Press Release: 7/17/2025

Maribel Carvajal

 

Alyssa Haywoode

JULY 17, 2025

The story of how Maribel Carvajal became an early educator—and a member of Strategies for Children’s Advocacy Network—has three themes: the power of education, her love of children, and the value of community. 

Today, Carvajal is the owner of My Pretty Garden Family Child Care in Belmont, Mass. But back in 2001, she had just moved with her husband from Quito, Ecuador, to Belmont. 

“It was a shock for me because [in Ecuador] I had been working in a bank. I used to manage the credit department. But when my country was going through its worst economic crisis, the bank closed,” Carvajal says. “I came to the United States with a bachelor’s degree in business under my arm, but no English.”

Carvajal solved that problem by studying English, first at the library, then at the Cambridge Center for Adult Education, and eventually at the Harvard Extension School. She also found a new career working at a local early education program, where she learned, she says, that love goes beyond language.

“Being with children and seeing the world through their eyes, made me realize my goal. I wanted to work with children and to grow with them.”

When Carvajal had a daughter of her own, she decided to stay home with her. To connect to other parents, Carvajal started a group called Parents and Babies of Belmont. The group would go to the park, the zoo, the library, or museums. One day, a mother in the group asked Carvajal to babysit her daughter. That experience of watching the two girls play was revelatory; it made Carvajal realize she wanted to have a child care program in her home. 

“That was 13 years ago, and it has been the blessing of my life to have spent time with my daughter and to be with the other children that I’ve taken care of as if they were my own. It has really been a journey of seeing God’s hand in my life. And my daughter has become a big sister to all the kids. They love her.”

Over the years, Carvajal built a professional network and continued her education, she received a Certificate in Early Education Leadership from Harvard University Graduate School of Education as well as a Certificate of Leading for Change at UMass Boston, and recently an Associate Degree in Early Education from MassBay Community College.

In 2020, Carvajal met Marcela Simpson and other early educators in Springfield, Mass. It was a group that provided company and support. It’s also how Carvajal learned about the Advocacy Network, by connecting with two program alumni, Paula A. Echeverri Durango and Harold Blanco. 

“They told me, We need to advocate, and we need to create a safe place to grow, learn, and share. So I decided to apply.”

The best part of the Advocacy Network, Carvajal says, are her fellow cohort members who share their support, knowledge, and friendship. Among the Advocacy Network lessons Carvajal has learned:

“We have the power to share what we’re going through with policymakers. Our voice can be heard when we speak together. Our voice gets louder when we commit to supporting one another and to speaking up. We’re an amazing group of people who are ready to advocate for children, for families, and for our profession.”

Carvajal’s Advocacy Network projects reflects her commitment to building strong communities of early educators.

“When a woman finds a space where she is heard, valued, and supported, everything begins to change. In 2024, inspired by my passion to serve and the need for authentic connection among immigrant women, I launched Hispanas Amigas, a group of Spanish-speaking immigrant moms, grandmothers, single women, and women without children who come together in friendship, faith, and mutual growth.”

“As a member of the Advocacy Network, my goal is to share important resources and create stronger bridges between existing groups like ECCHO-Latino and other communities, especially those that are underrepresented. That’s why the mission of Hispanas Amigas is to create a supportive space where Hispanic immigrant women can grow together, uplift one another, and move forward with purpose. No one walks alone. We build friendships, grow in leadership, learn together, share struggles, and celebrate victories.”

Carvajal envisions a future where the voices of immigrant women are driving force for change. 

“I would also love to create an affinity group for early educators in Middlesex County. It’s so important to have that support. Being a family child care provider can be isolating because we spend our whole day with children. Life is always better with a friend.”

What does Carvajal want the public to know about her work? 

“As a family child care provider, I am not just offering a place for children to be while parents work. I am nurturing minds, building character, and laying the foundation for lifelong learning. In my bilingual, play-based program, children are not only learning letters and numbers, they’re developing confidence, empathy, creativity, and the ability to solve problems.”

“What I want parents to know is that your child is seen, loved, and encouraged here. Their culture and language are celebrated. They are learning through joyful, purposeful play in a safe and caring environment.”

“I want policymakers to know that family child care programs are essential. We are educators, business owners, and leaders in our communities. We deserve recognition, investment, and support. Quality early education starts here, at the heart of our neighborhoods, in nurturing home-based programs where children thrive.”

Does Carvajal’s daughter have any interest in becoming an early educator? 

“My daughter has grown up around children and has seen firsthand the value of early education through my work. While her main interest is neuroscience, she has a deep understanding of how early experiences shape brain development. Being part of a home where early childhood learning is honored has definitely impacted the way she views children, learning, and the power of nurturing environments.”

Carvajal’s daughter is also a black belt in Tae Kwon Do, and she helps younger children in her martial arts class. 

“I see how much my daughter has become my teacher,” Carvajal says. “She loves to work with children who have different learning abilities. And she tells me, Mom, Everybody is able to learn everything. You just need to teach in their way of learning.” 

For Carvajal, such individual insights often benefit entire communities. As she explains: 

“When one woman dares to rise with love, faith, and purpose, she not only transforms her own life, but lights the path for countless others to follow.”