ECE Outreach: A Q&A with Jackie Burrell

Jackie Burrell (center) during the 2025 Milwaukee Juneteenth celebrations.

As part of our ongoing work to support early childhood education (ECE), our ECE Ambassadors are connecting directly with child care providers in Milwaukee’s ThriveOn King neighborhood, building trust and strengthening the local child care network. We spoke with our ECE Ambassadors to hear about their experiences on the ground - and their answers show the dedication, perspective and insight they bring to this important work. Next up is Jackie Burrell.

What’s one thing you’ve learned so far from connecting with these providers?

One thing that really stood out to me is how much our local providers are doing with so little - and how much they care about making their spaces safe and welcoming for kids. A lot of providers shared real struggles around keeping up with building repairs or finding funds for basic things their centers need. Those things might seem small, but they directly affect the quality and safety of care.

I also noticed that many folks hadn’t heard much about the ThriveOn initiative. Once we explained it, they were really interested and wanted to know more about how we could support them. As providers learn about us here at ThriveOn, they’re eager to join forces with us and become better connected and integrated into the work we’re doing with Milwaukee Succeeds. That kind of curiosity and openness gives me a lot of hope for what’s ahead.

Why is it so important to build a stronger network of local ECE providers?

After hearing from so many providers, it’s clear that a lot of them are doing this work alone - and that can be really hard. Many don’t always know what resources or trainings are out there, or how to get connected to the support they deserve. Building a stronger network means we can change that. It gives us space to share ideas, lean on each other and speak up together when something needs to change.

When providers are connected, they’re not just surviving - they’re growing. We get to lift each other up and create better care for our kids and families. As Ambassadors, that’s what we’re here for: to bridge the gaps, listen and make sure every provider knows they’re not in this alone.