Marcela G. Sweeney

I am an early childhood education leader with over two decades of experience in nonprofit and community-based programs, dedicated to ensuring that young children and their families have access to high-quality education and support. I currently serve as Executive Director at Educare West DuPage, a role I have held since May 2020, where I lead all aspects of the organization's operations, strategic direction, and community partnerships. Prior to this promotion, I served as School Director at Educare for over eight years, from May 2012 to May 2020, where I oversaw daily school operations, staff development, program quality, and family engagement. My tenure at Educare spans over fourteen years, reflecting my deep commitment to the organization's mission and the children and families it serves.

Before joining Educare, I served as an Early Childhood Education Specialist at STG International, Inc. for over two years, where I provided expertise and support to early childhood programs. I also spent nearly seven years as a Literacy Coach at the Jane Addams Hull House Association, where I worked directly with educators and children to strengthen early literacy instruction and build a foundation for lifelong learning.

Across my career in early childhood education, my work has been driven by a belief that every child deserves a strong start in life and that high-quality early education is one of the most powerful tools we have to break cycles of poverty and create opportunity. Whether I am leading a school, coaching educators, or advocating for young children and their families, I bring a deep commitment to equity, excellence, and the transformative power of education. I am proud to have spent my career building systems, developing leaders, and creating environments where children can learn, grow, and thrive.