NATCHITOCHES – A Northwestern State University early childhood professional is among several accomplished women recognized as a CelebrateHER honoree by the Shreveport-Bossier African American Chamber of Commerce.  Melanie LeDay-Albarado is a childcare specialist, master coach and program coordinator for CDA (Child Development Associate) and ECAC (Early Childhood Ancillary Certificate) programs at Northwestern State University’s Child and Family Network, as well as owner of a business that seeks to educate through baking and cake decorating.

A wife, mom, educator and advocate, Albarado is in good company.  Other professional women featured in CelebrateHER excel in medicine, education, law enforcement, business, healthcare, social media, fitness, fashion, human resources and a spectrum of professional fields. The SBAACC supports education, networking, support and marketing for African American businesses in northwest Louisiana.

“My motivation comes from my three children, Ethan, Elle and Emma. They are now 16, 17, and 18 years old. Everything I do is for them. I strive daily to be a good example and role model and hopefully have set a foundation for them as they enter into adulthood with the tools they need,” she said.

Originally from Lake Charles, Albarado said she grew up for many years as a “military brat” who lived in Wurzburg, Germany.  Her family relocated to Bossier City after the devastation of Hurricane Rita in 2005.  She earned a bachelor’s degree in general studies with a concentration in education from McNeese State University.

Albarado has more than 20 years of experience in early childhood education. She was a director at Bedrock Academy in Bossier City before joining NSU’s Child and Family Network for more than five years ago.  The Child and Family Network provides professional development, information and resources to early childhood providers through Louisiana. The CFN is based at NSU’s Shreveport campus and is part of the College of Education and Human Development.

Albarado plays an important role in preparing aspiring early childhood educators for their careers, providing them with the necessary knowledge, skills and guidance to excel in their field.

“I started out [at the Child and Family Network] as a childcare specialist going into state-funded early learning centers and providing educational coaching and support for teachers, directors and owners,” Albarado said.  “I have also assisted early learning center owners with all of the steps in opening local early learning centers.  I moved up to master coach, which is a position created by the Louisiana Department of Education that provides support to all of the coaches in our organization. I have been invited locally and statewide to teach at education conferences sharing my knowledge with educators and administrators.”

Beyond the classroom, she volunteers her time and expertise to several educational organizations, participates in community outreach programs and has organized a mentorship program for young girls.

Albarado is owner of Southern Suga by Mel cake decorating studio, a business created to educate future bakes through hands-on learning.

“I started off creating cakes, desserts and treats to celebrates life’s most joyous occasions. I eventually branched off and began teaching others how to bake and decorate cakes and treats. I teach children as well as adults this art. I host cake, cupcake and cookie decorating parties. I’ve been invited to host parties as far as Atlanta, Georgia.”

Along with that, she began a mentoring group for teenage girls called Cupcakes and Conversations Mentoring Group for Girls.

“We discuss topics that girls are experiencing or may soon have to face and bring in speakers from our local community to help mentor and educate our girls and at the end of each meeting we have open conversations while eating cupcakes.”

In her personal life, Melanie committed to bettering her health by losing more than 160 pounds. She hopes her journey helps to inspire other men and women.

Albarado’s passion for education, her commitment to excellence and her dedication to her students help her to continue to shape the future of education and inspire the next generation of educators.

Visit Albarado’s website at https://www.southernsugabymel.com/.  Information on NSU’s Child and Family Network is available at http://cfn.nsula.edu/.