Filtered Stories
One Random Trip. One Fellowship. A New Path for Advocacy.
Coretta’s journey with Kids First Chicago began with a chance encounter at the South Shore Cultural Center and grew into a powerful path of parent leadership and advocacy. Through the Parent Leadership Fellowship, she gained the knowledge, confidence, and connections to turn her voice into action for her child and families across Chicago.
From Finding My Voice to Helping Others Find Theirs
As a K1C parent and former Parent Leadership Team (PLT) member, Blaire reflects on the back-to-school season and the importance of being an engaged parent in her child’s education. Through her experience with K1C’s PLT, she shares how parent leadership has empowered her to advocate for her child, connect with other families, and help create positive change in her school community.
From Fellow to Force: Tierra Pearson’s Journey to Parent Advocacy
Tierra Pearson’s journey through Kids First Chicago’s Parent Leadership Fellowship shows how parent leadership can spark lasting change. From inaugural fellow to West Side Community Engagement Coordinator, she reflects on finding her voice, building power, and helping other parents step confidently into advocacy for their children.
Rooted in Advocacy: Teresa’s Journey Through Parent Leadership Fellowship
Teresa’s Parent Leadership Fellowship journey is a story of growth, courage, and community. Through PLF, she found her voice as a parent leader, strengthened her advocacy for her children, and discovered the power of showing up—not just for her family, but for others too.
My Why: MLK Day, the PIE Summit, and the Call to Good Trouble
This MLK Day reflection connects a pivotal college experience, the PIE Summit in Atlanta, and a visit to Dr. King’s home to a renewed sense of purpose in the fight for educational equity. It is a personal reminder of why standing on the front lines for families and students matters now more than ever.
A Year at Kids First Chicago: What I’ve Learned from Listening to Chicago Families
My first year at Kids First Chicago has been a journey of listening, learning, and connection. Every conversation with parents, caregivers, and community members has deepened my belief that those closest to the challenges are best equipped to create the solutions.
A New Chapter: Northwest Parents In Action Graduation and Their Paths Forward
Kids First Chicago’s (K1C) Parent Leadership Fellowship (PLF) has officially graduated the Northwest Side Cohort, named “Northwest Side Parents in Action.”
Make Funding for City's Public Schools Equitable
As a parent of three elementary-age students in Chicago Public Schools and a member of the local school council, I’m asking our state and local governments to consider how extra funding that’s coming into our district is allocated.
Parents, Teachers are Partners
As a Chicago Public Schools parent for over 20 years, I have taken pride in being involved with my children's success in school.
Natalie N. West Side
A former Chicago Public School student herself, Natalie has over a decade of teaching experience in Chicago and is now Chicago International Charter School’s Chief of Academic Accountability.
Brandon H. Lawndale Alumnus
Brandon H. was the student with a lot on his plate. He balanced school with National Honor Society, Louder Than a Bomb competition, Mikva Challenge, student government, policy debate, and the entrepreneurship club to name a few.
Michael N. South Chicago
Before discovering CICS-Avalon, at the New Schools Expo at Soldier Field, Michael and his family looked at the neighborhood traditional school when their son was about to start kindergarten, but didn’t feel that the environment was right for their son.