Posts By :

Way to Grow

  • Way to Grow
  • No Comments

Way to Grow Welcomes Coco Du as New Chief Executive Officer
Way to Grow Welcomes Coco Du as New Chief Executive Officer 2000 1521 Way to Grow

Way to Grow Welcomes Coco Du as New Chief Executive Officer

Way to Grow is thrilled to announce the appointment of Coco Du as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective January 21, 2025. Coco brings a wealth of leadership experience and an unwavering commitment to community impact, making her the ideal leader for Way to Grow’s next chapter. She succeeds Carolyn Smallwood, who has served as an exceptional and inspiring leader since 2004, leaving a legacy of visionary leadership and innovation that has positioned Way to Grow for continued success. 

Coco joins Way to Grow with over a decade of experience leading mission-driven organizations, including her current role as Chief Experience Officer at Girl Scouts River Valleys. Her expertise spans strategic operations, organizational transformation, and advancing equity, particularly in service to children and families. As a Chinese immigrant and first-generation college graduate, Coco’s leadership is deeply informed by her lived experiences which have shaped her passion for serving those facing systemic barriers.   

“This opportunity is deeply personal to me,” said Coco. “As someone whose journey was profoundly impacted by access to education and mentorship, I am honored to lead Way to Grow in its mission to support families and children in realizing their full potential. Together with our incredible team, board, and community partners, I look forward to building on the strong foundation established by Carolyn and driving meaningful change in the lives of the families we serve.” 

Coco is uniquely equipped to guide Way to Grow through its next chapter, with her impressive background in strategic planning, operational excellence, and program growth. As Assistant Dean at Macalester College, she drove measurable results in the college’s impact and reach through her experience in coalition-building, fundraising, and creating culturally responsive programs. These skills position her to build on Way to Grow’s strengths while fostering innovation and ensuring the organization continues to adapt to meet the evolving needs of the families it serves. 

Michael Garrett, Board Chair, expressed the Board’s enthusiasm: “We are overjoyed to welcome Coco to Way to Grow. Her passion, strategic vision, and proven leadership align perfectly with this crucial moment in our growth and evolution. We are confident that under her guidance, Way to Grow will continue to innovate and thrive.” 

Way to Grow empowers families and children through education, resources, and fostering community connections. Under Coco Du’s leadership, the organization looks forward to an exciting future of innovation, collaboration, and expanded impact. 

Way to Grow’s executive search was conducted by Ballinger | Leafblad, an executive search firm dedicated to serving the civic sector, partnering with foundations, nonprofits, higher education institutions, and professional associations to identify and recruit exceptional leaders.  

About Way to Grow 

At Way to Grow, we support families with children from birth to age eight, providing year-round home visits focused on education, health and family well-being. We are proud to work with more than 2,000 parents and children in Minneapolis and the surrounding suburbs—neighbors who work hard to provide for their children and who are active in their community and their child’s education. With a team of talented Family Educators, we help ensure all children are born healthy, stay healthy and are ready to succeed and thrive in school and in life. To learn more, visit waytogrow.org 

For media inquiries, please contact: 
Melissa Meyer 
Vice President of Development 
mmeyer@mplswaytogrow.org 
612-874-4740 

  • Way to Grow
  • No Comments

Meet Betty!
Meet Betty! 2000 2000 Way to Grow

In 2020, Endashawe found himself navigating the challenges of being a single parent. After relocating to Minnesota with his daughter, Betty, Endashawe felt a pressing need for support to ensure the family’s success in their new environment. When he was introduced to Ruth, he finally felt that help had arrived.

When Ruth began visiting the family, she first focused on building Betty and Endashawe’s trust. Ruth brought A–Z leveled reading books, drawing materials, and engaged Betty in activities to assess her learning skills. After a few home visits with Ruth, something shifted in Betty. “I saw something within her light up,” Endashawe remembers.

“It’s been amazing to see their accomplishments and growth as father and daughter,” says Ruth. “Through their dedication and resilience, they’ve emerged stronger and more connected than ever before.”

Today, their new home is filled with books, and Betty is a bright, confident third grader who reads above grade level. Father and daughter read together every day and visit the library twice a week. Endashawe, inspired by his journey, now serves as an assistant teacher, eager to pay forward the support he received from Way to Grow.

As they prepare to graduate from the Way to Grow program, Endashawe and Betty face the future with confidence, hope, and gratitude for Ruth and Way to Grow. Endashawe writes: “Ruth, you’ve been more than a coach to us; you’ve been a true friend and mentor. Your encouragement and belief in us have helped us to face challenges and grow stronger.” We can’t wait to see their next adventure!

  • Way to Grow
  • No Comments

Meet Maximo!
Meet Maximo! 2560 1707 Way to Grow

“Carismático, amoroso, respetuoso,” proudly says Juana, mother of six-year-old Maximo, when asked to describe him in three words: charismatic, loving, and respectful. As he explores the Sculpture Garden, leading his family and photographer to the perfect spot, we think of one more: líder—a leader.

Maximo’s love for learning is boundless. Whether speeding through his favorite “Elephant and Piggie” books or imagining himself as a chef, he dives in headfirst with joyous enthusiasm.

“I’m amazed at how much Max knows,” Juana says, “and I’m so grateful to Way to Grow.”

His journey with Way to Grow began at just two years old during the pandemic. Though virtual visits were new to everyone, Maximo quickly adapted, eager to engage with his Family Educator, Eveline. “It was difficult at first, but he learned to pay attention, use technology, and learned a lot,” Juana reflects. “Now, whenever we visit with Eveline, Max is ready to go!”

When Maximo started preschool, his teachers were impressed by how much he already knew—but his intelligence came as no surprise to his family or Eveline. On a recent college field trip with his older sister, Maximo was the first to confidently raise his hand to ask thoughtful questions. “He’s already asking when we’ll visit another college!” Juana beams.

Though Maximo has a few years before stepping onto a college campus, his confidence shines through. “I am important,” he declares without hesitation, and we couldn’t agree more. Yes, Maximo—you are important, and with so many cheering you on, your incredible future is just beginning.

  • Way to Grow
  • No Comments

Celebrating Way to Grow’s Kindergarten Class
Celebrating Way to Grow’s Kindergarten Class 2508 1881 Way to Grow

Happy Graduation to our kindergarteners!

Way to Grow is so proud to celebrate and encourage all our students who are starting school this week.

At the end of August, we gathered for our Early Learner Celebration with all of our families and children heading to kindergarten. The event was a wonderful moment to honor the hard work of our parents, caregivers, Family Educators, and of course—our scholars! Alongside Way to Grow’s CEO Carolyn Smallwood, each child bravely walked across the Mall of America® stage to receive their diploma.

After the ceremony, we shared a delicious lunch together, complete with mac and cheese, sliders, cookies, and lemonade. Crayola® provided crayons and coloring sheets for our families, and each family received an exclusive MOA coupon book. Thanks to the generosity of the Ciresi Walburn Foundation, our scholars had the chance to hand-pick a selection of brand new books for their home library, including favorites like The Pigeon Will Ride the Roller Coaster, The Sour Grape, and beloved classics like Pete the Cat.

Nichole, Way to Grow’s Manager of Education, shares: “Our Early Learning celebration is a reflection of our commitment to our youngest learners. We’re celebrating the work our families have done to lay the foundation for long-term reading success.”

This celebration highlighted the dedication of Way to Grow families, preschool teachers, and our Family Educators in preparing our children for a bright future. We are so proud of our students and excited for all the great things ahead! To our brand-new kindergarteners: you got this!

  • Way to Grow
  • No Comments

Turning Pages, Changing Lives: Celebrating Literacy at Mall of America
Turning Pages, Changing Lives: Celebrating Literacy at Mall of America 612 458 Way to Grow

Turning Pages, Changing Lives: Celebrating Literacy at Mall of America

Way to Grow’s “Turning Pages, Changing Lives” event, in partnership with the Mall of America Community Foundation, brought nearly 500 people together to celebrate literacy and early education.

The day was filled with things to do: live storytelling, coloring sheets and materials provided by Crayola®, Nickelodeon Universe® character meet-and-greets, and family activities! We heard from local authors, including Sarah Warren, Art Coulson, Nicholas DeShaw, Monica Rojas, Ty Chapman, Arkita Tyner, and Kao Kalia Yang.

Each Way to Grow scholar received a Ciresi Walburn “Reading is My Superpower” bag filled with books, a Nickelodeon Universe® All Day Wristband, a Mall of America® Coupon Book, and a Barnes & Noble Summer Reading List.

Chelsea Delong from Way to Grow shared, “There were so many activities for Way to Grow families and mall guests to participate in. It was heartwarming to see so many Way to Grow kids with bright yellow bags and new books all around the mall.”

The event’s success was made possible by the support of the Mall of America Community Foundation, Picture Book Parade, Barnes & Noble, and the Ciresi Walburn Foundation. This day of fun, learning, and community brought the joy of reading to life!

  • Way to Grow
  • No Comments

A message for the Way to Grow community
A message for the Way to Grow community 1051 776 Way to Grow

Way to Grow’s CEO Carolyn Smallwood to retire in January 2025

A message from Michael Garrett, Chair, Way to Grow Board of Directors

It is with a blend of emotions that I announce, after a remarkable two-decade tenure at Way to Grow, our esteemed
leader and cherished colleague Carolyn Smallwood has decided to retire as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) effective
January 2025.

Carolyn has been instrumental in elevating Way to Grow to a prominent and influential position in the field of early
childhood education. She is a respected and tireless advocate for progress, spearheading efforts to remove obstacles to
early education by motivating scholars and enabling parents to champion their children’s cause. Carolyn is known for her
unwavering integrity, candid and forthright leadership, and her knack for forging robust community partnerships. During
her leadership, Way to Grow has assembled a skilled team and developed an operational framework that has garnered
respect both locally and nationally.

As Carolyn transitions to the next chapter of her life, she reflects: “Leading this remarkable organization has been one of
the greatest privileges of my life. To guide a dedicated team committed to early childhood education and the prosperity
of children and families has been deeply fulfilling and a source of immense pride. With the organization’s consistent
growth and promising future, now is an opportune moment to introduce a new leader who will preserve the legacy of
strength and expansion we’ve envisioned for Way to Grow for the foreseeable future.”

Way to Grow is privileged to have a skilled team of senior leaders dedicated to ensuring the continuity of our vital work.
The Board of Directors has established a search committee and secured an executive search firm to partner with us in this
significant leadership transition. The search will commence later this month and is expected to culminate by year’s end
with the appointment and announcement of a new leader.

While we will miss Carolyn’s active involvement, we are fortunate to have her with us for the remainder of the year to
appreciate, cherish, and reflect upon our shared experiences. We are organizing an event to honor and express gratitude
to Carolyn for her remarkable service to Way to Grow over the last twenty years.

As we conclude, we extend our best wishes to Carolyn as she embarks on this exciting new chapter of her life. We invite
you to join us in celebrating and acknowledging Carolyn for her unwavering commitment, leadership, and devotion to
Way to Grow, and to wish her a joyful and fulfilling retirement with her beloved family.

Should you have any comments or inquiries during this transition, please feel free to reach out.

With warm regards,
Michael Garrett
Chair, Way to Grow Board of Directors

  • Way to Grow
  • No Comments

Preschool Pals Update: Summer is here!
Preschool Pals Update: Summer is here! 594 594 Way to Grow

An Update from Ms. Gwen

At the beginning of April our classes started a unit on color theory. The students mixed lots of colors, made sidewalk chalk, created rainbow crayons and worked together to make a classroom mural! Our class read the book “White Rabbit’s Color Book” by Alan Baker to learn more about mixing primary colors. Through hands-on activities like mixing colored water and making side walk chalk, the kids learned what colors make purple, green, orange and brown. The kids favorite activity was making crayons and having a glow in the dark dance party!

This spring we introduced two new music teachers from MacPhail Center for Music to come once a week to sing with our kids, teach them new instruments and engage in fun musical activities. 

Our class took time at the beginning of May to celebrate May Day. We had a picnic in the park, played games, made flower bracelets and decorated vases for our flower bouquets.

Our preschool held a parent–child class on gardening. Families worked together to plant their own seeds and the kids helped plant in the outdoor garden. 

Our unit for the month of May is on plants and gardening.The kids helped teachers put together the new garden bed. They worked to spread out the dirt and water our herb garden. The kids were fascinated with the different shapes, sizes and textures of each seed. They are most looking forward to the fruits and vegetables that our garden with produce this summer!

  • Way to Grow
  • No Comments

Celebrating our Third Graders!
Celebrating our Third Graders! 2560 1706 Way to Grow

Congrats, Third Graders!

Hats off to our third grade class of 2024! This May, Way to Grow honored our third grade graduates at North Mississippi Regional Park. At Way to Grow, we partner with families from before birth through third grade, so we’re wishing our students and families well as they graduate from Way to Grow. This graduation is not a farewell but a “see you soon” to our 8-year-olds.

Our celebration included a picnic lunch, an array of sweet treats, jumbo yard games, and inspiring words from our Family Educators. Gathering with our families reminds us of the hope, joy, and laughter that fill our community every day.

To Way to Grow’s Class of 2024,

Congratulations on your amazing achievement of graduating from third grade! This is a special milestone, and we are all so proud of you. Your hard work, curiosity, and determination have brought you here, and it’s wonderful to see how much you’ve grown and learned.

As you move forward, remember that every step you take is a new adventure. Keep asking questions, exploring new ideas, and always believe in yourself. Your journey is just beginning, and we can’t wait to see all the incredible things you will achieve.

Enjoy your summer, have fun, and get ready for the exciting challenges ahead. Remember, you have a bright future, and we’re here cheering you on every step of the way.

With heartfelt congratulations,

Your friends at Way to Grow

  • Way to Grow
  • No Comments

Education is Power 2024!
Education is Power 2024! 4054 2444 Way to Grow

Last Wednesday, Way to Grow celebrated our annual luncheon at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. To all who attended in person, as well as those who supported us from home: our community says thank you.

WaytoGrow_MIA-012
WaytoGrow_MIA-079
WaytoGrow_MIA-057
WaytoGrow_MIA-031
WaytoGrow_MIA-042
WaytoGrow_MIA-035
WaytoGrow_MIA-113
WaytoGrow_MIA-074
IMG_9784-2

SOLD A STORY, PRODUCED BY EMILY HANFORD

Sold a Story: How Teaching Kids to Read Went So Wrong is the award-winning podcast produced by Way to Grow’s Education is Power featured speaker, Emily Hanford.

There’s an idea about how children learn to read that’s held sway in schools for more than a generation — even though it was proven wrong by cognitive scientists decades ago. In this podcast, host Emily Hanford investigates how educators came to believe in something that isn’t true, and are now reckoning with the consequences — children harmed, money wasted, an education system upended.

Listen by clicking the link above, or by searching “Sold a Story” wherever you get your podcasts.

THE SCIENCE OF READING: LEARN MORE

To learn more about the Science of Reading, check out Emily Hanford’s APM Reports reading list.

“I’ve chosen 10 things to recommend. I’ve read hundreds of books and articles since I started getting interested in this topic […] so it was hard to narrow it down. This is by no means a comprehensive list. But it’s a start. Here goes…”

  • Way to Grow
  • No Comments

Way to Grow at the MN State Capitol #ACD2024
Way to Grow at the MN State Capitol #ACD2024 2560 1707 Way to Grow

Last Monday, Way to Grow had a busy morning at the Minnesota State Capitol! Alongside other education advocates from across the state, Way to Grow families showed up again to support early childhood care and education in the state of Minnesota at Advocacy for Children Day. With the help of Greater Twin Cities United Way, we’re asking legislators to prioritize Minnesota’s youngest children.

This year’s support issue: continuing to expand access to culturally responsive, trauma-sensitive early childcare and early childhood education for all. 

At Advocacy for Children Day, we heard from Northside Achievement Zone’s Andre Dukes, featured author Pamela Mercado Michelli, parent speakers, Shannon Smith Jones of Greater Twin Cities United Way, and Way to Grow’s very own Director of Programs, Patricia Wilson.

Thank you to all the Minnesota representatives who shared, listened to our stories, and supported this event, including Mayor Melvin Carter, Rep. María Isa Pérez-Vega, Rep. Nathan Coulter, Rep. Samantha Sencer-Mura, Senator John Hoffman, Rep. Matt Norris, Representative Patricia Mueller, Senator Erin Maye Quade, and Senator Zach Duckworth.

Here’s how you can help: continue spreading the word about the importance of early childhood education. Support advocacy and engagement work that leads to lasting change, through direct participation or through financial contributions. Be an active participant in your local government and consider writing to your lawmakers and policy leaders. You can find your policymakers using the “Who Represents Me?” tool on Minnesota State Legislature’s website.

Together, we’re creating a bright future for Minnesota’s youngest generation.

We are thankful to work with and alongside our community partners, as well as countless other organizations advocating for early childhood care and education in Minnesota on Advocacy for Children Day: United Way Twin Cities, The Sheltering Arms Foundation, Start Early Funders Coalition, BlueCross BlueShield of Minnesota, CARE Fellowship, Child Care Aware of Minnesota, Children’s Defense Fund Minnesota, Generation Next, PICA Head Start, Free Spirit Publishing, YWCA Minneapolis, Initiative Foundation, Joyce Preschool, Kids Count On Us, Little Moments Count, Minnesota Association for the Education of Young Children, MNAFEE, MCAA, Minnesota Coalition for Family Home Visiting, MN Prenatal-to-Grade 3 (P3) Initiative, NAZ, New Horizon Academy, Planting People Growing Justice, Before Racism, Rainbow Child Development Center, Take Action MN, Saint Paul Promise Neighborhood, Think Small, West Central Initiative, and Women Venture Twincities.

Way to Grow
Accreditations

Parents as Teachers Affiliate
Parent Aware Ratings
NAEYC

Newsletter

© 2023 Way to Grow

Enter your
text here

    Your Name (required)

    Address

    City

    Zip

    Your Email (required)

    Phone

    Preferred contact method:

    EmailPhoneEither

    Available days:
    SunMonTuesWedsThursFriSat

    Time of day available:
    MorningAfternoonEvenings

    Services interested in:
    preschoolspecial projectsteen parentsadministrativeeventsother

    Opportunity interested in:

    Language(s) Spoken besides English:
    AmharicArabicHmongOromoSomaliSpanish

    Other languages spoken:

    Emergency contact (name, phone, relationship):

    Volunteer agreement (required):

    I understand that during the course of my volunteering at Way to Grow, I may come in contact with information that is deemed confidential. This includes, but is not limited to, personal information about Way to Grow participants. I understand that Way to Grow is required by law to keep this information confidential, and I will treat all information I come across as such unless I am told otherwise.

    I understand and agree that I am volunteering for Way to Grow at my own risk and request. I also give permission for the free use of my name, picture and voice in any broadcast, telecast, print account or any other account in any medium of the event being recorded.

    I Accept

    Additional Message: