Pretend City Children’s Museum is proud to announce that Executive Director Ellen Pais has been honored as a Woman of Distinction by California State Senator Steven Choi, representing the 37th Senate District. This recognition celebrates Ellen’s visionary leadership in building an early education hub that nurtures the whole child and strengthens families through purposeful play and community connection.
Since joining Pretend City in 2021, Ellen has led the museum through a period of transformational growth, guiding it toward financial stability, deepening community partnerships, and championing accessible, inclusive programming. Under her leadership, museum attendance rebounded to pre-pandemic levels, and she secured approval from the City of Irvine for the museum’s historic relocation to the Great Park—set to open in 2026. Ellen also launched a multi-million-dollar capital campaign, securing over two-thirds of the necessary funding to date.
“Ellen’s dedication to early childhood development and her collaborative spirit have solidified Pretend City’s place as a vital resource for Southern California families,” said Erin Boyl, Chair of the Board at Pretend City.“ This recognition is a testament to the impact she’s making every day in the lives of children, caregivers, and the broader community.”
The celebration was attended by local civic leaders, including Irvine City Councilmembers Vice Mayor James Mai and Councilmember Melinda Liu, as well as a representative from Mike Carroll’s office, all of whom showed their support for Ellen’s continued work to uplift families and advance early childhood education.
A lifelong advocate for children and families, Ellen has built strategic alliances with educational institutions, nonprofits, and government agencies. Her leadership has expanded Pretend City’s reach through innovative programs like Neurodivergent Family Nights, Way to Play Days, and Baby Steps—providing families with essential developmental resources in a welcoming, play-based environment.
Pretend City congratulates Ellen on this well-deserved honor and remains inspired by her commitment to creating a more equitable, connected future for every child.
About Pretend City Children’s Museum
Pretend City Children’s Museum is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, featuring an interconnected city designed to prepare children for milestones and school readiness through imaginative play experiences. Our 19 learning spaces are designed to balance playful engagement and educational experiences with holistic growth.
The museum is a hub for community resources offering developmental screenings and tools for families, educators and community agencies working to ensure that each child gains the experiences needed to discover their potential and build toward a productive and fulfilling future. For more information about Pretend City Children’s Museum and our commitment to fostering children’s development through play, please visit www.pretendcity.org
