NPLI was proud to join more than 200 parent leaders and partners from across the country for the 2026 UPLAN National Gathering, held April 21–24 in the Washington, D.C., area and online.
Representing NPLI and PLTI communities were Donna Thompson-Bennett, Zulema Gomez, Liliana Uribe, Anthony Bonner of Memphis PLTI, Toyin Anderson of Greater Rochester PLTI, and Kemberly Ordoñez of New Orleans PLTI, who participated virtually. NPLI was also joined by partners from Kansas City PLTI, including Melissa Funaro, DiaShae Hargrove, and PLTI graduate Amanda Walker-Jackson.
For Kemberly, the hybrid format and Spanish interpretation made it possible to participate fully from New Orleans.
“Lo que más me inspiró del UPLAN National Gathering fue comprobar que, aun participando de manera virtual, me sentí verdaderamente incluida. La interpretación al español y la opción de asistir en línea demostraron un compromiso real con la equidad, permitiendo que más líderes de familias pudiéramos aprender, compartir nuestras experiencias y hacer escuchar nuestra voz.”
Kemberly Ordoñez, New Orleans PLTI
“What inspired me most about the UPLAN National Gathering was seeing that, even though I participated virtually, I felt truly included. Spanish interpretation and the option to attend online demonstrated a real commitment to equity, allowing more family leaders to learn, share our experiences, and make our voices heard.”
Leadership and Connection
Throughout the gathering, NPLI staff and parent leaders took on active roles. Donna moderated a conversation on self-care and sustaining parent leadership featuring Toyin Anderson, supported conference discussions, and served on the event’s de-escalation team.
The gathering also marked an important transition for NPLI. After years of serving as NPLI’s staff liaison to UPLAN, Zulema Gomez passed the role to Liliana Uribe, who was introduced to the national network during the event. We’re grateful to Zulema for the leadership and relationships she has built through this partnership and look forward to Liliana carrying that work forward.
NPLI also facilitated an interactive Political Bingo activity, giving participants a fun way to explore advocacy, public policy, and civic engagement. During the gathering, UPLAN members selected their Governing Council for the next two-year term, and NPLI was honored to be selected again, with Toyin Anderson representing NPLI as a parent leader.
Advocacy in Action
On April 23, participants traveled to Capitol Hill for UPLAN’s Advocacy Day, taking part in 85 meetings with congressional offices around UPLAN’s national policy priorities of affordable child care and early education, protecting immigrant families and children, and real parent engagement.
Donna and Liliana accompanied Memphis PLTI parent leader Anthony Bonner as he met with Representative Steve Cohen and staff from the offices of Senator Bill Hagerty and Senator Marsha Blackburn. Cohen signed the UPLAN pledge during their meeting.
For Anthony, the experience reinforced the value of staying in conversation even when people bring different perspectives to the table. He returned to Memphis energized by the connections he made and the opportunity to bring his own experiences directly to federal decision-makers.
Reflecting on the gathering, Anthony said he was grateful for the opportunity to have “a stage to let my voice and story be heard.”
The National Gathering may have lasted four days, but the relationships and advocacy continue. We’re grateful to UPLAN for creating space for parent leaders to learn from one another, build connections, and bring their voices into decisions that affect families and communities.
