Ernst & Young LLP (EY US) today announced Kristen M. Waterfield, CEO & Founder of
The Malvern School, was named an Entrepreneur Of The Year
® 2020 Greater Philadelphia Award finalist. Now in its 34th year, the Entrepreneur Of The Year program honors entrepreneurial business leaders whose ambitions deliver innovation, growth and prosperity as they build and sustain successful businesses that transform our world. “Early learning is incredibly important for young children, their families and our communities at large, which is why my team and I have dedicated the past 20-plus years to raising the bar for early childhood education at The Malvern School,” says Waterfield. “A strong commitment to empowering others and giving back to those in need have always guided me throughout my journey. Entrepreneurship is not for the faint of heart – but when you make a meaningful impact on others’ lives, it’s incredibly rewarding for everyone.” Founded by Waterfield and Joe Scandone in 1998, The Malvern School has grown to become the largest privately owned preschool in Greater Philadelphia, serving children from six weeks to 11 years old at 27 locations throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey. With innovative curriculum and a team of forward-thinking, college-degreed educators, The Malvern School ensures children learn, feel loved and are encouraged to meet their highest potential at each stage of their development. Most recently, The Malvern School has stepped in to support families with the launch of its
Malvern Virtual Partnership (MVP) Program designed to help children from kindergarten through fourth grade navigate virtual learning during the 2020-2021 school year. “As we all continue to innovate, I’m truly honored to be part of this exceptional group and extend my congratulations to each entrepreneur who is being recognized,” says Waterfield. The Malvern School is also a long-time partner of Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation and has raised nearly $1 million to support the fight against childhood cancer while teaching young children the importance of philanthropy. Award winners will be announced through a special virtual event in early October and will join a lifelong community of esteemed Entrepreneur Of The Year alumni from around the world. This year, unstoppable entrepreneurs who have provided extraordinary support for their communities, employees and others during the COVID-19 crisis will also be recognized for their courage, resilience and ingenuity. Entrepreneur Of The Year is one of the preeminent competitive award programs for entrepreneurs and leaders of high-growth companies. The nominees are evaluated based on six criteria: overcoming adversity; financial performance; societal impact and commitment to building a values-based company; innovation; and talent management. Since its launch, the program has expanded to recognize business leaders in more than 145 cities in over 60 countries around the world. Regional award winners are eligible for consideration for the Entrepreneur Of The Year National Awards, to be announced in November during a virtual awards gala. The Entrepreneur Of The Year National Overall Award winner will then move on to compete for the EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year™ Award in June 2021. Founded and produced by Ernst & Young LLP, the Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards are nationally sponsored by SAP America and the Kauffman Foundation. In Greater Philadelphia, sponsors also include PNC Bank, DFIN, SolomonEdwards Group, Ballard Spahr LLP, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, Murray Devine & Company and Pepper Troutman LLP.
About The Malvern School
The Malvern School, founded in 1998, is a year-round private preschool for ages six weeks to 11 years. The Malvern School believes in developing the whole child in a nurturing, yet engaging environment and offers an innovative curriculum that has raised the bar in early childhood education. Today, The Malvern School has 27 locations throughout southeastern Pennsylvania and central and southern New Jersey and is dedicated to providing curriculum that is designed to meet or exceed the highest standards established by the
National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the nation’s largest early childhood accrediting organization.
About Entrepreneur Of The Year
® Entrepreneur Of The Year
® is the world’s most prestigious business awards program for unstoppable entrepreneurs. These visionary leaders deliver innovation, growth and prosperity that transform our world. The program engages entrepreneurs with insights and experiences that foster growth. It connects them with their peers to strengthen entrepreneurship around the world. Entrepreneur Of The Year is the first and only truly global awards program of its kind. It celebrates entrepreneurs through regional and national awards programs in more than 145 cities in over 60 countries. Winners go on to compete for the EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year™ title.
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