Power in Our Stories: Izzi Takes the Capitol
On a warm Tuesday in Sacramento, the steps of the State Capitol Building weren't just a site for politics—they were a stage for purpose.
Representing San Mateo County, our Izzi Early Education team arrived with a clear mission: to ensure the voices of our children and families were heard loud and clear during Head Start California’s Advocacy Day.
Our team—including Denise Cifuentes, Noor Alayan, Angel Barrios, Angel Chang, Alma Ruiz Soto, Carla Overbey, Ines Flores, Yesenia Gomez Ruan, Alondra Ramirez Baraja, Karen Arellano Cruz, Jonathan Oei, Rodrigo Garcia Figueroa, Laura Jimenez, and Moana Lupe—standing proudly with advocates from across the state. We weren't just there to observe; they were there to share our voices.
For many, the highlight was in the feeling of being a part of a movement. Ines Flores, our izzi at City Center’s Family Services Specialist, noted that her favorite moment was the unity found in the crowd.
"My favorite part was marching alongside people I had never met before and chanting together," Ines shared. "I felt genuinely welcomed by a community that deeply cares about the future of our children."
That sense of belonging is what turns a group of individuals into a movement. Whether chanting in unison or walking the halls of the Capitol, the message was the same: Head Start is a pillar of our community.
Following the march, our Izzi team held vital meetings with the offices of state leaders, including Assemblymember Diane Papan, Assemblymember Marc Berman, and State Sen. Josh Becker. These interactions proved that advocacy isn't about being a political expert—it’s about being an expert on your own life.
Parent Ambassador Alondra Ramirez-Barajas experienced this firsthand. While presenting the Head Start Hero award to Assemblymembers Heather Hadwick and Patrick Ahrens, she discovered a powerful connection: both leaders were Head Start graduates themselves.
"I teared up thinking about my own struggles as a mom and how much we had in common," Alondra said. "It made me feel honored to be part of delivering such a meaningful award."
Even when meeting with staff, like those in Assemblymember Berman’s office, the impact was profound. They discussed SB 902 and learned about existing support for student parents, proving that when we show up, we find allies we didn't know we had.
Lessons from the Capitol Steps
So, what did the Izzi team learn from their trip to Sacramento?
Izzi parent Laura Jimenez learned that advocacy isn't just about policy; it's about showing the real-life impact of these programs. "Your voice is a powerful tool for your child and your community," she noted.
Our Executive Director Angel Barrios found the greatest joy in simply connecting with parents. "The biggest takeaway was the importance of never being afraid to stand up for what is truly best for our children," she said. The common thread among all participants was that you just have to be yourself. Advocacy is simply sharing your truth with someone who has the power to help.
To anyone who feels a bit intimidated by the idea of speaking to a legislator, the Izzi team has a simple message: Join us.As Ines Flores beautifully put it, "This is a community that welcomes you with open arms. You are not alone... we all have stories worth sharing, and together, we are stronger."
Advocacy Day may be over, but the work continues. Whether it's through a "thank you" note to a representative or a chant on the Capitol steps, the Izzi team proved that when we speak up, we create the change our children deserve.
Next time, will you join the chorus?
