CONNECT
SPEAKER
Co-Founder and Franchisor, Family Affair Childcare Centers
Matilda Ann Walker is a respected businesswoman, early childhood education leader, entrepreneur, and missionary whose life and career have been dedicated to serving children, families, and communities with excellence, compassion, and integrity.
For more than four decades, Mrs. Walker has been a leader in early childhood education as Co-Owner and President of Loop Learning Center in Chicago, Illinois. Since 1981, Loop Learning Center has provided early childhood services to thousands of families with children from birth through three years of age. Under her leadership, the organization has maintained a strong commitment to providing high-quality, developmentally appropriate care and education for young children while supporting the needs of their families.
Mrs. Walker has demonstrated a strong commitment to professional excellence in early childhood education. Under her leadership, the Loop Learning Center team achieved accreditation through the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and earned the ExceleRate Illinois Gold Circle of Quality. She has also earned the Illinois Director Credential, Early Childhood Education Credential Level 4, and Infant-Toddler Credential Level 3, reflecting her dedication to continuous professional development and quality early childhood practices.
In addition to her leadership in early childhood education, Mrs. Walker is Co-Founder of Family Affair Childcare Centers, LLC, an early childhood franchising company focused on expanding opportunities within the childcare industry. She is also Co-Owner of Gold Elite Jewelers, a fine jewelry retail company, demonstrating her versatility as an entrepreneur and business leader.
Mrs. Walker's professional accomplishments are supported by a strong educational foundation. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Aurora University and has pursued postgraduate studies at Kendall College and the University of Illinois Chicago. Her education, combined with decades of hands-on leadership experience, has contributed to her expertise in early childhood education, organizational leadership, business development, and family services.
Faith and service are also central to Mrs. Walker's life. She serves as a Missionary at Broadview Missionary Baptist Church. Alongside her husband, Robert, she has helped lead mission teams to various locations around the world, providing opportunities for service and outreach to communities beyond the United States. Her commitment to missions reflects her belief in using her leadership, resources, and experience to positively impact the lives of others.
Throughout her career, Matilda Ann Walker has remained passionate about children, families, education, entrepreneurship, and service. Her more than 40 years of leadership in early childhood education have allowed her to make a lasting impact on thousands of children and families while helping advance quality standards within the field.
Outside of her professional and ministry responsibilities, Mrs. Walker enjoys golfing and spending time with her family. She is married to her husband, Robert, and together they have three children. Family, faith, service, and commitment to excellence remain important foundations of her life and leadership.