United Way’s 2026 Directors’ Symposium gives early educators the chance to grow and develop
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- Among the topics discussed at United Way's 2026 Directors' Symposium, a key learning opportunity for many local professionals, was the theme of finding ways to adapt and thrive as leaders in child care.
On Friday, United Way of Greater St. Joseph held its annual professional development day to provide early care and education leaders the opportunity to network and gain knowledge about a variety of leadership and management topics.
Organizations in attendance included the St. Joseph Health Department and Mosaic Life Care. Guest speakers from respective organizations also provided advice and guidance and insight into working with younger children.
"For anyone in the early child care program and early childhoods awareness program, it's important to educate them about the resources available and show them where to go when they have questions," UCP Children's Program Director Kim Cordonnier said. "I think attending helps us as directors gain knowledge, strengthen our leadership skills, and learn strategies and techniques we can bring back to our staff. We always want to improve our overall quality of care that we're giving to children."
The Symposium featured presentations from Carolyn Sullivan, Founder and CEO of New Chapter Consulting, as well as Jenni Gaddie, Director of Employee Relations and Leader Development for Mosaic Life Care.
Sponsored by Community Action Partnership Head Start and Missouri Western State University, the event allowed up-and-coming leaders to share their experiences, gain perspectives and have access to the resources available, including breakout sessions on conflict resolution and self-care.
"Today is day of learning for our child care leaders. Those who are leading, managing or aspire to be in positions in our early education centers child care organizations here in town (St. Joseph)," Bobbie Cronk, director of children's initiatives at United Way of Greater St. Joseph, said. "They have been learning a variety of leadership and management topics all day, visiting with different resources in town that can provide assistance in their fields."
