Cultural humility is characterized by a commitment to listening, leading with compassion and honesty, and celebrating all cultures to build trust and authentically support community restoration and empowerment.
Yolanda, a passionate parent advocate in Tacoma, Washington, personifies cultural humility, working to ensure that all children have access to a safe, nurturing educational environment that meets their needs. She reflects on her journey highlighting the significance of charter public schools as essential options for families.
Having grown up in Tacoma, Yolanda recognizes that her advocacy marks a full-circle moment, from student to parent. Inspired by her own mother’s work growing up, Yolanda is driven by a desire to make a difference not only in the lives of her own children, but feels a duty to fight for all kids in her community. “It’s important to get involved and I see that now as a mom myself,” she emphasizes, noting how easy it can be for parents to feel disconnected from their schools.
Yolanda’s role as the ‘crew mom’ is about her being a deeply trusted parent in her community. Fellow parents trust her to drive children to activities, while they rely on Yolanda as a trusted source of school news. “The kids say that I am smart and helpful. They know they are safe and accepted with me.” Yolanda bridges the disconnect that families sometimes face by encouraging other parents to engage actively in their children’s education and school activities.
For Yolanda, transparent communication and strong relationships with staff have been standout features of being a charter public school parent. “I remember a time a staff member at my son’s school called me about something that had happened between the students. I was surprised by how attentive the staff member was and was pleased with how the school and staff had instilled in the kids what’s okay and what’s not.” Yolanda knows that students feel safe to speak up when they know they will be heard; she feels that in itself can be life-changing for kids. Yolanda believes that schools must prioritize empathy and understanding to meet the diverse needs of the students they serve and to foster spaces where all kids can thrive.
Drawing from her own experiences as a Native and Mexican American, Yolanda emphasizes the need for schools to embrace diversity and create anti-discriminatory environments. “We have to build a different world where we have education options that center empathy and have spaces where our children and their families feel safe,” she insists. This approach resonates deeply with her as she teaches her boys to appreciate their mixed heritage and to be open and accepting of all cultures.
Yolanda’s role in the community is rooted in her deep understanding of the challenges that many families face in finding their place and feeling accepted. Yolanda acknowledges that for some, especially for immigrant families, “it can be scary for some to put their authentic selves out there at times.” She is committed to fostering true respect and empathy that transcends diverse backgrounds. Through her advocacy, Yolanda passionately fights for all kids and champions a culture of understanding that not only uplifts individuals but strengthens the community as a whole. Parents and community members trust Yolanda because of her commitment to intentional communication and building trusting relationships. She believes these efforts are key to creating a brighter future for all students.
Yolanda’s mission is clear: to inspire more parents to engage in the educational journey so that every child has the opportunity to learn in a safe and supportive environment. “We have to acknowledge that we are all different. Communication, respect, and safety can go a long way to becoming a unit. Our kids are at school together all day and for us to start the process of being involved, getting everyone to be on the same page, we have to become a unit and find ways we can contribute to the unit.”