Parents Who Lead - Jacksonville, FL

05/13/2026

One of the key components of the Parents Who Lead journey is the completion of a community project. While the 20-week leadership experience equips parent leaders with knowledge, advocacy skills, and civic engagement tools, the community project provides a direct connection to students, schools, and neighborhoods. It serves as an opportunity for parent leaders to give back by addressing real challenges and creating meaningful solutions inspired by what they have learned throughout the program.

These projects are rooted in service, leadership, and a commitment to strengthening the community. From education and health initiatives to mentorship and family engagement, each project is designed to uplift families, support students, and create lasting impact.

Over the next couple of weeks, we will highlight several of these projects and showcase how parent leaders are creating meaningful impact throughout our community.

Stay tuned!!

05/12/2026

04/14/2026

Parents Who Lead was launched in 2018 after a Jacksonville Public Education Fund survey revealed a striking reality: 93.8% of Duval County parents did not know who their school board representative was. Last Tuesday, Cohort VII parent leaders, along with their families, attended our school board meeting, many for the very first time. Now, they not only know who represents their district, but they also have a stronger understanding of how to navigate the education system and advocate more effectively for all students.

04/13/2026

Join Cohort VII graduate Rachel Limonta for the inaugural meeting of the Jacksonville Haitian American Chamber of Commerce.

JGHACC Launch Event

04/13/2026

Have you ever wondered what the Parents Who Lead 20 week training experience looks like? Take a moment to read this insightful article from Cohort VII graduate, Martina Williams to learn more.

A reflection on the Parents Who Lead leadership program

04/03/2026

From idea to impact!

"Tangible heARTS Ministry":
A community project turned nonprofit.

Juliane Gonzalez, affectionately known as “Juju,” has always been passionate about the arts and has seen firsthand how they create access, open opportunities, and build confidence in children. Today, her 2023 community project, Tangible heARTs, is actively serving the Jacksonville community as a non-profit "Tangible HeARTS Ministry".

03/12/2026

Parent leadership and civic engagement are truly a family affair. James Clark recently completed the Parents Who Lead training, joining his wife, Tiffany Clark, who was part of the inaugural cohort. Their shared commitment reflects the power of families leading together, and they now become one of three husband-and-wife pairs in our growing network of parent leaders.

James said "I want to advocate for children because of how I continue to see my wife fight for kids and parents. Our children are grown but my wife helped me to see the importance of a father and husband being involved in our schools, our government and our city.”

James said through this process he learned the importance of acting like a C.O.W., showing COMMITMENT, being OPEN & WILLING to change. His community project will strengthen family engagement, literacy and help youth absenteeism

Our other powerful husband and wife Parent Leaders are:

Richa Jethwani (Cohort I) and Kamlesh Jethwani
(Cohort III)

Monique Tookes (Cohort II) Cyrus Tookes (Cohort II)

03/08/2026

Meet our newest Parents Leaders who invested 20 weeks for the benefit of the students and community members in Jacksonville.

This group of 14 parent leaders, made up of both men and women, represents families from neighborhoods all across Jacksonville from the Southside, Arlington, the Westside, Eastside, the Urban Core, and Northside, bringing together voices, perspectives, and lived experiences from various corners of our city. They have children or grandchildren enrolled in 13 Duval County Public Schools across elementary, middle, and high schools, giving them a firsthand understanding of our district and a personal investment in its success.

What makes this group especially impactful is that their community projects tackle real needs. These include supporting student mental health, raising awareness about diabetes, providing tutoring for underserved students, enhancing the reputation and appeal of Duval County Public Schools, maintaining neighborhoods and public spaces, promoting language accessibility, and sharing vital safety information, such as booster seat education for families, just to name a few.

Because they come from a wide range of communities and school environments, their impact will be felt all over Jacksonville.

03/08/2026

Cohort VII Parent Leaders