Our Parent Ambassadors program gives parents and child care providers of early learners the tools they need to advocate for meaningful, lasting change in early childhood education policy. In this series, we’re highlighting our inaugural cohort of 2023 Parent Ambassadors. Get to know them!
Shayna Hudson
Mom of 2 biological kids and 2 stepkids
Stay-at-home mom
Tell us about yourself!
I am a 29-year-old stay-at-home mom of two biological kids and two stepkids. Before the pandemic, I worked delivering meals for the local senior center. I miss having such a profound impact on people, even if it was just a few.
What made you want to become a Parent Ambassador?
My early head start home base teacher brought me a flyer on it and suggested I should apply. I did because I love everything about early childhood development. It’s fascinating and fun. I think connecting with others going through the same stuff as you is important. We need all the help we can get!
What do you see as the greatest need for your community?
There are so many things. The panhandle feels like an entirely different place from the central and eastern parts. The community here needs better and more things to do, and they need to find better ways to communicate with the whole community. Sometimes it seems like everyone here is just bored and grumpy. Nobody likes that.
What do you hope to accomplish during your Ambassadorship?
Growing as a person. I’m a pretty big introvert, but I always want to be helping with something. Those two feelings don’t mesh well. I’d like to find ways to help that don’t make the introverted side want to hide. This program seems like a solid foundation for that.
Who or what inspires you?
My Grandpa, who has been a librarian for over 20 years. He’s been the dad role my entire life. He’s 74 and works to help, not for the money.
My uncle (who never had an interest in having kids) played a huge role in raising me and is always helping when I need him. He has even taken me in during a couple of rough times in my life.
My mom, who just made it to her 50th birthday despite having eight brain surgeries and a stroke due to skin cancer. She is always strong for everyone around her.
