MHCC Alum and Head Start Teacher Kaela Davison Honored with National Head Start Alumni Impact Award

Mt. Hood Community College (MHCC) proudly announces that alumna and Head Start teacher Kaela Davison is receiving the National Head Start Alumni Impact Award at the upcoming National Head Start Association conference from April 13 to 15.

Davison's journey with Head Start spans many years. Having been an early Head Start child herself, she later became a Head Start parent when she welcomed her daughter in her late teens. Despite facing challenges, Kaela's hard work allowed her to complete high school and enroll in classes at MHCC. MHCC is one of the few colleges in the Portland area providing Head Start services to student parents. Kaela credits some of her success to the support she received from Head Start, enabling her to attend college while caring for her infant and preschooler daughter.

Davison later joined MHCC Head Start’s policy council and became its president, gaining valuable advocacy skills for herself and her daughter along the way. 

After earning her degrees, Davison secured a lead teacher role at MHCC Head Start. Moving into teaching following the pandemic was a pivotal moment for her. Despite the obstacles, Davison embraced the chance to make a difference in both the classroom and the community. She is now starting a new chapter, pursuing a master's degree in leadership in early education at Southern Oregon University.

Davison's story shows the power of education and the support provided by programs like Head Start.