Jefferson Ready Start
Paula Polito, Owner, Beary Cherry Tree

Thanks to GNOEA member George Messing, Owner Messina’s Catering, for hosting this week’s networking event for GNOEA members at the The Basin St. Station!

Paula Polito, a lifelong resident of Jefferson Parish, has dedicated her life to serving the community through her work in early childhood education and advocacy. As the owner and director of Beary Cherry Tree Child Development Center since 1999, Paula’s business acumen and profound dedication to nurturing young minds have transformed the center into a national example of high-quality early care and education for a diverse group of children and families. What truly sets Paula apart is her relentless advocacy for early education. Her voice has been instrumental in highlighting the critical need for access to quality care across Louisiana, championing the cause for families in Jefferson Parish and beyond. Paula’s pursuit of knowledge is unending. While working full-time and advocating for children in her personal time, she earned her Ph.D. in Urban Studies, focusing on workplace inequities for women in education.

Jefferson Ready Start Network (JRSN) is a coalition of thought partners committed to creating and implementing a bold local vision for early care and education – driven by our community’s need to improve opportunities and inspire change for children from birth to age five. Jefferson Parish Schools serves as fiscal agent for JRSN for programmatic initiatives. The Jefferson Community Foundation serves as fiscal agent for fundraising and community nonprofit initiatives. The work of JRSN is directed by a coalition of Thought Partners (community leaders from multiple sectors) and supported by a Core Leadership Team (early childhood stakeholders).

Please click here to view Paula’s presentation

Membership

If you have a prospect, please have them connect with Jacquie Bonano, membership chair at membership@gnoea.com.

Thank You & Announcements

Q4 2024 dues reminder.

Guests introductions and Member Thank You:

Upcoming Meeting Schedule

  • November 26 – No meeting, Happy Thanksgiving!
  • December 3- Josh Fleig, LED
  • December 10- Ron Faucheaux, Clarus Research Group
  • December 12- Holiday Party- Catherine Shreve’s house
  • December 17- No Meeting
  • December 24- No Meeting- Happy Holidays!
  • December 31- No Meeting- Happy New Year!
  • January 7- Jimmy Aiken, Entergy Update
  • January 14- Rebecca Mowbray, Bureau of Governmental Research
  • January 21- Sonny Lee, Son of a Saint
  • January 28- No Meeting

Check website for updates and bulletins that include upcoming events. Meeting events are on the calendar. Speaker suggestions: contact Program Chairman, Glenn Landrum, glenn@magelland.com.