Photo courtesy of Eileen Fruichantie

Sharlay Mamoe, Executive Director of the Petersburg Children's Center was named Southeast Alaska Early Childhood Advocate of the Year at the Association for the Education of Young Children Conference in Juneau on March 11, 2023. In a field full of people who go above and beyond, Mamoe was honored for her tireless efforts to educate policymakers about the need for investing in this critical sector to ensure a brighter future for all Alaskans. Mamoe works with groups throughout the state and regularly reaches out to members of Congress and the State Legislature, never missing an opportunity to advocate on behalf of the children, the facility, the parents and the employees.