Victoria Hilt from Bremerton, Washington was named Head Start Parent of the Year by the Washington State Association of Head Start and ECEAP (WSA) at its October meeting. Victoria and her daughter attend the Kitsap Community Resources home-based Early Head Start program located in Bremerton, Washington. She won the award due to her work advocating for early childhood programs in Olympia and in Washington DC and her transformation as a parent and a leader.
Victoria was a featured speaker at the National Head Start Association’s rally at the U.S. Capitol last month, telling her story of going from being a homeless and pregnant victim of domestic violence to a leader in her program and community and the mother of a thriving two year old. You can hear Victoria tell her own story here: http://youtu.be/yWkrNgC3Bko
Victoria’s Early Head Start Home Visitor Michelle Ford said the following:
“To know Victoria is to be inspired. Victoria continually sets goals to better herself; she inspires and takes the time to mentor and encourage other parents, and she advocates and lobbies for positive community change both locally and statewide. Victoria’s worldview is contagious – she sees what is possible and highlights hopefulness in every situation. But in my opinion, the most beautiful thing about Victoria is to witness her as a parent. To see Lisa light up as she plays and dances with her mother is to know love. No matter what life has brought and set forth in Victoria’s path, she has never lost focus on her most valued role as ‘mom’.”
Joel Ryan, Executive Director, WSA, said the following
“I got to know Victoria really well this past year. She is an amazing person who is not only dedicated to making sure her own child is ready for kindergarten but that all children get the opportunity to succeed in school. Victoria is a terrific advocate for children and I saw her in action in DC where she met with our congressional delegation, including both Senator Patty Murray and Senator Maria Cantwell. I am so happy that Victoria won this prestigious award—it is well deserved.”
Congratulations, Victoria!