For Norma Ayala, starting her own business wasn’t just about financial independence—it was about creating a solution for families like hers. As a mother of three daughters, she faced the challenge of finding reliable childcare while working. The difficulty of securing childcare inspired her to create something better—not just for herself, but for other mothers experiencing the same struggle. 

“I thought to myself, there must be other mothers who are going through the same thing. That’s when I decided to make a change,” Norma recalls. She took the first step by enrolling in English classes and completing the necessary training to start her own childcare business. Despite facing language barriers and navigating an unfamiliar system, her determination never wavered. 

Overcoming Challenges and Finding Purpose 

In the late 90s, when Norma arrived in the U.S., resources for small business owners weren’t as accessible as they are today. Finding training opportunities and navigating the legal requirements of starting a business were major hurdles. “I’m talking about the year 97-98… before, it wasn’t like today where there are many advertisements, social media, and everyone can easily find where classes are offered,” she explains. 

Yet, her passion for education and child development kept her going. “Seeing how children are learning, how they take an interest, how they show curiosity in activities,” Norma says, was what motivated her to move forward. 

Expanding Her Dream with Ascendus 

As her vision grew, Norma faced a new challenge: limited space. Operating from her apartment meant constraints, and she dreamed of expanding to accommodate more children. That’s when she discovered Ascendus. 

“Oh, no, listen, that was the best! If not, I would have done it a long time ago, but this helped me tremendously and continues to help me,” she says. With funding from Ascendus, she was able to renovate and expand her childcare space, increasing her capacity from 12 to 14 children. “I combined the bedroom with the living room, so now I have the capacity for more children. Now they have more space to move and more areas for different activities.” 

Norma didn’t just use Ascendus’ resources for herself; she became a vocal advocate, encouraging other childcare providers to explore the opportunities Ascendus offers. “Try it, you won’t regret it. This gives you the opportunity to achieve your goals and dreams.” 

Looking Ahead: A Bigger Vision for the Future 

Norma’s journey is far from over, her vision is to move beyond her current space and open a childcare center. “My dream is to open a center, to leave the space I have now with the capacity for children and move to another location.” 

But her vision goes beyond childcare: “I would like to continue working with children, but also add senior care.” 

A Champion for Change 

Norma hasn’t just built a successful business—she has become a pillar of her community. “In the area where I live, there are many Hispanics… I know it’s not easy, I went through it as a single mother.”  

Norma has witnessed firsthand how early education benefits children in more ways than one: “They learn so much. They learn to socialize, to have a routine, and to educate themselves. I have had children who arrive only speaking Spanish, and after a few months, they surprise their parents by speaking English. Seeing how a child’s mind absorbs everything we teach them is incredible. That’s the beauty of this work—helping children grow and learn.” 

That’s why she strives to make childcare accessible for families who need it and to motivate other women to forge their own paths. “I always tell mothers, ‘You can do it.’” 

Her story is a testament to the power of resilience, community, and the belief that with the right support, anything is possible.