Every year, Cultural Care celebrates the incredible impact our au pairs have on their host families through our Au Pair of the Year contest. The au pairs who are nominated—and the finalists who are selected—don’t just provide childcare; they become trusted role models, bring cultures together, and build lifelong relationships with the families they support.
For 2025, we are thrilled to name Issy from the UK as our Au Pair of the Year award winner! But that’s not all—Issy has also earned the title from the prestigious International Au Pair Association (IAPA)—recognizing her as the top au pair worldwide.
Winning this award is no small feat. The IAPA competition receives nominations from members of multiple au pair agencies, and a jury evaluates finalists based on their impact on their host families, personal growth, and contributions to cultural exchange. Issy’s win marks the fifth time a Cultural Care au pair has received this honor, a testament to the extraordinary young people who join our program.
Hearing Issy’s nomination by her host mom will tell you all you need to know about why she was selected. “When I tell people about Issy, I typically use two phrases to explain how she fits into our family,” writes Caroline. “The world’s best au pair’ and ‘the little sister I never had.’”
Let’s take a closer look at Issy’s journey and the profound role she has had on the Bright family in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
A pillar of strength for her host family
When Issy arrived in September 2022, she stepped into a busy household with two young children, Betsy and Toby, and a family balancing the demands of military life. But from the very beginning, she handled every challenge with grace and dedication.
“She never stops learning about childhood development and best practices,” says Caroline. “She researches and plans new and fun things to do with the kids, from picnics in the park, to days at the zoo with friends, to special one-on-one activities with each kiddo.”
Issy also offers Betsy and Toby comfort during tough moments. Caroline shares how she “loves and cares for our kids when they’re being adorable and charming, but also when they’re having screaming toddler meltdowns.”
What’s more, Issy stepped up to the plate to support her host family through a major life change. When Betsy and Toby’s father was deployed for five months with the Army, Issy was a steady source of comfort for the kids, ensuring they felt safe and loved even in his absence.
A hero in action
Beyond the everyday moments, Issy has been a literal lifesaver.
One terrifying afternoon, Toby began choking on a blackberry. Without hesitation, Issy jumped into action, performing first aid and saving his life—a moment that Caroline will never forget.
And then, there was the time that a rooster attacked Betsy during a walk.
“Issy had to rescue Betsy, while wearing an infant Toby in a carrier, from the rooster,” recalls Caroline. “She used Betsy’s tricycle as a shield to stop her from being hurt and managed to keep both kids injury-free and untraumatized.”
An exchange that knows no borders
Issy’s time with the Bright family has also been filled with adventure, travel, and cultural exchange.
Together, they have taken road trips across the USA, traveled to Canada, and even visited Issy’s hometown in England—where her host family got to experience British traditions firsthand.
“Issy’s family is amazing,” Caroline shares. “They have embraced us as part of their extended family, and we love them!”
Even a three-day travel nightmare at Heathrow Airport—navigating security, customs, and multiple hotels with two toddlers, two car seats, six bags, and a stroller—didn’t shake their bond.
At home in Philadelphia, Issy has introduced pieces of British culture, sharing traditions like Guy Fawkes Night and lots of English cuisine. These little touches have deepened their connection, proving that cultural exchange is just as much about everyday experiences as it is about big trips and milestones.
A bond that will last a lifetime
For the Bright family, Issy is no longer just their au pair—she is a permanent part of their lives.
“In our family, we use Godparent roles to make people an official part of our family and our child’s life,” Caroline explains. “That’s why she’s Godmother to our youngest, Birdie Bright, born May 2024.”
Issy’s dedication, resilience, and the deep bond she has with her host family embody everything the au pair program stands for. Being recognized as both Cultural Care’s Au Pair of the Year and the International Au Pair of the Year is a proof of the remarkable impact she’s made.
Congrats again, Issy!