On September 20–21, 2025, nearly 100 parent leaders and 50 children came together for the 2025 Innovate Parent Leadership Institute (PLI). Parents traveled from across California and as far as Colorado to be in community, to learn, and to lead.
What unfolded was a powerful two-day institute that created a rare and transformative space: one where parents felt seen, heard, valued, and mobilized as leaders. “For the first time, I feel at home and welcomed, understood, and inspired to act in my community,” one parent reflected.
Parents are the most consistent advocates for their children. When given the tools, knowledge, and networks, they not only speak up for their own families but also transform education systems for every child. That belief has always been at the heart of PLI, and this year’s gathering proved just how vital that work is. Nearly 100 parent leaders from across the country attended this year’s PLI, including many from immigrant communities, building connections and finding common ground in the challenges they face and the aspirations they hold for their children.
“It’s always about the community organizations or the young people. I’ve never been in a space where there’s been an investment of time and energy in my leadership as a parent.”
By equipping parents with knowledge, leadership skills, and networks, Innovate helps more people actively participate in the democratic process. Parents left PLI not only inspired but ready to act: to organize in their communities, to collaborate with educators and faith leaders, and to bring their solutions to the table. In Redwood City, CA, parent leaders are moving swiftly to create leadership teams as they prepare for upcoming school board elections. In Colorado, school board candidates are seeking to partner more closely with Innovate to increase civic participation and identify opportunities for collective mobilization to demand funding transparency and wraparound service support for students.
Parents who are empowered to organize, advocate, and engage with school boards or policymakers are exercising their voice and influence—key elements of a healthy democracy. In this way, PLI not only transforms education systems but also strengthens civic participation and community decision-making.
PLI at the Heart of Innovate’s Work
This year’s institute underscored how deeply PLI connects to Innovate’s vision for change. At the center of our work is building parent and family knowledge and power, because lasting transformation in education is only possible when parents are equipped to lead it. Parents left PLI not only inspired but ready to act: to organize in their communities, to collaborate with educators and faith leaders, and to bring their solutions to the table. In a moment when civil liberties and educational opportunities are under threat, parents affirmed that their leadership is essential.
PLI also reflects Innovate’s unique role as a convener and mobilizer. By bringing together parents across regions and backgrounds, we’re cultivating a strong and growing network of advocates who are prepared to lead change today. The 2025 Parent Leadership Institute was proof that when families feel seen, valued, and equipped, they generate the kind of hope and determination that drives real change. And it was a reminder of Innovate’s conviction: when parents lead, education systems transform.
The 2025 Parent Leadership Institute was made possible thanks to the generous support of our sponsors: Silicon Valley Community Foundation (Public Schools Program), Sobrato Philanthropies, County of San Mateo, Kaiser Permanente, and Cañada College, which graciously hosted this year’s institute.
We also extend special thanks to AJ Gutierrez, CEO of Equal Opportunity Schools and Innovate Board Chair, and Innovate Community Organizer Maurice Goodman of the Bay Area Peninsula, whose generosity and leadership embody the spirit of this work.
We are also deeply grateful to our partner organizations—including PAL Center, El Concilio of San Mateo County, Coastside Hope, PCRC, and Transform Education Now—that stood alongside parents to ensure this year’s institute was a success.
Building on the energy and momentum of this year’s PLI, Innovate is excited to announce the 2026 Community Organizer Training Program (COTP), launching in January in Los Angeles and the Bay Area. This six-month program equips both new and experienced organizers with the skills, tools, and networks to mobilize parents and communities, influence policy, and advance high-quality education for all students. Participants learn how to build grassroots power, navigate complex systems, and collaborate across sectors to create lasting change. Registration is now open! Apply today to join a growing movement of parent and community leaders working to transform education through strong civic engagement.