Discover strategies for engaging and empowering parent leaders from diverse family structures and backgrounds.
Celebrate the diverse tapestry of modern families and learn how to create truly inclusive parent leadership opportunities. This session will spotlight strategies for engaging and empowering a wide range of family structures, including single parents, grandparents raising grandchildren, LGBTQIA+ parents, and families from various cultural backgrounds. Gain insights on overcoming personal biases, bridging cultural gaps, and designing leadership programs that resonate with all types of families. Hear inspiring stories from non-traditional parent leaders who are making a significant impact in their communities.
Panelists:
Eric Donald
Eric Donald was born in Saginaw, Michigan. He received the B.A. degree in healthcare management from Bellevue University, Bellevue, Nebraska, in 2010, and the M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in human services and psychology from Bellevue University, Bellevue, Nebraska, and Northcentral University, San Diego, California in 2014 and 2021, respectively. He also completed his Public Health Fellowship from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor in 2023.He is a father of 4 and a grandfather of 3.
He has worked in Behavioral Health, Early Childhood Education, and Public Health in various capacities. He is currently the Chief Executive Officer of Fathers- Too LLC of Michigan and the President of Fathers 2 INC. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family, reading, drawing, and watching sports.
Eric is a member of Psi Chi (International Honor Society in Psychology), Delta Mu Delta Honor Society, and MI-AIMH (Metro Detroit Chapter).
Sadia Batool
Sadia Batool, born and raised in Dubai is a physician by qualification with a current focus on supporting families and professionals in Maternal and Early Childhood Systems. Her passion for systems change stems from her personal experience of receiving life-changing Early Intervention services for her daughter. She serves as a family and professional representative on a variety of local, state-wide, and national organizations serving families and children including serving as the Governor appointed parent Co-chair to the Pennsylvania State Interagency Coordinating council.
Sadia is committed to supporting families navigate the system of services and enhancing authentic family engagement and leadership policies, practices, and procedures across maternal and early childhood systems. In 2021, she joined the Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning as the Early Childhood Family Lead for the ECCS Health Integration Prenatal-to-Age Three Project, a federal grant from HRSA aimed at cross-sector collaboration, health system transformation, policy innovation, family leadership, and advancing equity.
Wenxi Schwab
Wenxi Schwab is a first-generation immigrant to the United States, originally from China. A dedicated educator and mother of three, Wenxi’s experiences with home-visiting services and the family leadership training she received as a family advocate inspired her passion for family leadership and advocacy. She actively contributes to advisory committees at the national, state, and local levels, working toO improve education and services for children and families. In addition to her advocacy, Wenxi is an Adult Education Instructor and Professional Development Specialist, supporting educators across Pennsylvania through coaching and training. Beyond her professional roles, Wenxi prioritizes and values quality time with her family, enjoying outdoor adventures, field trips, and creating lasting memories with her children.