Sandra’s Journey with the Family Leadership Subcommittee

At CAFE we believe in the power of families, schools, and communities working together. As the Statewide Family Engagement Center for Maryland and Pennsylvania, CAFE hosts the State Advisory Committee and its Family Leadership Subcommittee (formerly IFLEC), where parent leaders connect and create resources that empower and strengthen educational partnerships. 

Sandra, a passionate family leader, has been involved with the subcommittee for the past two years. Here’s how this experience transformed her—and why she thinks you should join.

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My journey started at a parent engagement conference in Harrisburg, PA. Rita Perez [the Director of CAFE] and I met during lunch, and she asked if we were coming to her session. We did, and Rita was very informative. Afterward, she approached me about IFLEC, and with my friends’ encouragement, I joined. I’ve always been passionate about engagement between families, students, and educators. 

Since I’ve joined this subcommittee, I have really enhanced my ability to share information with families, teachers, and even some administrators. I’ve gained a better understanding of the verbiage used in the educational field, like “equity for educators” and “strengthening families.” My perception of these concepts is so much deeper now. 

The information we share really makes a difference. You can use what you learn in your PTA, school committees, churches, and grassroots organizations. It’s about empowering families and creating a positive platform to serve the community. 

My advice for anyone thinking about joining? JOIN! Everyone has experience with the education system, from the 1950s to now. We can help shape what education provides for families today. Everyone has a voice, and it is heard here. 

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If Sandra’s story inspires you, we’d love for you to join us. Your voice matters; together, we can keep building a supportive, connected community for all our kids. 

Learn more and apply: https://bit.ly/49cmq85 

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