Early Start Breakfast
Early Start Breakfast
Wednesday, April 30, 2025 at 7:30-9:30 a.m. | The Druid Hills Golf Club
Our Early Start Breakfast is an opportunity to engage with fellow early childhood education advocates, including parents, educators, policymakers, and community members, to discuss crucial issues surrounding child care in Georgia. By fostering dialogue and collaboration among these diverse groups, the breakfast aims to increase awareness and share insights into Georgia's evolving child care landscape.
When you reserve your spot - be it through sponsorship, buying a table, or purchasing a ticket - you're not just attending an event. You're making a meaningful contribution to enrich the lives of countless families and communities.
Contact Ben Luedloff, Director of Development, Ben.Luedloff@qccga.org, for more information on tickets, tables and more ways to partner with QCC.
Featured Guest Speaker
Chef Kevin Gillespie
Award-winning chef Kevin Gillespie grew up in Locust Grove, Georgia and developed his love of cooking from his grandmother. He owns acclaimed and MICHELIN Guide-recommended Gunshow and Nàdair restaurants, and has published two cookbooks, “Fire In My Belly” and “Pure Pork Awesomeness.” He co-founded the Defend Southern Food Foundation to provide meals for hungry families near his restaurants. He was a 2022 finalist for the James Beard Foundation’s Outstanding Restaurateur award and was a finalist and the fan favorite on Bravo’s “Top Chef” season six and a finalist on “Top Chef All-Stars.” Kevin was named a 2015 and 2017 semifinalist and 2016 finalist for the James Beard Foundation’s Best Chef: Southeast award and has previously been a semifinalist for the Rising Star Chef of the Year award for four consecutive years, nominated for Food & Wine’s People’s Best New Chef and named in Forbes’ 30 Under 30.
Reserve your spot today!
Fueling Minds, Nourishing Bodies:
The Role of Nutrition in Early Childhood Development
A Panel Discussion
Cristel Williams, Moderator
QCC’s Board of Trustees member, Cristel Williams, is the senior vice president and director of client and community relations at PNC Bank. Williams heads the foundation, corporate sponsorships, and community engagement efforts across the state of Georgia. Additionally, she drives relationship development with community organizations that align with the bank's corporate values and priorities within its $88 billion Community Benefits Plan. Williams is an alumna of Leadership Clayton and Leadership Henry. Williams holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications from Howard University.
Wendy Palmer, MS, RDN, LD, CHES
At Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Wendy Palmer is a registered dietitian and certified health education specialist with more than 20 years of experience in the field of community and child wellness. As a manager, Wendy has been instrumental in the development and implementation of many of Strong4Life’s initiatives aiming to impact child wellness in Georgia. Wendy earned a Bachelor of Science from Ithaca College in community health education and went on to receive a Master of Science in health care policy and management. She completed a dietetic internship at State University of New York at Stony Brook.
Kimberly Spivey
Kimberly Spivey is a seasoned family child care provider in Warner Robins, GA, with over 18 years of experience creating safe, engaging, and educational environments for diverse families. She is the CEO and lead instructor at Teaching Kings and Queens Homeschool, where she teaches beyond state standards and incorporates gardening and healthy eating into her curriculum. Kimberly holds associate degrees in Early Childhood Education and Business Management and has earned over 300 hours of training certifications. She also serves as PTO President, a school board council member, a Family Peer Ambassador for Bright from the Start, and a Brand Ambassador for Quality Care for Children’s Provider’s Business Exchange. Kimberly is a licensed First Aid and CPR instructor and a certified public notary.
Thank You to Our 2025 Sponsors
Presenting Sponsor:
Student Sponsor:
Pupil Sponsors: Georgia Power Foundation & Primrose Schools in Georgia
Learner Sponsors: Alston & Bird, Brannigan & Angie Thompson, Papa Johns, Astound Digital, Inova Payroll and Care Solutions
Nonprofit Partners: GEEARS, Georgia Foundation for Early Care and Learning,
Rollins Center for Language & Literacy / Cox Campus A Program of the Atlanta Speech School, YWCA Greater Atlanta, United Way of Greater Atlanta and Metro Atlanta Chamber
