Cortaiga Collins: Redefining Community Impact

When we first introduced Cortaiga Collins in 2021, she was on the verge of a major milestone: opening the doors to a new, state-of-the-art facility for her thriving childcare business, Good Shepherd Preschool and Infant/Toddler Center. At the time, her story captivated readers as she shared her journey from being a single mom in search of quality childcare to becoming a visionary community leader dedicated to uplifting families in St. Louis.

Two years later, we’re catching up with Cortaiga to see how her work—and her bold vision—have continued to flourish. Spoiler: She hasn’t just met her goals; she’s exceeded them, building on her mission to create lasting change for her community.

From Single Mom to Community Leader and Resilient Entrepreneur

Cortaiga Collins would be the first to tell you that she started her entrepreneurial journey as “a mom who wanted to find a safe place for her kids.” Over the last two decades, Cortaiga has transformed from a determined single mother into a community leader, shaping early childhood education and support systems for families across Missouri. Today, she stands at the helm of Good Shepherd Preschool and Infant/Toddler Center and her nonprofit, Foundation for Strengthening Families, driving innovative programs and partnerships that address the root causes of generational poverty.

Despite her tremendous success, Cortaiga remains humble, often brushing off praise for her achievements. “I’m just a mom who had a baby,” she shared in a recent conversation. “But I’ve stopped minimizing my work. I’ve realized, you know what? I am doing great things.”

Expanded Horizons

Since 2021, Good Shepherd Preschool has grown into a vibrant hub of learning and care. The new facility, which opened in July 2022, expanded its capacity from 32 to 97 children across seven classrooms. Every classroom is full, with families eager to enroll their children. “We’ve had to turn people away—not because there isn’t need, but because of staffing limits,” Cortaiga shared. The center has grown its staff to 18 and continues to focus on providing not just education but holistic support for children and their families.

Good Shepherd’s programming now includes a literacy lab, a space stocked with over 1,000 culturally relevant books written by Black authors. The lab helps foster a love of reading while celebrating African American experiences and art. The center also partners with therapists to provide social-emotional and mental health support for children facing behavioral challenges.

In parallel, Cortaiga has expanded the scope of her nonprofit, Foundation for Strengthening Families. The Show Me Family Zone, modeled after the Harlem Children’s Zone, is a cornerstone of her vision to provide multi-generational support services to Missouri, the “Show Me” state. This includes an upcoming initiative to create the Good Shepherd Academy for Boys, the nation’s first all-male preschool for Black boys. Scheduled to open in 2025, the academy will provide tuition-free education, focusing on academic preparation, social-emotional development, and cultural pride.

“We want these boys to walk into kindergarten not just ready to learn but proud of who they are and confident in their abilities,” Cortaiga explained. “When children start school prepared and supported, it changes their trajectory—and that of their communities.”

The nonprofit has also launched programs addressing Black maternal health disparities, offering resources like access to doulas, lactation specialists, and mental health professionals. “We’re working to improve health outcomes for both mothers and babies, because healthy families are the foundation of strong communities,” she said.

In addition to her work in St. Louis, Cortaiga has extended her reach to Warrenton, Missouri, where her nonprofit opened a rural childcare center to meet the needs of low-income and foster families. “Families in Warrenton were driving over 20 miles to access childcare,” she explained. By renovating a local building, the center now provides high-quality care close to home, addressing a critical gap in the community.

Partnering for Sustainable Community Development

Cortaiga’s story is also one of collaboration. Since 2008, she has partnered with Justine PETERSEN (JP), a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) that provides critical financial and operational support to entrepreneurs in underserved communities. Justine PETERSEN is a CDFI included in CNote’s fixed income portfolio.

“Justine PETERSEN has been instrumental in helping us during tough times,” Cortaiga said. From providing startup loans to funding for food programs during the pandemic, JP has been a steady source of support. In 2024, when a statewide payment delay left childcare providers without subsidies for three months, JP offered working capital that allowed Good Shepherd to stay afloat.

“Our relationship has grown alongside Cortaiga’s business,” Aida Richardson, Chief Lending Officer at JP shared. “When she first came to us, she had personal credit challenges. Over the years, she’s worked hard to improve her credit and expand her business. Today, she’s secured traditional bank financing for her expansions—a testament to her dedication and vision.”

A Lasting Legacy

At the heart of everything Cortaiga does is a desire to create something enduring—a community ecosystem that uplifts families and empowers others to carry the work forward. “I don’t want to be the centerpiece,” she shared. “I want to build something that lasts, something that will continue to empower families and children long after I step away.”

Through partnerships with life coaches, social workers, and educators, Cortaiga ensures her staff is equipped with skills that extend far beyond the workplace. Her focus on mentorship and professional development is part of her vision for sustainability, laying the groundwork for future leaders to take the reins.

Her next major project, the Good Shepherd Academy for Boys, embodies this forward-thinking approach. “This isn’t just about a preschool,” she explained. “It’s about changing how Black boys are seen and treated, starting from the earliest years. We’re building a model that we hope will inspire and empower communities beyond St. Louis.”

JP echoed Cortaiga’s determination to make an impact. “Cortaiga’s work is proof that meaningful change happens when vision and community come together,” Aida says. “We’re honored to continue supporting her as she brings these new ideas to life.”

As Cortaiga looks toward the future, she remains focused on the long game. *CNote Group, Inc. is not a bank, a credit union, or any other type of financial institution. CNote is not a registered investment advisor with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or a broker-dealer authorized by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). CNote is not a legal, financial, accounting or tax advisor. CNote does not negotiate interest rates. Impact Cash is not a security or investment. Impact Cash® deposits are insured by the FDIC or NCUA, subject to the terms and conditions of the Impact Cash® agreements. We encourage you to consult with a financial adviser or investment professional to determine whether or not the CNote platform makes sense for you.This information should not be relied upon as research, investment or financial advice. This material is strictly for illustrative, educational, or informational purposes and is subject to change.