About US

Our Story

In 2019, a group of devoted childcare workers gathered to discuss a shared concern: the constant challenges and frustrations in their field. They realized that for real change to happen in early childhood education.

One of the most pressing issues confronting early childhood educational institutions is the ongoing struggle to attract and retain skilled educators. The industry faces a concerning exodus of professionals, driven away by subpar working conditions, outdated operational frameworks, insufficient leadership from childcare business owners, a lack of support for newcomers to the field, and a visible dearth of advancement opportunities for committed practitioners.

Driven by a desire to see tangible improvements for their students and their profession at large, these professionals arrived at a pivotal realization: the necessary transformation within the childcare sector would have to begin with them. Opting to be the trailblazers of change rather than mere spectators, they propelled themselves forward with a proactive mindset. This paradigm shift marked the birth of The Young Innovators Foundation for Early Childhood, Inc. – a beacon of innovation and support aimed at reimagining the landscape of early childhood education.

Our Mission

Our mission is to activate and amplify the efforts of early childhood professionals as makers as they learn, build, and work together in their communities.

The Young Innovators Foundation empowers the next generation of early learning leaders with research, knowledge, mentoring, and a connected community.

While research shows that early learning teachers are the most crucial factor in improving student achievement, childcare professionals are leaving the industry citing inadequate working conditions, lack of support for new teachers, lack of career advancement opportunities, and disempowering company cultures.

The Young Innovators Foundation generates knowledge, provides quality mentoring, and a connected community to offer career advancement opportunities and recognition to elevate the career of professionals in the industry.

We support, honor, develop, and inspire early childhood education professionals to reach their full potential.

Our Philosophy

We believe that everyone is born an Innovator.
Our Mission is to “Keep the Mindset for Life!”

Our Vision

The Young Innovators Foundation envisions career advancement opportunities for childcare professionals to create the stable and educated workforce children require during the most critical years of brain development and to provide high quality education experiences for young learners.

Meet our Team

Domi Maigut

Advisor

Educator, leader and technology expert.

Marnie Forestieri

Chief Executive Officer

Education entrepreneur, curriculum writer, and author. Lifelong learner and world traveler. Marnie can be found in the hallways looking for dessert after lunch.

Dr. Debby Mitchell

Director of Community Relations

Educator, curriculum writer and teacher. Blends her passion for music with her kinesthetic learning style and coffee to create fun music.

Donna Carruthers

VP of Research

Education Entrepreneur, impassioned teacher, and philanthropist. Devoted to faith, family, friends, new adventures, and chocolate.

Erika Seger

Recruiting Director

Educator, Leader, and Director, passionate about curriculum implementation, leading operations, family fun nights, and tailgating after a UCF Football game.

Milagros Feliz

Marketing Coordinator

Milagros is an ambitious creative marketer who finds delight in creating compelling digital content for Young Innovators.