Explore the critical difference between superficial parent engagement and authentic parent leadership. This session will challenge participants to move past "checking the box" of parent involvement and instead create meaningful opportunities for families to influence early childhood programs and policies. Learn from experienced parent leaders and organizations about overcoming common barriers, addressing power imbalances, and implementing practices that elevate parent voices to create lasting change. Discover practical tools for problem-solving and supporting parent leaders through challenging situations.
Register here: https://ecic4kids-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_tJ5Mz153SUGyB5Bn4g9azw
Presenters:
Monica Gaines lives in Wayne County, MI with her son Nate. She began her journey into home visiting in 2013 when she joined the Healthy Families program in Wayne County. She became a parent leader in 2015 when she joined the advisory board and the Local Leadership Group. She also joined the State Local Leadership Parent Leader Team. Monica joined the Healthy Families Program in 2017 as the Senior Program Assistant. She was Parent Coordinator at the Early Childhood Investment Corporation from 2020- 2021. She currently serves as the Parent Leadership Faculty for the Health Equity COIIN. She is currently the Healthy Families America Wayne Program Supervisor. She champions parent leadership and health equity all areas of her work as her true passion.
Liis Lahti (he/him, they/them) grew up in central Michigan and now lives in Kalamazoo where they have been engaging in antiracism organizing with the local nonprofit, ERACCE (Eliminating Racism & Creating/Celebrating Equity) since 2009. He studied at Western Michigan University. Liis is a skilled facilitator and is committed to the long term work of racial and social justice. Collective decision making is a practice he engages in as often as possible. Liis became a parent in 2014 and has two elementary age children. He loves being outside with them and teaching and learning.
Roquesha O'Neal is a Parent Advocate for the National Parents Union, mother of three, a grandmother of four, and a dedicated, fearless advocate for education who is widely recognized in her community for her tireless efforts. Through her work with various parent and school-related organizations, she emphasizes the critical importance of parent involvement in schools and educational programs.
For years, O'neal has been known to be a local organizer on community issues, particularly those related to family needs in both child and elder care. As the president and founder of the community-centered initiative: Blocks of Connections, O’neal focused on connecting Detroit residents to literacy support and programming on the crucial role nutrition plays in educational outcomes. She is the co-founder of the Parent Education Alliance, an organization of parents offering peer support, awareness, and education to others. O’neal is also an outstanding member of the National Parent Union, taking a seat on the Leaders Council to uphold assessment and accountability in schools. Formerly, O’Neal served on the boards of both the Osborn Neighborhood Alliance and Excellent Schools Detroit.
O'neal has been recognized by PBS (February 2014) & Oprah Magazine (May 2015) for her ongoing community efforts surrounding parent engagement, education, and advocacy. In 2024, she continues to volunteer with numerous non-profits, using her network of influence to strengthen Detroit families - one by one. With over 20 years of experience advocating for families in the community and state, and 30 years of experience as a parent, Roquesha O’Neal is a powerful voice for positive change.