LABBN Joins Early Childhood Professionals at WIN’s 2nd Annual Conference
The Westside Infant-Family Network (WIN) Los Angeles held its 2nd annual conference on November 17, 2025, at the California Endowment in downtown L.A. This year’s theme, Together We Thrive: Strengthening Early Childhood in Uncertain Times, centered on supporting families and early childhood professionals amid shifting social, economic, and policy landscapes.
The half-day event featured a series of breakout sessions covering timely topics such as systems change, immigrant families, policy/advocacy, and reflective practice. It offered attendees practical tools, shared learning, and opportunities to collaborate across sectors.
WIN provides free, in-home mental health therapy and in-home comprehensive support to vulnerable families with young children. The organization partners with clinics, pantries, Early Head Start programs, schools, child care homes, and sister agencies throughout L.A. County to help families access comprehensive support.
Karla Pleitéz Howell, President and CEO of First 5 LA, was a panelist in the morning plenary titled, “Investing Upstream: Sustaining Prevention and Early Intervention in LA County.” Angela Vazquez of The Children’s Partnership moderated the session.
LA Best Babies Network Director Sharlene Gozalians moderated the morning breakout session titled, “Holding Families Together: Responding to Fear, Funding Cuts, and Policy Shifts.” The discussion explored how early childhood leaders and practitioners are navigating uncertainty, sustaining family engagement, and strengthening systems amid ongoing changes in funding and policy.
The conversation highlighted innovative practices, adaptive strategies, and collective opportunities to advocate for equitable investments in early childhood. Panelists included Maternal & Child Health Administrator Vynette Brown (SHIELDS for Families), Welcome Baby Parent Coach Supervisor Leslie Perez Eichberg (Maternal and Child Health Access), Laura Cardenas (Crystal Stairs), and Jessica Reynaga (Connections for Children).
Vynette Brown said,”It was such an honor to share space with fellow early childhood professionals at the 2nd Annual WIN Los Angeles Conference. Together we acknowledged the immense need to strengthen our work and partnership, especially as we navigate uncertain times. I’m hopeful that with our commitment to the work, we will continue to charge forward and make a lasting impact.”
Kevin Gruenberg of Love, Dad moderated the afternoon panel, “Caring for the Caregivers: Using Reflective Practice to Support Staff.” This session explored how reflective practice can serve as a powerful framework for sustaining the mental health, resilience, and professional growth of those who support young children and their families. Panelists included Richard Cohen (Love, Dad), Welcome Baby Parent Coach Supervisor Sahara Lutz (St. Francis Medical Center), Children’s Services Administrator Danielle Rivera (Department of Children and Family Services), and Home Visiting Program Supervisor Adriana Velazquez (Child Care Resource Center).
The event ended with a plenary discussion on “Listening First: Integrating Family Voices in Policy and Practice,” featuring LA Best Babies Network Public Health Research Associate Kathryn Ewing and members of the WIN Community Impact Council.
This session highlighted the critical role that family and caregiver voices play in shaping early childhood services and policy. Panelists shared their lived experiences, insights, and recommendations for ensuring that programs, systems, and policies truly reflect the needs and priorities of the families they are intended to support. Kathryn also shared data and stories from the Welcome Baby Client Satisfaction Surveys (see presentation slides below).
Check out some images from the conference below.
Photo above left: Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health Dr. Lisa H. Wong, Policy Director at The Children’s Partnership Angela Vazquez, President and CEO of First 5 LA Karla Pleitéz Howell, Founder of Just Whole Care Dr. Jonathan Goldfinger, Associate Director of the Center for Strategic Partnerships Jacqueline Chun, Executive Director of WIN Los Angeles Tim Sweeney
