Lifelong La Porte County local Nicole Calvin-Stewart makes sure she always gives back to the community. She grew up in Michigan City, where she attended Elston Senior High School and graduated in 1983. She then went to college at Southwestern Michigan College and Ivy Tech Community College where she obtained a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education.
After graduating, she got a job for Head Start of La Porte and stayed there for 30 years. She had two sons which led her to start her career as a parent-volunteer for the program, and she then became a classroom assistant. For the next 15 years, Calvin-Stewart worked as a family advocate.
“I loved being a family advocate and helping families as a whole,” Calvin-Stewart said. “I was able to help them become advocates for themselves and their children.”
Calvin-Stewart continued working as a family advocate for a year before her director came to her about an open position for a professional administrative support assistant. Calvin-Stewart was hesitant at first, but she decided to take the leap and has been in this position for the past five years. This line of work allows her to bring value to her community in more ways than one.
“The greatest value is making everyone feel welcome, putting smiles on their faces, and being kind to everyone,” Calvin-Stewart said. “My favorite part is making someone’s day – with a hug, encouragement, a smile, or just listening.”
As a daily reminder, Calvin-Stewart looks at what the local Head Start did for her very own sons, Zach and Nick. As a mother, she couldn’t be prouder of what her sons have accomplished. Her eldest son graduated from Michigan City High School and years later returned as the head coach for junior varsity (JV) and the assistant coach for varsity basketball. Her youngest is a sophomore and has been accepted into the Honor’s Early College Program.
“I love knowing that Head Start makes the difference in the children’s lives; I can personally attest to that. I must say Head Start had a great impact on my boys and the community,” Calvin-Stewart said. “The impact it has on the community is meeting the needs of the families we serve and making a difference in their lives.”
Calvin-Stewart loves that her community has a program where pastors and community leaders welcome their preschoolers back by reading to them. Calvin-Stewart is very fond of her community and strives to spread its positivity across in any way she can.
Outside of working at Head Start, Calvin-Stewart enjoys spending time with her family and teaching Sunday School at her church. She loves attending her sons’ basketball games and looks forward to date night with her husband. She also loves to make floral arrangements and has an affliction for cooking.