Donate

Dear TXAEYC Community,

It has been an absolute honor to serve as Interim CEO and to have the opportunity to get to know the dedicated Board of Directors, the passionate team, and this vibrant community of early childhood professionals.

I know it’s no secret—TXAEYC is facing some real challenges. And while it might seem unusual to begin this message with so much hope and optimism, it’s the raw truth. I believe in this organization. I believe in all of you.

I’ve never been afraid of a challenge. I’ve never let fear have the final word. And I’ve never met a passionate, mission-driven educator who wasn’t willing to keep pushing forward for what matters. These aren’t just motivational lines; they are truths I carry with me, formed by years of witnessing educators do the impossible.

When I sat stumped by a geometry problem, it was a teacher who reminded me to trust myself. When I was told what I couldn’t do, it was an educator who told me what was possible. And when life felt overwhelming, educators taught me the most important lesson of all: we are better together.

So, I’m asking for your help.

While I can’t predict every twist and turn ahead, I can promise you this—change is coming. And it’s not the kind of change to fear. It’s the kind that gets us back to the heart of who we are and why we exist. From this moment forward, we are recommitting to three guiding principles:

Connection. Commitment. Community.

We’ve already begun reconnecting with one another, and it’s been powerful. The next step? I’m asking for a deeper commitment—of your time, your talents, and your financial treasures—to help TXAEYC grow stronger than ever before. We need you now more than ever. Will take the time right now to click on the donation link below and support us?

And finally—community. I invite you to join us at this year’s conference. It will feel like a long-overdue educational homecoming, a celebration of our shared purpose, and a critical moment to chart the future of early childhood education in Texas.

Let’s keep showing up for each other. Let’s keep building something worth passing down. Let’s keep leading—together.

With gratitude and determination,
Pamela Benson Owens
Interim CEO, TXAEYC