On this week’s episode of Women Speak — a segment on Northeast Newscast — hosts Northeast News Editor-in-Chief, Julia Williams and former Missouri House Representative for District 19 Ingrid Burnett sat down with CEO of Early Start, June McDaniel to kick off a new series, where we highlight women in education.

Throughout this episode, McDaniel discusses her journey of how she went from working a professional career in human resources (HR) to shifting into early childhood education — including how her previous skills have transferred into her current work. She delves into some particulars of Early Start and how the program works to best serve its students. McDaniel goes on to discuss her personal background as a Kansas City native and how her personal experiences have helped her build connections with students and families today.

Williams shares a history of a few women who pioneered early education — leaving an impact on what it is today. This includes an education system — The Montessori Theory — which was developed in the late 19th and early 20th Centuries that is still utilized in many early childhood institutions today, including Early Start. Burnett and McDaniel how these systems have and are currently working in the education system. Cohosts and McDaniel additionally discuss ways for community members to get involved in early childhood education through City, County and State boards and commissions.

Music used within this Women Speak episode is a song called “I Wish I Knew You Then” by Kansas City local artist Honeybee and the group’s lead female vocalist, Makayla Scott.

“I Wish I Knew You Then” is a recent single, which Honeybee released in March 2025. Honeybee’s latest single “Lindenlure,” was released on May 30 and is now available on its streaming platforms. 2025 singles “I Wish I Knew You Then,” “Charmed Life” and “Lindenlure” as well as additional Honeybee tracks are available on Spotify, Apple Music, Youtube, TIDAL and Youtube Music.

*Disclaimer* I Wish I Knew You Then and any previous or future Honeybee songs used by The Northeast News within the Women Speak podcasts are courtesy of and approved by Makayla Scott and Honeybee under proper copyright law. Honeybee songs are not royalty-free nor subject to free use and should not be used by additional publications or organizations without proper consent.

This podcast as well as all Women Speak episodes are made possible by The Northeast News, Northeast Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and Independence Avenue Community Improvement District.