In 2022, during the pandemic, Miriam Govea was concerned about the academic future of her children due to school closures. In search of ways to better support them, she enrolled in PIQE’s Family Engagement Signature Program at her oldest son’s school. What began as a quest for information to help her children led Miriam to rediscover her own educational path and, ultimately, find a job within PIQE. Today, she works as an administrative assistant at the San Diego office.

Originally from Sonora, Mexico, Miriam moved back to San Diego as a single mother six years ago after a forced hiatus. She quickly realized that the education system in the U.S. was very different from the one she was familiar with. “I knew I needed to learn more. I wanted information, but I didn’t know where to start looking,” said Miriam, who is the mother of Roberto, 19, and Iván, 15.

The knowledge gained at PIQE empowered her to become more involved in her children’s education. “What really stood out to me was that we were told we have the right to ask schools for information and question them when needed; and that the school has an obligation to keep us informed,” Miriam explained.

“Schools cannot make decisions without consulting parents; we have a voice! But only the voices of those parents who get involved are heard. If you truly want change, you need to attend meetings. If I don’t show up, someone else will make the decisions for me,” she said.

A year after completing her first PIQE program, Miriam enrolled in our STEM workshop. This workshop made her realize that she could better support her children by returning to school. Miriam had studied Business in Hermosillo, but she hadn’t worked in years and knew it was time to update her skills.

“If you want to motivate your children to keep studying, they need to see that you too have goals. How can you tell them to study for a better future if you’re not willing to improve yourself? That’s what motivated me,” Miriam said.

With that in mind, Miriam enrolled in Chula Vista Adult School, part of the Sweetwater District, where she began with courses in English and citizenship. Later, she took career-related courses, including Microsoft programs.

After graduating from the PIQE workshops in 2022, Miriam was invited to become a recruiter and later she took on the role of coordinator. In early 2024, Miriam was hired as an administrative assistant for the San Diego office, a position she describes as a “formal” job.

“I enjoy working at PIQE because it allows me to continue growing. It’s also incredibly fulfilling to help other parents who are in vulnerable situations, as I once was. I want them to know they’re not alone,” Miriam shared.

When asked why family involvement is important, Miriam responded, “It’s essential because it provides more resources to help your children. Staying updated and seeking out more information is key.”

Roberto, her oldest son, is set to attend La Mesa College in August to study Environmental Law. Iván, her younger son, is in tenth grade and benefiting from his mother’s involvement and knowledge. “A few days ago, he told me, ‘Mom, since you messaged the teacher, he’s been asking me more questions and paying more attention to me. I never thought I’d get along with that teacher, but now I really like his class,’” Miriam shared.