Gold Star Alum: Olayemi Tobi Ponnle, MSCD ’21

Finding Her Path

Tobi Ponnle’s journey to Erikson Institute wasn’t a straight line, but it was driven by curiosity and a deep commitment to children’s well-being. Early on, she noticed how child-focused careers were often framed within narrow roles—primarily teaching or pediatrics. While she respected both fields, neither felt like the right fit for her. Drawn to storytelling and communication, she pursued journalism and later public relations at Missouri State University, searching for meaningful ways to engage communities and shape conversations that matter.

Her perspective shifted during an internship at the Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Missouri, where she saw firsthand how policy, advocacy, and direct service come together to shape children’s lives.

“Interning there was a turning point,” Tobi recalls. “I realized there are so many ways to support children beyond one-on-one care—ways that improve the systems that shape their futures. That changed everything for me.”

Choosing Erikson: A Meaningful Approach to Child Development

When searching for graduate programs, Tobi wanted an education that blended child development theory with real-world applications in policy and advocacy. Erikson Institute stood out, especially because of its dual-degree partnership with Loyola University’s Children’s Law and Policy program.

At Erikson, Tobi found a curriculum that tied everything together—child development, legal frameworks, and practical solutions. “What made Erikson different was how seamlessly every aspect of child development connected,” she says. “Whether we were discussing cognitive growth or policy, we always looked at the bigger picture—how these pieces work together to affect children and families.”

Erikson didn’t just offer theories—it provided a lens to see how real change happens and how professionals can make a lasting impact.

Bridging Personal Experience and Policy Impact

After Erikson, Tobi’s career took shape in a way that blended her early hands-on experience with her growing focus on policy. From nannying and classroom teaching to direct childcare, each role gave her a better understanding of what families experience every day—insights that now inform her work in philanthropy.

Today, she’s a Program Associate at the Irving Harris Foundation, focusing on early childhood. Her background keeps her approach grounded in reality, making sure the policies and programs she supports reflect the needs of real families.

“Working directly with children taught me patience, adaptability, and how crucial trust is,” Tobi says. “Those lessons shape everything I do today, helping me stay connected to the people and communities these programs are meant to support.”

Beyond Small Wins: Thinking Big in Advocacy

Looking ahead, Tobi hopes to see more idealism in early childhood policy. She challenges professionals in the field to dream bigger—not just aim for small improvements, but for lasting, meaningful change.

“We celebrate small steps forward but we know we’re still miles behind on what children and families need to thrive,” Tobi says. “The real challenge is pushing for solutions that make a lasting difference. Even if they seem ambitious. There is so much possibility in our collective knowledge and work.”

Her vision reflects a belief that real transformation comes from staying committed to long-term solutions, using both research and lived experiences to drive impactful change.

Advice and Inspiration: Keeping the Passion Alive

For those pursuing a career in early childhood development, Tobi has simple but powerful advice: “Always remember why you started. That initial passion—before you knew how complicated the work could be—will keep you going during tough times.”

She also stresses the value of staying curious. “Curiosity deepens relationships, builds understanding, and makes us better at working with children and families. It’s one of the most important tools we have.”

Looking Forward: Tobi’s Vision for the Future

Tobi sees early childhood professionals as leaders who have the power to shape policies and practices in meaningful ways. She believes Erikson alumni, in particular, are uniquely positioned to drive change by bringing both expertise and heart to their work.

Her journey reflects what Erikson is all about—preparing thoughtful, committed professionals who create real impact in children’s lives. Through resilience, a clear sense of purpose, and an unwavering belief in what’s possible, Tobi embodies the very essence of an Erikson education.