From Pastries to Preschool: Kiara’s Story
Kiara providing childcare at our Conversation Club in November 2023.
Kiara's journey to becoming an early childhood educator is deeply rooted in her upbringing in Peru, where her mother's nearly 40-year teaching career fostered a love for learning. Initially intrigued by her aunt’s pastry business and her own budding passion for creating pastry, Kiara enrolled at Le Cordon Bleu Institute in Peru and implemented what she learned as she worked up to lead pastry chef at a restaurant.
Despite her success in the culinary world, Kiara yearned for greater opportunities and a new adventure. She immigrated to the United States in 2019 with her brother’s support and quickly enrolled in English as a second language classes, understanding the importance of strengthening her English. Living with her two young nieces, Kiara spent much time helping them with their homework and teaching them new things. She discovered her natural talent for working with children, her immense joy in watching them develop and grow, and her calling as an early educator. This career combined her love for nurturing young minds with the possibility of introducing them to the art of pastry.
When she joined Upward Scholars in 2022, Kiara received invaluable support through tutoring, our English Conversation Club, choosing the suitable courses in the right sequence, and monthly grocery gift cards. Then, in 2023, Kiara began enrolling in early childhood education classes at Cañada College, encouraged by a friend and supported by the Upward Scholars TeacherUp program. As a TeacherUp student, Upward Scholars provides Kiara with specialized support in early education and incentivizes Kiara’s academic and professional development by providing her stipends for successfully completing courses and workshops. Upward Scholars has also hired Kiara to provide quality childcare for our special events and referred her to childcare opportunities with partner organizations, allowing her to further her professional development.
In the summer of 2024, TeacherUp invited Kiara to participate in our newest internship partnership with the Sequoia YMCA, where she gained experience working with young children in a structured environment, further confirming her passion for nurturing young minds. Kiara’s goal is to earn an associate’s degree in early childhood education and transfer to a four-year university to pursue a bachelor's degree—all with Upward Scholars’ support. Ultimately, Kiara envisions combining her love for pastry with early education by someday opening her own daycare business.
Kiara's adventure has been one of discovery, determination, and a relentless pursuit of her true passion. From the vibrant kitchens of Peru to the childcare centers of the Bay Area, she has followed her heart, guided by a love for learning and a desire to make a lasting impact on the lives of young children.