Families First Parent Ambassador Mikeya Kirksey is a Power of Parenting alum, a devoted mother of two, and a mentor for participants in our new Parent Leadership Program.
Mikeya Kirksey is a mother of two boys, ages 5 and 13. After she graduated from the Power of Parenting in 2018, she joined the pilot phase of what is now our Parent Leadership program.
The Parent Leadership program grew out of an understanding that parents know their children and communities best. However, when it comes to planning the programs and systems that impact their children’s well-being, the inclusion of parents is lacking.
“I think the Parent Leadership program is a great opportunity for parents to grow—as parents and as people too.” – Mikeya Kirksey, Parent Ambassador
“A lot of parents think, ‘I’m just a parent, and I don’t have any skillsets.’ But, in reality, they have a lot to offer and give. Parents can learn from each other as we advocate for our children.” – Mikeya Kirksey, Parent Ambassador
There is no doubt that parents are role models and agents of change in their communities. Through the Parent Leadership program, parents are creating a ripple effect as they spread positive parenting practices across new networks, advocate for their children, and encourage other parents to do the same. With this upstream approach, hundreds (likely thousands) of additional children will benefit from more equitable systems that are designed to meet their needs.
