Washington Family Engagement is honored to recognize alumni who have distinguished themselves by leading change in their communities and schools. We celebrate your personal and professional accomplishments and significant contributions to your communities by completing and implementing your community projects, a requirement of your graduation from the Parent Leadership Training Institute. Congratulations!
The Parent Leadership Training Institute is a free, virtual, 12-week course offered by Washington Family Engagement. Students develop a community project as a graduation requirement.
Dolores Bernal
Mother of three.
White Center, Washington
White Center, Washington
Mother of three. White Center, Washington
Dolores Bernal
What I learned
Many positive changes happened in my life because of the Parent Leadership Training Institute. I discovered that there are many challenges in public education for us who represent a minority in this country. This understanding helped me realize the many challenges my children experience in school and allowed me to communicate better with them. I now know how to ask about how they feel in school and ask their teachers to understand the way my children learn. These concepts also made me see clearly that I wanted to be a teacher to make a difference in the lives of many children and families.
What I did
My PLTI community project is to have King County install speed bumps in the busy street where I live, and I continue to work towards this goal. I am now studying at Highline College to get an associate degree in Applied Science in Education to become a paraeducator and I am also working towards a bachelor’s degree since my ultimate goal is to become a dual-language teacher. All of this would not have been possible without the PLTI. It awakened my awareness of the need to have faith, trust, and understanding of immigrant children. They want to maintain their identity in a world where many times they are not respected. They have a lot to offer to this country, they are the leaders of the future.
What I did
My PLTI community project is to have King County install speed bumps in the busy street where I live, and I continue to work towards this goal. I am now studying at Highline College to get an associate degree in Applied Science in Education to become a paraeducator and I am also working towards a bachelor’s degree since my ultimate goal is to become a dual-language teacher. All of this would not have been possible without the PLTI. It awakened my awareness of the need to have faith, trust, and understanding of immigrant children. They want to maintain their identity in a world where many times they are not respected. They have a lot to offer to this country, they are the leaders of the future.
Rebecca Berry
Mother of two.
Skyway, Washington
Skyway, Washington
Mother of two. Skyway, Washington
Rebecca Berry
What I learned
Everything changed for me after graduating from The Parent Leadership Training Institute. I gained confidence in so many areas and I am still able to lean into the foundation that the PLTI built in me. Being a learner – by already being a leader, by showing up and being my authentic self. After graduation, I got a job at my children’s school and later was hired to lead the Skyway Community Coalition, I am now the Executive Director. Today, I regularly give speeches, presentations, and facilitate meetings and events. I meet with families, community leaders, elected officials, and advocate for my community. I also serve as the Washington Family Engagement Board President.
What I did
My community project was to create a school family cookbook. My daughters’ school is very diverse but also sometimes disconnected. Building off the pre-pandemic momentum the school found hosting Parent Potlucks, where 40+ families brought food from their countries to share, I connected with families, obtain recipes and cultural information. I put it all together into a book that was gifted to every school family. It was a perfect way to celebrate and engage diverse families.
What I did
My community project was to create a school family cookbook. My daughters’ school is very diverse but also sometimes disconnected. Building off the pre-pandemic momentum the school found hosting Parent Potlucks, where 40+ families brought food from their countries to share, I connected with families, obtain recipes and cultural information. I put it all together into a book that was gifted to every school family. It was a perfect way to celebrate and engage diverse families.
Nadia Carriedo
Mother of three.
Everett, Washington
Everett, Washington
Mother of three. Everett, Washington
Nadia Carriedo
What I learned
I was seeking to understand how the US education system works because it differs considerably from the one in my country of origin when I found the Parent Leadership Training Institute. The PLTI gave me the opportunity to spread my wings and fly high in order to see the needs that exist from a broader perspective. I now understand, and honor the stories of those around me, have grown as a person, practice my English language skills, and have discovered my abilities. What captivated me the most about the PLTI was the impetus it gave me to implement a community project I had in mind at my children’s school.
What I did
My goal has always been to ensure that young students learn about the Hispanic culture and language. For my PLTI community project, I partnered with my children’s school to offer an after-school program for elementary school kids. I enlisted Spanish-speaking parent volunteers and we taught culture and Spanish Language classes to over 200 students after school. I now work as a Dual Language Family Specialist for my school district and have been accepted to the City University of Seattle where I am doing a Master in Education and I will become certified as a dual language teacher.
What I did
My goal has always been to ensure that young students learn about the Hispanic culture and language. For my PLTI community project, I partnered with my children’s school to offer an after-school program for elementary school kids. I enlisted Spanish-speaking parent volunteers and we taught culture and Spanish Language classes to over 200 students after school. I now work as a Dual Language Family Specialist for my school district and have been accepted to the City University of Seattle where I am doing a Master in Education and I will become certified as a dual language teacher.
April Eslami
Mother of two.
Shoreline, Washington
Shoreline, Washington
Mother of two. Shoreline, Washington
April Eslami
What I learned
I grew up in small towns along the Appalachian trail in Southern Ohio and could have never imagined that I would be where I am today. The Parent Leadership Training Institute strengthened my knowledge of systems around us and taught me how to find the entry points where I could use my voice for changes needed within my community.
What I did
My PLTI community project was to work towards the passage of WA HB1356, a piece of legislation that prohibits the usage of Indigenous mascots/logos by public schools. The Bill was signed into law by the Governor and our local high school renamed their mascot. Many leadership opportunities have come my way since my graduation, I am now a member of our school district’s Race and Equity Advisory team and also co-lead the Indigenous Affinity Group, I am also a member of the City of Shoreline’s Equity and Social Justice workgroup and co-facilitate and coordinate PLTI courses.
What I did
My PLTI community project was to work towards the passage of WA HB1356, a piece of legislation that prohibits the usage of Indigenous mascots/logos by public schools. The Bill was signed into law by the Governor and our local high school renamed their mascot. Many leadership opportunities have come my way since my graduation, I am now a member of our school district’s Race and Equity Advisory team and also co-lead the Indigenous Affinity Group, I am also a member of the City of Shoreline’s Equity and Social Justice workgroup and co-facilitate and coordinate PLTI courses.
Beenish Iqbal
Mother of two.
Bothell, Washington
Bothell, Washington
Mother of two. Bothell, Washington
Beenish Iqbal
What I learned
The Parent Leadership Training Institute taught me to identify problems and work towards the solution, it also helped me regain my lost confidence. I learned that I could do anything and if I work hard, nothing is impossible. This empowered me, so in addition to my volunteer work and family responsibilities, I went on to pursue my dream of becoming part of the public education system. I have completed my Associate Degree in Elementary Education at Everett Community College and have been accepted to the Woodring College of Education at Western Washington University.
What I did
For my PLTI community project, I conducted a food drive and raised funds to support the Mill Creek Community Food Bank, run by the Hope Creek Foundation. We supported families in need at the peak of the Covid pandemic. I also spearheaded a book drive that distributed around 10,000 books to children in Everett Public schools. I am now a member of the Everett PTSA Council board and support bilingual communities. When I look back, I can say that it all happened because my foundation was laid right by the PLTI. I yearned to learn and the PLTI helped me get on the right path, and that is why I have been able to accomplish so much.
What I did
For my PLTI community project, I conducted a food drive and raised funds to support the Mill Creek Community Food Bank, run by the Hope Creek Foundation. We supported families in need at the peak of the Covid pandemic. I also spearheaded a book drive that distributed around 10,000 books to children in Everett Public schools. I am now a member of the Everett PTSA Council board and support bilingual communities. When I look back, I can say that it all happened because my foundation was laid right by the PLTI. I yearned to learn and the PLTI helped me get on the right path, and that is why I have been able to accomplish so much.
Magdalena Martínez
Mother of two.
Mill Creek, Washington
Mill Creek, Washington
Mother of two. Mill Creek, Washington
Magdalena Martínez
What I learned
I have always been involved in my community. I volunteer at a food bank, school, and other non-profit organizations. A dear friend talked to me about the Parent Leadership Training Institute and how this course teaches how to develop your own community project, so I signed up. I learned that the PLTI brings out the leader that all of us carry within and that one person could create a positive impact in their communities and schools. Sometimes, something that we believe is small can reach thousands of people; the PLTI taught me to not underestimate the power of one.
What I did
My project was to create a document in Spanish that lists and defines the most common acronyms used in high school by teachers and counselors. This helps parents who did not go to school in this country or who do not speak the language to support their children during their time in high school. I feel that I have accomplished something meaningful for my community and myself. Thanks to Washington Family Engagement, I worked directly with my children’s school district to polish the final document and confirm that the information presented was aligned with WA state and school district information. This tool was so successful that the school district asked me to help translate it into English and it will be translated into other languages spoken in the district.
What I did
My project was to create a document in Spanish that lists and defines the most common acronyms used in high school by teachers and counselors. This helps parents who did not go to school in this country or who do not speak the language to support their children during their time in high school. I feel that I have accomplished something meaningful for my community and myself. Thanks to Washington Family Engagement, I worked directly with my children’s school district to polish the final document and confirm that the information presented was aligned with WA state and school district information. This tool was so successful that the school district asked me to help translate it into English and it will be translated into other languages spoken in the district.
Lizzy Sebring
Mother of two.
Lynnwood, Washington
Lynnwood, Washington
Mother of two. Lynnwood, Washington
Lizzy Sebring
What I learned
I was seeking to engage with other parents who had a passion for leadership and child advocacy as I consider myself an advocate first and foremost –and I found the Parent Leadership Training Institute. The PLTI gave me the opportunity to meet other parents and to spread my wings in my advocacy work. Since I graduated I have had several opportunities to be a parent leader including testifying in front of the legislature to ensure that the parent voice is heard. In addition to my volunteer work, I am currently pursuing a master’s degree in educational leadership with a certificate in program administration.
What I did
For my community project, I worked with the librarian at my children’s school to lead the summer reading program and promote the love of reading. Since then, I have been very active in the community working with a collaborative group at Child Strive, co-chairing the United Way of Snohomish County’s Public Policy Subcommittee, and I am currently the Advocacy Director
for Washington State PTA. I also serve as a member of the Washington State Paraeducator Board where I am advocating for the needs of this particular group of important staff that work in our schools.
What I did
For my community project, I worked with the librarian at my children’s school to lead the summer reading program and promote the love of reading. Since then, I have been very active in the community working with a collaborative group at Child Strive, co-chairing the United Way of Snohomish County’s Public Policy Subcommittee, and I am currently the Advocacy Director for Washington State PTA. I also serve as a member of the Washington State Paraeducator Board where I am advocating for the needs of this particular group of important staff that work in our schools.
Kathryn Sharpe
Mother of six.
Arlington, Washington
Mother of six, Arlington, Washington
Kathryn Sharpe
What I learned
I am a caregiver, an advocate, and a volunteer. I took the Parent Leadership Training Institute because I was dissatisfied with how things were in my community, but I did not know how to get involved. Since taking the class, I have become much more involved. Learning that I had a voice was so eye-opening. It helped me become a leader in my community. I had the confidence to help hold a legislative candidate forum during the beginning of the pandemic. I now participate in school events and run the Parent Club. I hold voter registration drives. I also learned to stand up and advocate for my kids in school and beyond, and my kids get to see me in action and feel proud.
What I did
The PLTI gave me the confidence and tools to do so much. I felt able to apply to become a Washington State Association of Headstart and ECEAP Parent Ambassador and later joined the board as well. I was recently elected as a Democratic Party Precinct Committee Officer for my legislative district. I also serve on the Arlington Chamber of Commerce as a community member and as board secretary of Arlington WA Pride nonprofit. I am also President of the Parent Club for my daughter’s school.
What I did
The PLTI gave me the confidence and tools to do so much. I felt able to apply to become a Washington State Association of Headstart and ECEAP Parent Ambassador and later joined the board as well. I was recently elected as a Democratic Party Precinct Committee Officer for my legislative district. I also serve on the Arlington Chamber of Commerce as a community member and as board secretary of Arlington WA Pride nonprofit. I am also President of the Parent Club for my daughter’s school.
Michelle Stewart
Mother of two.
Everett, Washington
Everett, Washington
Mother of two. Everett, Washington
Michelle Stewart
What I learned
My Parent Leadership Training Institute experience really changed my life. The curriculum introduced me to how cities and states operate and ways I can be involved in my community. I know how to advocate for something I think needs to change. I know how to contact my city/county council and the state representative for my area. I always thought I’d be a teacher but through the PLTI I discovered I was meant to work in government. Immediately after my PLTI graduation and after many years as a stay home mom, I applied and was accepted to The Evergreen State College. I am now pursuing my master’s degree in Public Administration and have a new career direction in the field of land use and planning.
What I did
For my PLTI community project, I explored what it would take for my neighborhood to be annexed to the city of Everett. I also started looking to volunteer and chose Snohomish County Tomorrow’s Advisory Committee because of my interest in land use and planning which they address. I learned about the Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC). They provide planning guidance for the cities & counties in Kitsap, King, Snohomish, and Pierce Counties. I applied and was accepted to their newly formed Equity Advisory Committee and was also hired for a year-long internship.
What I did
For my PLTI community project, I explored what it would take for my neighborhood to be annexed to the city of Everett. I also started looking to volunteer and chose Snohomish County Tomorrow’s Advisory Committee because of my interest in land use and planning which they address. I learned about the Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC). They provide planning guidance for the cities & counties in Kitsap, King, Snohomish, and Pierce Counties. I applied and was accepted to their newly formed Equity Advisory Committee and was also hired for a year-long internship.
Vesla Tonnessen
Mother of two.
Bellingham, Washington
Bellingham, Washington
Mother of two. Bellingham, Washington
Vesla Tonnessen
What I learned
I took the Parent Leadership Training Institute because parents are their children’s first and best teachers, and parents have the ultimate expertise in improving systems. In my work, I have struggled to best incorporate families’ experiences into improvement methods, and I found taking the PLTI to be a launching point into that direction. My goal is to have everyone understand the importance of the first 5 years of a person’s life and create policies and improve systems, so all families feel supported in that critical time period.
What I did
My community project was to bring the PLTI to Whatcom County. In partnership with Washington Family Engagement, we just completed the first cohort in Spring of 2022, and we have plans to continue. I cannot even name all the ways my life has improved as a result of taking the PLTI. The skills I learned and the community that was built in the PLTI have affected all the ways in which I work. It has had a domino effect in all of my circles of influence. I am now involved in a campaign to create a children’s fund, which requires all of the advocacy skills I learned in this class. I am so grateful for my experience in the PLTI. It has changed my life, and those in my community.
What I did
My community project was to bring the PLTI to Whatcom County. In partnership with Washington Family Engagement, we just completed the first cohort in Spring of 2022, and we have plans to continue. I cannot even name all the ways my life has improved as a result of taking the PLTI. The skills I learned and the community that was built in the PLTI have affected all the ways in which I work. It has had a domino effect in all of my circles of influence. I am now involved in a campaign to create a children’s fund, which requires all of the advocacy skills I learned in this class. I am so grateful for my experience in the PLTI. It has changed my life, and those in my community.