Article in Spanish / Versión en Español >> Latinas que Inspiran: Emmy O’Dwyer
Emmy O’Dwyer’s story is one of passion, dedication, and a deep-seated commitment to community. Born to Honduran immigrants in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, Emmy’s connection to her heritage has been a driving force in her life and work. Today, she’s a nationally recognized education leader, using her platform to elevate the unique needs of the Latino community in early childhood education.
Emmy’s journey began with a personal need: As a mother of two young children, she sought quality childcare after Hurricane Katrina. This led her to open the first new early learning center in the area, Abeona House. Starting in a small shotgun house on Oak Street, the center served 30 children. Over 19 years, Abeona House grew, expanding its facility and improving program quality and teacher compensation. This experience ignited Emmy’s passion for early childhood education and her drive to create positive change.
In 2021, Emmy founded Advancing Communities for Equity, a company focused on strengthening systems that benefit children and families. Her work extends across Jefferson and Orleans parishes, the state of Louisiana, and nationally. She advocates for programs for multilingual infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, and works with partners such as Jefferson Ready Start Network (JRSN), and with Beloved Community and Agenda for Children in Orleans Parish to ensure children have access to culturally and linguistically responsive options.
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Emmy’s message to young Latinas entering the field is powerful: “I find that the cultural assets you have learned from the community are superpowers. The love and care for people, compassion, and curiosity can help you learn as much as possible about your field and be a resource that others come to for guidance.” She emphasizes the importance of recognizing the power and love within one’s own family, church, and school, using those skills to give back to others.
A key focus of Emmy’s work is educating the Latino community about the importance of early childhood development. She shares the statistic that 85% of brain development occurs in the first three years of life and stresses the need for rich learning experiences and early identification of learning issues. She also encourages families to preserve their language and heritage, recognizing the gift it is to children.
Emmy O’Dwyer’s impact is undeniable. She has helped hundreds of dual language learners learn about high-quality early care and education classrooms led by bilingual educators. She also championed a program to recruit, employ, and train bilingual Latino women as early care and education teachers, creating a two-generational program that benefits women, children, and the community as a whole.
In her spare time Emmy decorates shoes with lots of glitter for the Muses parade and enjoys dancing in Iris with The Ladies of Leisure. Carnival and all the joy that surrounds it provides her inspiration and community year-round.
Emmy’s work is driven by her belief that the Latino community can play a powerful role in shaping the early childhood system. Her dedication, passion, and vision make her a true inspiration and a vital force for positive change in the lives of children and families.
