This summer, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation recognized Parents United for Healthy Schools at its national Food & Community Conference, the first such recognition the foundation has presented. Earlier this week, we shared video of W.K. Kellogg Foundation President Sterling K. Speirn as he commended parents for their community-level work to transform school environments. Yesterday, we shared the story of parent leader Hilda Casarez. Now, we are honored to spotlight parent leader Karina Macedo, who, along with Hilda, accepted this recognition on behalf of Parents United for Healthy Schools.
In accepting the recognition, Karina talks about the power of working together and of the tremendous victories -- such as changing school food and bringing a healthy breakfast in the classroom to all students -- that Parents United has achieved.
She also expresses a fundamental element of Parents United’s approach: giving parents information, skills and perspective to see their own leadership abilities and create changes they value.
“I’m a leader working hard to create changes with many other parents in Chicago,” she said. “But I didn’t always think I was a leader. Through Healthy Schools Campaign, I was able to open my eyes, get involved, raise my voice, and make healthy choices in my life, my family, my school and my community.”
You can hear Karina’s story in her own words in the video below:
Kudos to Karina, Hilda and the many parents working together to raise a strong voice for children’s health.
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