NTE is excited to launch the Families as Decision Makers (FDM) Advisory Group in Fall 2022! The inaugural group of family advisors is proud Newarkers who are very familiar with our work in Early Learning and P-12 Education and evolving into design partners who provide input on program development and delivery. NTE nominated this talented group of family leaders for the SPAN's Empowering Women in Community Leadership for Healthier Families program. They are all currently the first cohort helping us co-design the advisory, which we launched in Summer 2022.
We look forward to growing the advisory group into a true partnership with a diverse, multi-generational group of family leaders in Newark.
Cynthia Basheer is a mother and a teacher at an Early Head Start Center in the city and is an active community connector in the Clinton Hill area. An avid learner, she has participated in several workshops and courses, including parenting and social-emotional programs offered by SPAN Parent Advocacy Network and Abbott Leadership Institute. Cynthia is always looking for opportunities to share her knowledge and skills with other parents and caregivers in her community and connect them with valuable educational and social programs and services in Newark. NTE recently nominated Cynthia for the SPAN's Empowering Women in Community Leadership for Healthier Families training program. Along with three others who completed this program, Cynthia is part of the pilot of NTE's Families as Decision Makers (FDM) advisory group, launched in Summer 2022. As she evolves into a community-based leader, Cynthia would like to be a role model for other parents and work towards supporting families in the community.
Tiffany Newton is a parent to three children, an educational advocate, and a lifelong learner. She has been an active participant in parent/caregiver programs offered through SPAN Parent Advocacy Network, Abbott Leadership Institute, Newark for Educational Equity and Diversity, Vital Village NOW, and Project Ready, among others. In addition, she has served in leadership positions in PTOs in Newark public and charter schools for over 18 years. As a result, Tiffany feels empowered to help not just her children and family but also members of her community to visualize what a high-quality education and community can look like and work together towards these ideals. She also recently completed SPAN's Empowering Women program and is one of four parents active in NTE's FDM advisory group. As she evolves into a community-based leader, Tiffany seeks to "have a seat at the table in education to solidify that every parent and child whose voice which was overlooked in the past will not only be heard but honored so that we may all thrive as a community."
Mary Omole is a parent and a Newarker who emigrated from Nigeria. She has been an active participant in several programs conducted by NTE, SPAN, and ALI. She has supported her children's learning and development by learning about SEL, Early Learning, and other programs that support families in Newark. She has also taken on this role for her larger community. Mary recently completed the SPAN Empowering Women program and is active in NTE's FDM advisory group. As she evolves into a community-based leader, Mary would like to see more families involved in rooting for a safe and violence-free community. Mary has two degrees, including a bachelor's and Masters in Mass Communication, and other skills she would love to use in serving in the community.
Michon Westbrook-Crawford is a proud parent, grandparent, and KIPP NJ Team Academy community member. She has been an active participant in parenting and personal development programs offered by SPAN and ALI, as well as the KIPP NJ Parent Partnership and Project Ready. Through these experiences and her extensive work as a PTA leader, she emerged as a role model and sounding board for other parents, caregivers, and community members. Michon recently completed the SPAN's Empowering Women program and is active in NTE's FDM advisory group. As she evolves into a community-based leader, Michon reminds us of Sue Atkins' quote that" there is no such thing as a perfect parent. So just be a real one!"
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