Student Voices Matter: A Roundtable Discussion With Pregnant and Parenting Students

Student Voices Matter: A Roundtable Discussion with Pregnant and Parenting Students Thursday, June 23, 2022 | 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. PST Register for the event

Nearly 4 million student parents across the country courageously work to attain their postsecondary degrees; in fact, 20% of all undergraduate students in California are parents. Often overlooked, pregnant and parenting students must overcome time poverty; a lack of affordable childcare and family-friendly housing’ limited course availability; and many other challenges, including feeling isolated, disconnected, and unwelcome by their college campuses–all while providing for their families and completing their studies. In spite of these obstacles, student parents consistently achieve higher grade point averages than non-parenting students.

Join the Michelson 20MM Foundation on June 23rd for a student-centered discussion that aims to uplift the unique experiences and challenges faced by student parents. 

Opening Remarks by ALYA MICHELSON

Co-chair, Michelson Philanthropies Alya Michelson is an artist, philanthropist, and journalist who is passionate about uplifting women’s and immigrant stories. An immigrant herself from Russia, Alya led an awarded career in journalism before moving to the United States and launching a career as an artist working in multiple genres. Today, she serves as co-chair of Michelson Philanthropies and is developing a new project that celebrates global citizenship by highlighting how the immigrant experience strengthens the American story.

With a presentation from THERESA ANDERSON, PhD

Senior Researcher, Urban Institute

Dr. Theresa Anderson is a senior researcher at the Urban Institute. She is interested in improving access to and success in education throughout the life course, from early childhood to adulthood. Her work has focused on parenting students, low-income families, opportunity youth, community college students, adult education students, high school students from historically underserved populations, and public housing residents. She is passionate about using research to inform action that helps adults, children, and families meet their education and life goals.

Moderated by: AMBER ANGEL

Program Officer, Educational Credit Management Corporation (ECMC) Foundation

Panelists include:

SADE JOHNSON
Graduate Assistant, California State University (CSU), Fresno, Project Hope

BIANCA ESTRADA
Masters of Social Work Intern, CSU Monterey Bay Basic Needs Initiative

JASMIN OTHMAN
Career Advisor and Academic Coach, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly) Mustang Success Center

STEPHANIE VALDEZ
Student Parent, CSU Monterey Bay

MAYA SIMONE VALREE
Student Parent, Cal Poly 

PRISCILLA AMAO
Student Parent, CSU Monterey Bay

SULEYMA MARTINEZ
Student Parent, CSU Long Beach

ALFONSO MORELOS
Student Parent, CSU Monterey Bay

EMILY ELIZABETH
Student Parent, CSU Monterey Bay

TARAH DANIELS
Student Parent, CSU Long Beach