Mala Vaish of Shelton was one of 26 parents statewide who recently received a Parent Leader Award at the Discovery 2009 Stone Soup Conference.
The Shelton School Readiness Council nominated Vaish for this prestigious honor.
David Nee, Executive Director of the William Caspar Graustein Memorial Fund presented her with the award at the Crowne Plaza in Cromwell.
Vaish was nominated for this award for a number of reasons. She has always been interested in education issues and in her native country of India she earned a Master’s in psychology and school counseling, and worked as a psychologist. She is currently employed as a realtor for Century 21.
In 2004, Vaish moved to Shelton with her husband and three children. She quickly became involved in school activities and joined the PTA Board of Lafayette Elementary School and has chaired the Book Fair for the past three years.
Then, in 2008, she was recruited to serve as a member of the Steering Committee for Shelton’s Early Childhood Plan. She demonstrated strong leadership skills and became co-chair of this 25-member planning
committee. She went above and beyond the call of duty by conducting surveys at Shelton Day and taking time for extra meetings.
Even though Shelton’s planning grant has ended, Mala is committed to staying involved. She regularly participates at Shelton School Readiness Council meetings and currently serves on the newly formed Finance and Governance Subcommittee as well as the Leadership Team.
In addition, Vaish recently completed a People Empowering People training class and is currently facilitating parent leadership workshops in Shelton for Valley residents.
“Mala Vaish is a parent leader extraordinaire, who exudes enthusiasm, passion, creativity and intelligence,” said Elspeth Lydon, Chair of the Shelton School Readiness Council. “She is a parent of inspiration who
will continue to make a tremendous difference for Shelton’s children.”
