant by a fully bilingual conference. And I think people had to experience it to ‘get it.’”

A post-conference survey showed that 65% of respondents identified Spanish as their primary language and 35% English, underscoring the importance of creating an intentional environment where everyone could learn, engage and thrive.

Uplifting Emerging Trainers

This conference was also an opportunity for emerging ECE trainers to step into the spotlight and showcase their expertise. Many of the session leaders were alumni of recent training programs designed to expand the pool of certified trainers, especially from Black and Latino communities.

Leading a session gave these trainers a chance to put their skills into practice, build confidence and gain real-world experience in front of a live audience. It also allowed them to share insights and strategies drawn from their own experiences, making the learning more relatable and impactful for attendees.

“For most of them, this was the first training they created completely on their own,” shared Yimma. “Even though they were nervous during practice, they ended up delivering their workshops with confidence. Seeing that transformation was one of the best parts of the conference.”

Sara echoed this sentiment. “Watching trainers I’ve had the privilege to coach take the stage and share their real-world expertise filled me with pride,” she said. “Some had to overcome nerves and self-doubt, but they all delivered, and I truly believe they’re ready to bring their work to larger statewide and national conferences.”

In fact, several of the speakers have already been invited to share their presentations on a national stage! What started as a local platform for emerging trainers has now opened the doors to broader opportunities, giving these trainers a chance to influence ECE on a larger scale and continue shining as leaders in the field.

Practical and Applicable

Giving emerging trainers a platform didn’t just benefit the presenters – it had a direct impact on the participants, too. Because these trainers drew from real-world experiences, their sessions felt relevant, relatable and immediately applicable.

“It was practical,” said one participant, “and it was presented by people that did not just have theoretical knowledge, but they had life application, which makes all the difference.”

The post-conference survey reflected just how effective the trainings were. 100% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that the training increased their knowledge. The same percentage reported feeling confident in applying what they learned in real life. On top of that, 96% of respondents said the trainings were extremely relevant to their role.

Along with gaining valuable skills, early educators earned free continuing education hours for attending the conference, saving each participant $150 – a meaningful investment that helps strengthen the ECE workforce and support quality care for children.

A Wellness Focus

Beyond building essential skills, the conference fueled participants’ well-being, giving them a space to recharge, connect and care for themselves while they learned.

“We wanted these educators to know that we care about their well-being and that self-care can be simple and fun,” explained Yimma. “Taking care of themselves not only helps manage stress but also makes them positive role models for children, showing them how to co-regulate with their educators.”

Throughout the course of the day, participants could visit a calming room with lotion-making and Zen garden stations, an energizing room with musical chairs to get people moving, therapy rooms for one-on-one sessions with providers from Therayology and Hope and Healing Mental Health Counseling, and a sound bowl room with Dr. Shanice of Mommy’s Beautiful Sunrise for relaxation and meditation.

Many of the conference’s learning sessions also included mental health and well-being components, weaving wellness into the educational content. Attendees even left with regulation kits packed with tools and resources to support their mental health long after the conference ended.

“The energy throughout the day was incredibly positive,” said Sara. “The regulation rooms were a hit! They offered moments of calm, as well as moments of fun and connection. Our wellness rooms even gave participants a chance to talk with mental health professionals about self-care. Laughter, connection and collaboration defined the day!”

Looking Ahead

“There were so many happy faces!” said Yimma. “By the middle of the conference, several participants were already coming up to me with ideas for future events and asking to be invited again next time.”

It’s clear that participants left feeling energized, inspired and ready to put what they learned into action. They didn’t just walk away with new skills and wellness tools, but also connections that will continue to support their growth long into the future.

Milwaukee Succeeds is committed to building on this momentum, creating more opportunities that strengthen the ECE workforce and empower our early educators – because when our educators thrive, so do our children.