Graduation from the (PLTI) marks the culmination of a 20-week session program, in which parent leaders showcase their community-based projects. This initiative can often be the genesis of significant endeavors, as exemplified in our case, which originated from the passionate vision of Veronica Cervantes, a Parent Leader in the 2024 class. Her fervent desire was to connect with and strengthen Mexican traditions Parent Leadership Training Institute. Mrs. Cervantes articulated, "We are planning to leave a legacy to our children and our community through folk dance and our culture." Her enthusiasm, coupled with her passion, garnered interest from both me and other PLTI leaders of Mexican descent. We commenced operations with unwavering conviction, resolving to transform our aspiration into a tangible commitment. The establishment of a Danza group necessitated a structured process, including the formation of a non-profit organization, the application for 501(c)(3) status, and the procurement of insurance, among other requirements. Our Danbury Mexican Cultural Center was opened in July 2024. The founding members of this center are Estela Camacho, Veronica Cervantes, and Emiret Gonzalez, all PLTI Graduates.

PLTI furnished us with the requisite skills and tools to develop a program that we perceive as essential to our community. It underscores the understanding that a change process encompasses, but is not limited to, public policy, accountability, and a focus on solutions, recognizing the inherent richness within our community that can be leveraged. PLTI provides a secure environment for learning, application, and growth, alleviating concerns of solitary effort. We endeavor to cultivate and strengthen our community for our families and all residents of Danbury.

The Mexican Cultural Center (MCC) has actively participated in numerous Danbury events, primarily through the Danbury City Center. This year, Lazaro Chavez extended the opportunity for the MCC to initiate a Cinco de Mayo celebration in Danbury, CT.  While not a principal national holiday in Mexico, it is widely observed in the United States as a day to acknowledge and honor Mexican culture and heritage. Another significant event was the Mosaic Experience, a multicultural concert held in Brewster Old Town Hall. We collaborated with Stephanie Schleicher, Olenna, Bonnie, and Daniel from the Cultural Arts Coalition, enabling our MCC to present Raices en Pasarela, in which several of our members showcased traditional Mexican attire. The MCC's leadership team also extended invitations and shared the stage with other distinguished performers, including Natyamudra School Dance, Qala Creations, Juventud Latina, Frank Rios, and PLTI graduates Fabian Wilson Arevalo, and Oswaldo Chin, and Victor Fuentes. Board members of the MCC present included President Estela Camacho, Vice President Veronica Cervantes, Secretary and Raices Coordinator Gina Razo, and Marketing Specialist Martha Veronica Pardo.  The Mosaic Experience was successful due to the collaboration between TOSCAC, MCC, Mini Santosh (a PLTI Graduate) and all volunteers.

I strongly advocate for participation in PLTI programs. Should you possess the resources to financially support this leadership, civic engagement, and community action program, please contact Susan Giglio at Families Network of Western CT, Danbury, at 203-791-8773.