Influential Woman · Early Childhood Education, Non-Emergency Medical Transportation
Zandra Phillips
Owner, Director, and Administrator, Pitter Patter Learning Center
Dayton, OH 45414
Her Story
About Zandra
I started my journey in early childhood education 11 years ago when I had my youngest child at a prime age and wanted to be home to raise my baby. I became the first licensed Type A family child care provider in the Trotwood community, caring for up to 12 children with staff support in my home. In 2019, I moved into a brick-and-mortar facility and now run Pitter Patter Learning Center as owner, director, and administrator. I also own and operate a non-emergency medical transportation agency through the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities, managing day-to-day operations for both companies. My work focuses on creating positive environments where kids can grow, ensuring my staff is supported, the children are safe, and providing services to working families in my community. Beyond running my businesses, I'm a leader on the Dayton core team of the Care Economy Organizing Project (CEO), a statewide grassroots organization where I advocate for child care providers and parents. I've met with congressmen, state representatives, local commissioners, and mayors to fight for policy changes, and I successfully organized and mobilized about 600 families and child care providers to the Ohio State Capitol to advocate for fair child care. My days are unpredictable but filled with purpose - from budgeting and training to meetings and planning for both programs and the families and community I serve.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Zandra
01What do you attribute your success to?
I would say my grandfather and my stepfather who raised me. They were a positive impact in my life as a child. They were dedicated to me, hardworking people, and great leaders. The values they instilled in me - dedication, hard work, and strong leadership - have shaped who I am today and how I approach my businesses and advocacy work.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I ever received was from Commissioner Mary McDonald. She told me how I was a leader, and she told me to lead with passion and stay consistent. She also told me to know that I'm a leader - to own who I am. That advice has stuck with me and guides how I approach my work every day.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would say stay focused and believe in yourself, and never give up on your goals, even when challenges arise. Be willing to learn and stay consistent. Build strong relationships with other people who support your vision. Success takes patience, hard work, and faith. You have to believe, stay passionate about it, and just stay the course and move forward.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges right now is what's going on in the world - a lot of funding is getting cut. There's also employee turnover with staff, which is always a challenge. But despite these challenges, it makes you go harder. It makes you take your time and just be patient. You have to keep pushing forward even when things are difficult.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are integrity, compassion, consistency, and great leadership. I believe in treating people with respect and creating a safe and supportive environment for people. I also value community, teamwork, and empowering others. These values guide everything I do in both my businesses and my personal life.
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