The pandemic has underscored the need for many changes within the public school system. Families are an underserved and underutilized lever for creating that change, especially in the most marginalized communities where GO is committed to working.
Prior to GO Eden was the Director of Research at A+ Colorado, a school-based Program Manager at a social service organization, and spent some time in the classroom. Eden also worked at an orphanage in Central America and loves to travel there (and anywhere else) and bring her camera. The rest of Eden’s time and energy is spent being the cool aunt™️ to her nieces and nephew.
"I am hopeful that as more and more parents realize the great power they hold as leaders we will be able to organize ourselves and build a parent-student minded coalition that fights for the rights of our children. All children, regardless of socio-economic status, race, or background deserve a high-quality education."
Carmen has been a part of the Fresno Unified School District for the last 15 years as a mother to a 20-year-old, a 17-year-old, and a 5-year-old who just started his educational path. She is committed to advocacy work surrounding public education to ensure that all children receive equitable, high-quality instruction that will lead them on a path to success and provide them with the skills necessary to thrive in the labor force of the 21st century.
Most importantly, she believes the love of learning can be restored in the hearts of all Fresno’s children.
"My hope is that other parents like myself raise their voices and concerns and receive the tools they need to unite together for quality schools and equity for all our children."
Juana Iris Mesa is a mother of 4 children, Leonardo who is 13 years old, Jayla who is 8 years old, Ryan who is 3 years old and Josselyne who is 1 year old. Her two oldest children are currently enrolled in Fresno Unified Schools.
She is someone who is active in her own community and her passion is to help others around her and she also enjoys learning new knowledge so that she can share this back to her community.
Juana graduated from GO Fresno’s 2nd Family Leadership Program on May 2018 so that she could gain the tools she needed to advocate for quality education. Since then, she has joined the Family Leadership Action Group (FLAG), participated in one on one meetings with board members, has taken her advocacy at a State Level in Sacramento about issues of financial aid and has actively spoken at board meetings on issues that matter to her.
During her free time, she enjoyed spending quality time around her family. One of her most favorite things to do together as a family is camping. Juana also enjoys learning and participating at events that her community provides.
"I firmly believe that change is possible and we must start by educating ourselves so that we can take our knowledge to our communities. GO Fresno is a great place to start with this journey."
Lorena Moreno is a LatinX mother who was born in Mexico. She has 3 children, Romeo who is 8 years old, Fabricio who is 6 years old and Yamila who is 3 years old. All her children are currently attending schools in the Fresno Unified School District.
Her passion is to learn new things every day so that she can take all her knowledge and experiences in her community. Lorena knows that it is very important to help other marginalized communities. She has been actively involved as a volunteer with GO Fresno over the past year and a half. Lorena was a graduate of GO Fresno’s 2nd Family Leadership Program on May 2018. During her time with GO, she has also advocated at the State Level in Sacramento on issues of financial aid, spoken at board meetings, has engaged and led conversations with board members, and supported the 4th cohort of Family Leaders. Lorena is also involved in different programs such as ELAC, attending PTA meetings at her children’s schools, and advocacy and volunteer time in Head-Start.
Lorena’s hopes and dreams are that one day all schools are given high-quality opportunities and especially low-income neighborhoods like hers.