Connect.Ed Director Kerra-Lee Wescombe named in South Australia’s 40 under 40

Connect.Ed Director Kerra-Lee Wescombe has been named in South Australia’s 40 under 40 Awards, presented by InDaily and CityMag.

Each year, the assessment panel selects 40 individuals under 40 years of age from the South Australian community and celebrates their achievements. The final list is carefully selected from more than 500 nominations, with named individuals representing the best and brightest from SA.

In selecting this year’s honorees, InDaily and CityMag looked for leaders from across all industries and sectors. The 40 work in startups, not-for-profits or large corporations, with a shared passion for South Australia.

Ms Wescombe was recognised for her advocacy within the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector after establishing Connect.Ed in 2019. Connect.Ed provides professional learning on trauma-informed education and care. Using a capacity building strategy, Connect.Ed’s purpose is to build educators capacity to understand the impact of trauma and strengthen their skills in responding to and managing trauma-based and challenging behaviours.

“It’s an honour, on a personal level, but also excellent recognition for the work we do at Connect.Ed,” she said. “It’s also a reminder of the impact we can have in the ECEC sector.”

“It’s an exciting time, particularly in South Australia, as we’re campaigning to create a high-quality, universally accessible and affordable early learning system. The ongoing Royal Commission into Early Childhood Education and Care presents an opportunity for us to have a significant impact and ensure that South Australian children aren’t left behind.”

“I’m truly grateful for this opportunity and I’m excited to leverage this platform to continue to advocate for South Australian children,” she said. 

“Being named a finalist in the 40 Under 40 awards is an incredible honour and, to be recognised among such a talented group of individuals is truly humbling. It’s inspiring to hear about the contributions the other finalists are making in their respective fields,” Ms Wescombe said in closing. 

To learn more about Connect.Ed, please see here. Learn more about the Awards, here.