In this powerful episode, Carla welcomes Dawn Montecalvo, CEO of the Guadalupe Center in Immokalee, Florida, to discuss what it really means to go all in when early learning is on the line. From shifting the educator mindset from “job” to “career” to reducing turnover through professional development and support, Dawn shares how her team is creating real, lasting change in a community with tremendous needs.

We explore how strategic partnerships, intention in language, and reinforcing early childhood as a nonnegotiable investment are transforming outcomes—one child, one educator, one classroom at a time.

If you believe early learning is more than a program—it’s a movement—you won’t want to miss this conversation.

🎧 Dive in now and get inspired to go all in for early learning where you are.

DAWN MONTECALVO

For more than two decades, Dawn Montecalvo has dedicated her career to expanding educational opportunities for underserved children in Southwest Florida. As President & CEO of Guadalupe Center since 2016, she has led the organization’s growth to serve over 2,000 students annually, expanding campuses, adding CCPS satellite locations, and strengthening philanthropic partnerships. Previously, she served as Executive Director of the Naples Children & Education Foundation and founded Montecalvo & Associates, helping nonprofits with fundraising and strategic development. A compassionate and visionary leader, Dawn unites donors, volunteers, and educators around a shared mission to create life-changing opportunities for generations of students.

LINKS MENTIONED IN THE PODCAST

Guadalupe Centre- www.guadalupecenter.org 

Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/guadalupe_center 

Youtube- https://www.youtube.com/@TheGuadalupeCenter 

All in for Early Learning- https://www.allinforearlylearning.com/ 

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