Hilda Torres is the Co-Founder and Director of My Little Best Friends Early Learning Center. She opened the center in 2012 alongside her business partner, Gerardo Loza, with a simple but meaningful vision: to create a place where every child feels loved, supported, and cared for like family.

Before entering the field of early childhood education, Hilda worked as a beautician. Her career path changed after a conversation with one of her own children's teachers, who shared, "It is a beautiful feeling when you are able to love someone else's child the same way that you do your own." Those words inspired Hilda to pursue a career in childcare—a decision she still describes as the best she ever made.

Hilda began as an assistant teacher in her son's classroom and quickly discovered her passion for working with young children. She later earned her Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education from Bunker Hill Community College, became Director II certified, and spent more than 16 years working in early education before opening My Little Best Friends.

As both an educator and a mother of four (and grandmother of two), Hilda believes the early years are the foundation for a child's future. She is passionate about providing a nurturing, inclusive learning environment where children build confidence, develop a love of learning, and are exposed to multiple languages, including English, Spanish, and American Sign Language.

Deeply connected to the Malden community, Hilda takes pride in serving local families and creating a welcoming environment where children from all backgrounds can thrive. In 2016, Hilda and Gerardo were honored as one of the Immigrant Learning Center's Immigrant Entrepreneurs of the Year, becoming the first recipients from Mexico and the first business owners from Malden to receive the award.

Today, Hilda's favorite part of each day is walking through the center and seeing children's smiles while knowing their families feel confident leaving them in the care of her team.