To me, parent leadership means being a voice not only for my child but for other parents who feel unheard. It’s about stepping up, even when it feels scary, and making sure that our children have the best opportunities, no matter the obstacles we face. It’s showing resilience, strength, and determination to create a better future for our kids and our community.
Honestly, my journey started out of necessity. As a teen mom, I quickly realized that the system wasn’t built for parents like me, young, struggling, and trying to juggle school, work, and raising a baby. I didn’t always feel welcomed in spaces where parents were supposed to be involved. Thankfully, when I was in school, there was a program specifically designed to support teen parents, which provided resources and guidance that helped me stay in school and graduate. However, programs like that no longer exist, leaving many young parents without the support they desperately need. This reality pushed me to get involved, advocate for change, and become a leader because I know firsthand how critical these resources are.
The biggest challenge was balancing everything—being a mom, finishing school, working, and trying to prove to the world (and sometimes even to myself) that I was capable. There were times I felt judged, underestimated, and even ignored in rooms where my voice should have mattered. But I kept pushing forward, reminding myself that I wasn’t just fighting for myself, but for my child and for other young parents like me.
I would have asked for help sooner. I carried a lot of weight on my shoulders, thinking I had to do everything on my own to prove I was a good mom. But leadership isn’t about doing it alone, it’s about building a support system, finding mentors, and learning from others who have been in your shoes.
One of the most significant and emotional moments for me was a full-circle experience when I had the opportunity to lead the Teen Parent Family Hui. As a former teen parent who once relied on similar programs for support, being in a position to guide, uplift, and empower other young parents was incredibly meaningful. I remember sitting in that space, looking at the young parents who were navigating the same struggles I once faced, and realizing just how far I had come. It wasn’t just about sharing advice, it was about showing them that their journey didn’t have to end with struggle; it could be one of leadership, growth, and success. It was a powerful reminder of why I do this work and why supporting young parents is so important.
I would tell them that their experience as a parent makes you a leader already. You don’t have to have a degree or a fancy title to make a difference. Your voice matters, your struggles matter, and your story matters. If you feel defeated, just take it one step at a time. Even small actions—attending a school meeting, advocating for your child, or supporting another parent can create change. You are not alone, and you are more powerful than you think.
We need to create spaces where dads feel welcomed, not just expected to "help out" but truly seen as equal partners in parenting. A lot of dads, especially young or struggling dads, may feel like they don’t know enough or that parenting roles are just for moms. We need to invite them in, encourage them, and highlight the importance of their voices in parent leadership. Schools and community groups should also offer flexible meeting times, activities that engage fathers specifically, and male mentors who can guide and support them.
Being a young parent doesn’t mean you’re a bad parent. It doesn’t mean you don’t have wisdom to share. If anything, it means you’ve had to grow up fast, learn resilience, and fight harder. Parent leadership isn’t about being perfect, it’s about showing up, learning, and making a difference in any way you can. My journey as a teen mom led me to where I am today, I am now a PhD student in a program focused on educational equity and social justice. I want to use my voice and experiences to advocate for policies and programs that uplift young parents rather than push them aside. To any parent who feels like they don’t belong in these spaces: You do and your voice is needed now more than ever.
#ParentLeaderHighlight
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#SuperMom
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#Lead4Tomorrow
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#resilience
#ittakesavillage
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