In Bakersfield, parents from across PIQE’s network came together for the 2nd Annual Parent Ambassador Retreat, a two-day gathering centered on leadership, advocacy, storytelling, and community. Held June 5 and 6, the retreat created space for Parent Ambassadors to reflect on their journeys, deepen their understanding of civic engagement, and continue building the confidence and tools needed to advocate for their children, schools, and communities.

From the opening welcome to the final reflection circle, the retreat was grounded in one powerful belief: parents are leaders. They are experts in their own experiences, advocates for their families, and trusted voices in their communities. Throughout the two days, Parent Ambassadors were reminded that their stories, questions, and lived experiences are not only valuable, they are essential to creating stronger family-school partnerships and more equitable opportunities for students.

Day 1 began with greetings from PIQE staff, a CEO welcome from Reyna Hernandez, and opening remarks from Adolfo Lopez, PIQE’s Community Engagement Manager. Parents then participated in an “I Am” activity, where they introduced themselves through identity, connection, and shared purpose. The activity set the tone for the retreat by honoring each parent as a whole person, not just in their role as a caregiver, but as a leader, learner, and advocate.

The first day also included PIQE 101 with Sonia Maria De Leon, Bakersfield Executive Director, and Estela Arreola, Community Engagement Associate. Parents also participated in a session on policy priorities led by Ileana Lopez, Vice President of External Relations, and Adolfo Lopez, Community Engagement Manager, followed by relationship-building activities and a Social Media Workshop and Authentic Storytelling session, lead by Iliana Gallego, Communication Specialist. Through these conversations, parents explored how their voices can help shape public understanding, influence decision-makers, and inspire other families to get involved.

For many Parent Ambassadors, the work is deeply personal. “I am here because I love the feeling when you help somebody,” Julia Sosa shared. “That feeling does not have a price. I feel like I have to do it. I feel like it is my mission now.”

Julia said being a Parent Ambassador is about helping other parents discover their own power and then sharing what they learn with others. “I want to teach them and show them how we can make a big movement,” she said, “not only to change our homes and our communities, but our society.”

That sense of voice and purpose carried into Day 2, which focused on civic engagement and action. Parents began the morning with an energizer before diving into a session on levels of government led by Adolfo Lopez. They learned more about how government systems work, how decisions are made, and why parent participation matters at every level. Later, Estela Arreola led a civic engagement session where parents looked up representatives and senators and gained a better understanding of district maps.

For Teodora Mendoza, the retreat strengthened her understanding of how parents can participate in the legislative process and use their voice for their children. “As mothers and fathers, I feel we have a superpower,” Teodora said. “Maybe we have not found it yet, but when we defend the rights of our children, we are going to find that superpower.”

Throughout the retreat, parents also reflected on the barriers that many families face when navigating school systems. Some shared the challenges of learning how schools work in the United States after immigrating from another country. Others spoke about language barriers, unfamiliar processes, and the feeling of not always knowing where to go or what questions to ask. PIQE’s role, they said, has been to make those systems more understandable and to help parents build the confidence to take action.

Virginia Ramirez shared that before becoming more involved, school meetings and processes could feel difficult, especially when language created barriers. Through PIQE, she gained tools, confidence, and a stronger understanding of how to communicate with schools and districts.

“This helps me as a person because I realize I can do more things,” Virginia said. “Here, they tell me how to advocate, not only with candidates, but in my community and with my family.”

She said the retreat reminded her that parent leadership is not limited to one role.

“It is not just about working with my children,” she said. “It is also very important for me as a person, outside of the role of being a mother.”

Martha Estela Rivera Zamudio described the retreat as meaningful because it brought together parents from different places and backgrounds who share the same goal: supporting their children and communities.

“For me, this experience was very meaningful because it gave me the opportunity to connect with more parents from diverse backgrounds,” Martha said. “I’m leaving feeling inspired and motivated, knowing that so many other parents share the same goals and hopes that I do.

By the end of the retreat, Parent Ambassadors had spent two days learning, reflecting, laughing, sharing, and planning for what comes next. They strengthened their understanding of education, advocacy, civic engagement, and storytelling, but they also strengthened something just as important: their connection to one another.

At PIQE, Parent Ambassadors are helping build that movement. They are showing what is possible when families are informed, supported, connected, and empowered to lead.

Their voices matter. Their stories matter. Their leadership matters. And as this year’s retreat made clear, when parents come together, they do more than advocate for change. They become the change their communities need.