Her Story
About Mary
Mary De La Rosa, M.A., is an early childhood education professional with approximately 25 years of experience spanning preschool education, program leadership, higher education, student advising, counseling, and early childhood advocacy. She currently serves as a Department Chair, Adjunct Professor, Student Advisor, Counselor, and Lead Director for the ACE and student care programs at Bethesda University. Throughout her career, she has worked to create educational opportunities and support systems that help students and families reach their potential. Her earlier experience includes serving as a preschool teacher and director, Site Supervisor at Hill & Dale Family Learning Center, and owner and director of Creative Explorers Toddler and Preschool Program.
De La Rosa holds a bachelor's degree in Child and Adolescent Development with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education and Teaching and a master's degree in Educational Psychology and Counseling with an emphasis in Early Childhood. Her professional focus includes early childhood education and development, higher education teaching, student advising and counseling, preschool administration, and program development for at-risk students. One of her most significant accomplishments has been developing programs designed to address students' practical and educational needs, including a student care program, food pantry, and ACE program. She takes particular pride in helping students reach their potential and watching them graduate.
A strong advocate for students, families, and the early childhood profession, De La Rosa has partnered with organizations including Connections for Children and the Salvation Army to connect people with essential resources. She is also a member of the National Association for the Education of Young Children and has received a California Senate Award recognizing her work in early childhood education. Her leadership philosophy emphasizes perseverance, advocacy, love, grace, and generosity. Whether supporting a student through a difficult period, searching persistently for resources, or advocating for improvements in early childhood education, De La Rosa's work is centered on creating opportunities for people to move forward and achieve their potential.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Mary
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to perseverance and refusing to give up when people need help. When I have a goal, I continue pursuing it until I find a way to achieve it. For example, when we needed support for our food pantry, I submitted numerous applications and continued looking for organizations willing to help. It took persistence, but eventually someone said yes.
That experience reflects how I approach my work more broadly. Whether I am advocating for students, supporting families, developing programs, or searching for resources, I keep going even when the process is difficult. My commitment to finding solutions and advocating for the people I serve has been a major part of my professional journey.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The advice that has stayed with me is the belief that every student has a future and a purpose. I remind myself that there is a plan for every student and that their story can continue toward something better.
That perspective has been especially important when working with students experiencing serious mental health crises or other difficult circumstances. I believe we have to keep fighting with them and for them, because a difficult moment does not have to define the rest of their lives. As educators and student-support professionals, we have a responsibility to continue encouraging them and helping them see that their story is not over.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women entering early childhood education to start building their resources and professional network as early as possible. Learn who the organizations and individuals are who can provide support, understand what resources are available in your community and state, and develop strong partnerships.
I would also encourage you to know the people who are leading the field and to make your voice heard. Keep advocating, keep learning, and stay involved in the issues affecting early childhood education. I have advocated for early childhood funding and participated in policy discussions because meaningful change requires people who are willing to show up, speak up, and continue working for the issues they believe will benefit children, families, and educators.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges affecting my field is the impact of politics and public policy on students, families, and educational institutions. Decisions made at the policy level can have very direct consequences for the people we serve.
At the same time, I see an opportunity in bringing greater attention to these issues and advocating for meaningful change. When there is increased public attention on challenges affecting students and families, it creates an opportunity for educators and advocates to speak up, push for needed resources, and work toward policies that better support the communities we serve.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me most are love, grace, and generosity. I believe people need love, especially in a world where there can be so much negativity and division. I try to lead with compassion in everything I do.
I also believe strongly in giving people grace because life happens and everyone faces circumstances that others may not see. When we approach people with love, grace, and generosity, we create an environment where they feel understood and supported. Those values guide how I work with students, colleagues, families, and the broader community.
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