Women's History Month Spotlight: Jemima Grey

It's National Women's History Month and we're celebrating strong women leaders by recognizing some of our very own here at KinderCare. This week, we talked to our newest Inclusion Services Advisor Jemima “Jem” Grey to learn more about her experience and journey with the company. Here’s what she shared with us: 

Tell us a bit about your professional background. How did you get your start at KinderCare? 

“My path to working with young children began when I started teaching parent-child classes at a children’s gym. After that, I was hooked! I quickly found that my passion and strength was in teaching pre-kindergarten, and I taught in various schools for a while. I bring a lot of energy and enthusiasm to my work and enjoy engaging with families and children, but eventually, I was told I was ‘doing too much’. I decided it was time to take my talent and energy to an organization that would embrace it. That’s when I found KinderCare nine years ago. I had an amazing interview at a center in San Diego and started as a pre-k teacher right away. Since then, I’ve held a few different roles. It was meant to be.”

What excites you most about working for the company?

“I love KinderCare! I love what we stand for. I love that we are collectively working together to educate and support children. Families trust us by partnering together for that common goal.  I’m proud to represent a company that helps children, their families, and employees, learn, grow and build confidence for life!”  

Tell us a little about your KinderCare journey and the work you’re doing now.

“Shortly after joining KinderCare in 2013, I was promoted to an assistant director role. I then got an opportunity to serve as a program specialist at University City KinderCare, where I stayed for seven years while taking on special projects, like supporting centers with NAEYC accreditation, which I still do today. Helping the teachers in my district to see the best in themselves and their students was so rewarding! The support I received from my CD, Bibi and my DL, Laura, was so strong, I couldn’t help but feel powerful myself. Talk about woman empowerment!

Eventually, I was asked to participate in a STEM video that was being filmed for the field and I got to spend time with the Education Team. After meeting them, I just knew I wanted to be part of the corporate team at the NSC! Although it didn’t happen for me right away, I found my way onto the Inclusion Services Team. I had a lot of encouragement from my peers and business support partners throughout the company who believe in me. Those relationships and the relationships I continue to build have helped me immensely.

As an Inclusion Services Advisor, I’m able to continue helping our teachers be successful with children and families in our classrooms. We provide them with tools, resources and strategies they can use to support a variety of unique needs and situations – from challenging behaviors to accommodations for children with differing needs and abilities.”

What’s an accomplishment you’re proud of?

“Becoming a part of the GREAT Team and NSC. It was a goal I set my heart and mind to and here I am today. Becoming an Inclusion Services Advisor has given me new perspective. We’ve done so much as an organization to support children and families in the best ways, and there is still so much we can and continue to do. It’s exciting for me to see where the road leads our company."  

Tell us more about who you are outside of work. What are some things that bring you joy?

“I love to shop! I’ve recently taken an interest in designer purse restoration, which has been really fun for me. I’m also enjoying being able to spend time with friends and family again. Most of my family lives in Ghana, West Africa, so reconnecting with them and learning more about our family history, tree and cultural traditions has been important to me.”

National Women’s History Month is this month and we’re celebrating strong women leaders. Is there a strong woman leader in your life that you look up to?

“I really look up to my mom because she is feisty, strong and courageous! I also appreciate all the influential women in my life who have taught me to be a proud woman, and not to back down in the face of adversity.”

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received or given?

“It’s never too late. I’m trying to be intentional about living in the now, appreciating where I am and what’s in front of me at this moment. Focusing on what I could’ve, should’ve, or would’ve done doesn’t serve me. We all have to give ourselves grace and take the time to celebrate our accomplishments.”

~ Original article by Emily Snyder