In this episode of The Bold and the Brave: A Parent Leader Podcast, parent leaders Zulema Gomez and Melvette Hill discuss recent developments in their careers and lives, and the power of parent leadership. The conversation also explores the impact of parent leadership training initiatives like the Parent Leadership Training Institute (PLTI), the importance of bipartisan civic engagement, and the significance of participating in the democratic process through voting and jury service.

Melvette announces her new role as the Executive Director of the Connecticut General Assembly's Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity, and Opportunity (CWCSEO), sharing her journey from a parent leader and PLTI graduate to this Executive Director position.

Zulema and Melvette also recount their experiences and insights from national gatherings advocating for family policy and education such as the UPLAN National Gathering and the Children's Defense Fund Freedom School National Training, emphasizing the power of collective advocacy and finding common ground despite political differences. The conversation also touches on the recent historic conviction of former President Donald Trump and the importance of civic duties like voting and jury service.

The discussion concludes with a call to stay informed on school board activities, and recent Supreme Court decisions, and to maintain civic duties even during the summer.

00:00 Introduction and Greetings

01:25 Career Updates and Exciting New Role

03:36 Journey to Leadership

08:30 UPLAN National Convening and Policy Advocacy

10:35 Finding Common Ground Despite Political Differences

17:10 Children's Defense Fund Freedom School National Training

19:30 Historical Conviction and Civic Duties and Responsibilities

28:09 Summer Engagement and Supreme Court Watch

30:09 Conclusion and Upcoming Events