From Fellow to Force: Tierra Pearson’s Journey to Parent Advocacy

Q: What first motivated you to apply for the Parent Leadership Fellowship (PLF)?

A: I was nominated for the Parent Leadership Fellowship by Brenda Rivera for my involvement with the PAC and LSC at Clemente High School. I wanted to grow into a stronger advocate, not just for my own child, but for families in our school and my community. At the time, I felt that parents weren’t always heard or included in decisions that directly impact our children’s education.

I was hoping to gain the knowledge, confidence, and tools to speak up more effectively and understand systems better. I also wanted to be part of creating meaningful change so that schools become more inclusive, responsive, and supportive for all families.

Q: What was your experience like participating in PLF as a parent?

A: My experience participating in PLF as a parent was both empowering and transformative. It created a space where I felt heard, valued, and connected to other parents who were just as passionate about making a difference for their children and communities.

One moment that really stood out to me was when I felt confident enough to share my personal experiences and perspectives in a group setting, and realized how many others could relate. That sense of connection and validation reminded me that our voices truly matter. I also appreciated the opportunities to learn about advocacy, leadership, and how to navigate systems that can often feel overwhelming.

Q: Was there a specific moment during PLF that shifted how you saw yourself as a leader or advocate? If so, what happened?  

A: One of the most defining moments for me was when we had the opportunity to host a meeting with the CPS Chief of Community Engagement. I served as the facilitator, and that experience truly shifted how I saw myself as a leader.

In that role, I was responsible for making sure our parents led the conversation. That meant creating space for their voices, asking tough questions, and not shying away from pushing back when responses didn’t fully address our concerns. It wasn’t always easy, but it was necessary.

What stood out most was how, together, we stood in our power. We spoke up about how parents were being left out of critical decisions that were directly impacting our families during COVID. 

Q: How did PLF impact your confidence, skills, or perspective as a parent?

A: I realized that leadership isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about creating space, amplifying voices, and advocating with courage and purpose. That experience gave me a new level of confidence in my ability to lead and to push for meaningful change.

Q: What led you from being a PLF parent participant to joining the organization as staff?

A: After being a part of PLF and other K1C programs, I started to realize that this work wasn’t just something I wanted to be part of temporarily; it was something I wanted to commit to more deeply. I began to see myself not just as a participant, but as someone who could help guide and support other parents on that same journey.

My transition into staff was inspired by a desire to give back and help build the kind of supportive, empowering environment that had such a strong impact on me. I wanted to be part of strengthening others and making sure more parents have access to the tools, confidence, and opportunities to advocate for their families and communities.

Q: Now that you support parents in your current role, how does your experience as a PLF participant shape the way you do your work?  

A: Now that I support parents in my current role, my experience as a PLF participant shapes everything about how I show up in the work. Because I’ve been in their position, I lead with empathy and intention. I understand what it feels like to find your voice, to question whether you belong in certain spaces, and to take that step to speak up anyway.

I’m very intentional about creating spaces where parents feel safe, respected, and truly heard; not just included, but valued as leaders. I prioritize making sure parents have the tools, information, and confidence to lead conversations, ask hard questions, and advocate for their families, just like I learned to do.

My role is to support, guide, and sometimes push parents to recognize their own power. I want them to walk away feeling the same sense of confidence and purpose that I gained through PLF, knowing that their experiences matter and that they can influence real change in their communities.

Q: What would you say to a parent who is considering applying to PLF this year?

A: PLF is more than just a program; it’s a space where your voice matters. You don’t have to have all the answers or see yourself as a “leader” yet. This experience helps you grow into that. You’ll gain tools, confidence, and a deeper understanding of how to advocate effectively, all while building meaningful connections with other parents who are on a similar journey. If you’re even considering applying to PLF, that already says a lot about your commitment to your child and your community.

It may challenge you and push you outside your comfort zone at times, but that’s where the growth happens, and on the other side of that growth is a stronger, more confident version of yourself, one who knows how to speak up, take action, and create change.

If you’re ready to invest in yourself and your ability to make an impact, PLF is absolutely worth it!