A sense of purpose filled the room at PIQE’s Los Angeles office on June 13 and June 14, when 16 parent leaders from across Los Angeles and Orange County gathered for the 2025 Parent Ambassador Training. Hosted by the Parent Institute for Quality Education (PIQE), the two-day event focused on equipping PIQE parents with practical skills in understanding of local and state government systems, including how to engage with elected officials and influence policy.

The training, held June 13–14, is part of PIQE’s growing efforts to elevate parent voice in education systems across the state. Participants engaged in interactive workshops on media engagement, equity in education, legislative roleplay, and power mapping—all aimed at deepening their understanding of how to advocate for their children and communities.

“To be a PIQE ambassador means a lot to me,” said Ana Luna. “It’s a great opportunity to grow as a person… and be more helpful to my community.”

PIQE staff and leadership opened the event with remarks COO Derek Parker, and board member Dr. Ryan Alcantara. Meals were shared, stories were exchanged, and by the end of the first day, the group had already begun to form a powerful community. Friday’s sessions included a crash course in PIQE’s mission, media and storytelling training, and an interactive team-building exercise. A highlight of the day was the workshop on racial equity in education, where parents shared their lived experiences navigating school systems.

“Our goal with the Parent Ambassador Training is to give parents not just information, but the confidence and tools to engage directly with decision-makers,” said Adolfo Lopez, PIQE’s Community Engagement Manager. “When parents understand how education policy works and how their voice fits into that system, they become powerful advocates for change in their schools and communities.”

For others, the weekend offered a space to reflect on long-standing barriers in their communities. Cathi Cortes shared that two major challenges stood out during the training: digital access and language barriers. “There are parents and grandparents raising children who don’t know how to use a computer or access an email,” she explained. “And if you don’t speak English, that fear grows.”

Throughout the two days, the training fostered connection, storytelling, and strategy. Karina Tapia, who moved from Mexico, spoke about the lack of information she had growing up and how that’s motivated her now. “When I was younger, I wanted a career but didn’t have information,” she said. “Now I want to teach my kids—and other parents—how to get to college.” 

Workshops continued into Saturday, where participants roleplayed legislative visits and mapped out community power structures. As the training came to a close, parents left with clearer knowledge of how local and state systems operate and how to navigate them. With the right tools and community, they are prepared to participate, advocate, and lead.

A special thank you to the California Endowment for making this work and retreat possible, as our goals through this funding are to advance education justice and improve student health in the Central Valley through parent organizing, family engagement, and advocacy.

Check out the photos here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/SL331sHGbSGjF7J39

Watch the highlight video here: https://youtu.be/966GvEFLvsE