A Note from Our CEO: The Back-to-School Season and the Power of Education

As summer winds down and the back-to-school season begins, I find myself reflecting on the pivotal role education has played in my life and in the lives of so many children in our community. This time of year brings with it a mix of excitement, anticipation, and sometimes a little anxiety as students prepare for a new academic journey. It’s a time that reminds us of the foundational importance of education and how it shapes the future of our children.

For me, the value of education was instilled early on by my mother, a single mom who worked tirelessly to provide for her children. We grew up in the projects in Huntsville, Alabama, and despite the challenges, my mother never wavered in her belief that education—along with hard work and integrity—were keys to a better life. She motivated me to pursue my dreams, no matter how difficult the road ahead seemed.

My mother’s dedication to our education was unwavering. She made sure that we had the tools we needed to succeed. In fact, we benefited from services like those offered by United Way that supported a more stable path to academic achievement and professional opportunities. Her belief in the transformative power of education not only shaped my future but also instilled in me a deep commitment to ensuring that every child has access to quality education.

I was fortunate to continue my education at Alabama A&M University, where I earned my bachelor’s degree, and later at Harvard Business School, where I obtained my MBA. These experiences were pivotal in my journey, but they are also a testament to the power of my mother’s belief in the importance of education and the doors it can open for every child, regardless of where they start in life.

Empowering the Next Generation

At United Way Miami, we understand that education is more than just academics—it’s about providing children with the tools, resources, and support they need to reach their full potential. It’s about ensuring that every child, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed.

Our Center for Excellence in Early Education (CFE) reflects this commitment. CFE was created to elevate the quality of early education for all children in Miami-Dade and beyond, recognizing that the early years are critical for cognitive, social, and emotional development. As a hub for innovation and best practices in early childhood education, CFE works closely with educators, parents, and community leaders to give every child the best possible start in life.

Since its inception, CFE has impacted nearly 60,000 young children, helping them build the foundational skills necessary for success in school and beyond. Last year alone, more than 7,000 children benefited from our early education initiatives, which are tailored to meet the diverse needs of our community.

A cornerstone of our success has been our partnership with Miami-Dade County Public Schools (MDCPS). For nearly 50 years, we’ve worked together to support children and families, ensuring that our early education programs align with the school district’s goals. MDCPS, one of our largest Employee Giving Campaign partners, has been instrumental in helping us expand our reach, raising over $1.2 million this year alone to support our programs.

Together, through our combined efforts, we are shaping the future, one child at a time, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

A Call to Action

As we embrace this new school year, I encourage you to think about the role you can play in supporting education in our community. Whether it’s through volunteering, mentoring, or simply being there for a child who needs encouragement, your involvement can make a significant difference.

Education is a powerful tool that can break the cycle of poverty, open doors to new opportunities, and empower the next generation of leaders. Let’s work together to ensure that every child in our community has the chance to succeed.

Good luck to all our bright students for the school year ahead, and to the parents and educators guiding them along the way. Thank you for being a part of this important journey. Together, we can make a difference.

Sincerely,

Symeria Hudson
President & CEO
United Way Miami