“We Made It”: Reflections from a PLTI Graduate
At last week’s PLTI Cohort 8 graduation, parent leader Ronda Wallace took the stage to reflect on her journey through the program—what she learned, how she grew, and what leadership means to her now.
Her words capture something we see again and again at PLTI: when parents are given the space to grow, reflect, and lead, that transformation extends far beyond the cohort into families, communities, and our children’s futures.
Below is Ronda’s speech, shared in her own words.
We made it!!!! Can you believe it? A journey we didn’t expect, but accepted with grace, curiosity, and lots of laughter.
PLTI set clear expectations from day one. They were going to stretch us beyond our comfort zones. They even dragged us by the leg—kicking and crying—but we made it.
They encouraged some of us to go beyond the comfort of sitting quietly and to use our voices, because the community needs to hear from them. They encouraged others to listen more and talk less… like myself. They showed me that even though speaking is a comfort zone for me, there is so much power in taking the time to truly listen.
Being the listening ear in the room allows you to hear what others may have missed. It gives you the insight you need to find a deeper problem and become the effective change we all need now for a better future.
And this power has gone well beyond the walls of PLTI—into our hearts and into our homes.
What these 20+ weeks have taught me is what power is, who has it, and how to use it.
Power is making a daring commitment, enduring until completion, and knowing when to receive power from someone other than yourself. That might look like someone in your circle encouraging you to ask for help during life’s challenges, riding through a storm just to be by your side during uncertainty, or even giving you permission to slow down and rest.
Be brave enough to use your voice to say, “Just because you thrive in chaos, doesn’t mean you have to.”
This power that has been ignited in me will burn forever—and it has already touched the hearts of my children.
My family has grown, and I am excited to see where this new journey, this power, and this PLTI family will take us all.
Thank you, Parent Leadership Training Institute.
And in the mighty words of Lizette Valdes of the graduating Class of Cohort 8… “GANG.”
Ronda’s reflection is a powerful reminder of what parent leadership makes possible. This is the kind of impact PLTI is designed to spark. It’s leadership that begins with parents and extends outward, influencing families, communities, and what comes next.
To Ronda and the entire graduating PLTI and CLTI classes: we are proud of you, and we can’t wait to see where your leadership takes you next.
