Head Start Bold Leadership Award Bestowed on Alina Vega, M.S.

BOLD Head Start Leadership Marks Year of Innovation, Commitment, and Unparalleled Family Support

Los Angeles, Ca. – As Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services ramps down one of the most challenging and turbulent school years in history, it is the right time to reflect on some of the National Head Start Association program’s most significant accomplishments. One such achievement is the selection of Alina Vega, M.S., VP, Child Development, Prevention & Early Education Services at Home-SAFE, a division of Vista Del Mar, as a distinguished 2020 BOLD Game Changer Leader award winner.

In early spring, NHSA named 14 individuals as 2020 BOLD Prize winners in recognition of their extraordinary leadership in response to the unique circumstances of the global pandemic.

Alina was honored for her unique ability to lead with a positive mindset and a bold approach to decision making. She set the tone for her team to courageously re-think established systems and create a relevant service delivery model to meet the emerging needs of children and families during the pandemic.

“Under normal circumstances, Head Start teachers, administrators, and staff demonstrate creativity and commitment daily,” said Yasmina Vinci, NHSA Executive Director. “But during the pandemic, a different, more innovative, and bolder approach was required. Thankfully, Head Start proved its commitment and dedication to meet the needs of at-risk children and families when they needed it most. Alina Vega was a shining star of that BOLD leadership and well-deserving of her honor as one of our BOLD Leaders.

Underwritten by the Ford Foundation, the 2020 BOLD Leadership Initiative rewards leadership brilliance demonstrated in the Head Start field during the school year. Grand Prize and Game Changer category winners have the opportunity to participate in a series of best practice leadership conversations with six Head Start Bold Alumni. These are Head Start alumni who have excelled and demonstrated exemplary leadership in their respective fields.

When reflecting on what the award means personally and professionally, Alina stated that, “Receiving this award has been an incredibly humbling experience. I share the acknowledgement with my team who collaboratively joined me in making BOLD decisions throughout these challenging times. This recognition highlights the importance of the strong relationships we have invested in as a program with staff, families, and family childcare providers. When you hold relationships and safety at the center wonderful things can emerge, even in the most challenging of times. We are resilient, and we can work through difficult things. We have learned that sometimes different becomes better; and as long as we approach the work with curiosity and an open heart, we can continue to provide the highest quality of care for our children and families.

“In order to drive lasting social change, we need to empower people to propel their ideas forward, giving them the resources and support they need to make long-term impact," said Ford Foundation President and Head Start alumnus Darren Walker. "The passion and commitment demonstrated by the NHSA 2020 BOLD Prize Winners to find creative ways to help children and families in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic is nothing short of inspiring, and serves as proof that Head Start continues to play a critical role in our society."

NHSA will share the insights and takeaways from the BOLD Leadership Initiative with the Head Start field with the launch of the “BOLD Leadership Summer Series,” a timed release of pre-recorded videos and webinars between May and Labor Day. “The BOLD Leadership Summer Series is a capstone to the initiative and will allow the field to celebrate its own and glean key learnings to further enhance practice,” commented Vinci.

The National Head Start Association is a not-for-profit organization committed to the belief that every child, regardless of circumstances at birth, has the ability to succeed in school and in life. The opportunities offered by Head Start lead to healthier, empowered children and families, and stronger, more vibrant communities. NHSA is the voice for more than 1 million children, 270,000 staff and 1,600 Head Start grantees in the United States.

Visit: www.nhsa.org and www.Vistadelmar.org