On April 10th, 2026, the Statewide Parent Mentor Program gathered at the House of Hope for its annual convention, bringing together a powerful community built over 31 years of commitment to students, families, and schools. The event was both a celebration and a reflection of the program’s growth and impact. As of Fiscal Year 2026, the program includes 2,076 Parent Mentors across 45 organizations, reaching more than 41,500 students and supporting 1,738 teachers in 292 schools. These numbers tell part of the story, but the heart of the convention was found in the people who continue to carry this work forward every day.
Throughout the event, attendees heard directly from Parent Mentors whose journeys reflect the impact of the work. Malathi Bogra of the Indo American Center, Christian Solice of the Southwest Organizing Project, and Denisse D. Arzate of the Southwest Suburban Immigrant Project each shared personal testimonies that spoke to growth, resilience, and purpose. Their stories highlighted how the program supports students and creates pathways for parents to step into leadership and new opportunities.
That sense of opportunity was further reflected in the success of the Ladders of Opportunity initiative. Since its launch in 2023, Parent Mentors have earned 996 educator, paraprofessional, and substitute licenses through Ladders. Angelica Ferreira and Shelesse Garza-McCulley, Ladders of Opportunity Organizers, took time to recognize this progress and uplift the work happening across communities. Their remarks were followed by Micheko Allen, a Ladders of Opportunity alum and CPS SECA, who shared her experience of continuing her journey in education and giving back to the same communities that shaped her.
Throughout the day, the room itself was filled with energy and pride. Parent Mentors, teachers, principals, elected officials, and community leaders came together to celebrate alongside one another and acknowledge each other’s accomplishments . A highlight of the day was the Parent Mentor Exhibit, where attendees walked through displays created by Parent Mentors from across schools. Each exhibit reflected countless hours of care, creativity, and dedication, offering a glimpse into the relationships and impact being built in classrooms every day.
The convention served as a reminder that the Parent Mentor Program is a growing community rooted in care, opportunity, and shared responsibility. As the program
continues to expand, so does its ability to open doors for families and strengthen the connection between schools and the communities they serve.
