In May 2024, NPLI joined educators, community leaders, and advocates in Atlanta for the Institute for Educational Leadership’s (IEL) National Community Schools and Family Engagement Conference (CSxFE). NPLI’s two sessions during the conference emphasized the critical roles of teacher diversity and youth leadership in fostering equitable and inclusive educational spaces.
Pre-Conference Session:
“Parent Leadership & Teacher Diversity: Why It Matters and Why You Should Care!”
This dynamic session combined lived experiences, research, and actionable strategies to highlight the importance of teacher diversity in improving student outcomes. Presenters shared insights on promoting cultural competency and inclusivity in schools, highlighting personal narratives and insights from parent and youth leaders.
Presenters:
- CLTI Youth Leaders: Sara Elisa Peña (Everett, WA), Silas Alvarez (Rochester, NY), Brennan Carney (Rochester, NY), and Mariam Azeez (Connecticut)
- Personal del NPLI: Hobson McCain, Donna Thompson-Bennett, and Liliana Uribe
- PLTI Alums: Luva Alvarez and Tina Carney (Greater Rochester PLTI)
- Community Partners: PLTI alumn Marcus Smothers (Jacksonville’s 1000 by 2025 Initiative) and Joann Mickens (Parents for Public Schools)
Main Conference Session:
“Youth Who Lead: Amplifying Youth Voices in Education”
Facilitated by Children’s Leadership Training Institute (CLTI) graduates, this interactive session showcased the power of youth leadership in creating positive change within schools and communities. Participants explored strategies for empowering youth voices to influence educational systems and policies.
Presenters:
- CLTI Youth Leaders: Sara Elisa Peña (Everett, WA), Silas Alvarez (Rochester, NY), and Mariam Azeez (Connecticut)
- Personal del NPLI: Hobson McCain, Donna Thompson-Bennett, and Liliana Uribe
Why It Matters
These sessions highlighted the expertise of parent and youth leaders and provided conference attendees with practical tools to advance equity in their communities. NPLI’s presence at the IEL CSxFE Conference reflects our commitment to elevating diverse voices and fostering systemic change in education.
We are grateful to IEL for hosting this impactful event and to all the presenters who inspired meaningful conversations and action.
