“If I can be the voice of other parents, why not be it? If I can share my experiences and knowledge, why not do it?” said Catalina Cortés. “This journey isn’t just about Elizabeth going to college; it’s about helping other families who are in the same situation.”

Catalina is one of PIQE’s new Parent Ambassadors. A little over a year ago, she and her husband made the life-changing decision to move from Tijuana to San Diego to support their 16-year-old daughter in pursuing her dream of becoming a veterinarian.

Throughout this journey, the Cortés family faced many challenges that left them questioning whether they had made the right choice. Comments from family and friends, filled with doubt and concern, were inevitable. “It’s so expensive,” one relative said. “You’ll be in debt for life,” warned another.

During these moments, the Cortés family would wonder if perhaps they were aiming too high and if attending college in the U.S. was a realistic option for their family.

However, they have learned to overcome these fears and are now eager to share their knowledge. “One of the tools I’m most grateful for has been the PIQE programs,” stated Catalina, who graduated from PIQE’s Signature Family Engagement Program, and Bridge to College. “First, because I felt accompanied and realized that I was not alone in this journey. But also, because they gave us the tools to understand the education system and begin paving the way to college.”

As a Parent Ambassador, Catalina is committed to helping others navigate the same challenges she faced, offering guidance and hope to families who may feel overwhelmed or uncertain. “It’s incredibly valuable because when you come from a different background, you can feel like you’re the only one going through these struggles. But when you enter a space where everyone shares a common goal and faces similar obstacles, a community forms—a support group.”

PIQE Parent Ambassadors are graduates of PIQE’s programs who continue the mission of advancing educational opportunities through advocacy. The program equips them with the tools to enhance their leadership and advocacy skills, enabling them to influence local, state, and federal policies that benefit families and promote educational equity. “Knowledge empowers you. It gives you hope and peace of mind,” Catalina said.

“Catalina recognizes the inequities families face in education and brings a strong sense of advocacy and community. Her lived experiences give her a unique perspective on the challenges families encounter,” stated Adolfo López, PIQE’s Community Engagement Manager. “From our first conversation, her commitment to supporting families stood out. As part of the Parent Ambassador program, she is dedicated to amplifying parent voices and advancing PIQE’s mission and vision.”

This newfound mission led Catalina to become deeply involved in her daughter’s high school, where she is now the president of ELAC (English Learner Advisory Committee). In this role, she tackles critical issues like university funding, college options, and digital equity, while also offering support to the families who need it most.

“Before participating in the PIQE workshops, we felt lost and thought college was out of reach. But when we learned about all the possibilities—financial support and various paths to college—our outlook changed dramatically,” she reflected. “PIQE showed me that college isn’t just for those with financial privilege, but for anyone who’s willing to put in the effort. It is now my responsibility to share that knowledge and help others see the same possibilities.”