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5.01.2025

Empowering Parents: Angela's Journey with First 5 Nevada’s Family Leadership Council

Angela Oscanoa standing with her family in a hot air ballon field. Multiple hot air balloons in the air behind them.

Angela, a mother of two, Iker (4) and Angela Emily (18 months), has found her calling as an advocate for early childhood education and family leadership through her involvement with First 5 Nevada’s Family Leadership Council. Her story exemplifies the transformative power of community resources and parent leadership.

Angela joined the Family Leadership Council over a year ago and credits the program with providing resources vital to her family's well-being. From early childhood education support to health and nutrition resources, the Family Leadership Council has empowered Angela to pursue opportunities that benefit her children and herself, including advancing her education and language skills.

"The first five years are crucial," Angela shared, "They shape a child's future. This program has motivated me and my family to find resources that support their health, nutrition, and education."

Angela’s commitment to leadership began at a workshop, where she learned about First 5 Nevada’s initiatives. Inspired by the vision of empowering families, she and her sister decided to join First 5 Nevada’s Family Leadership Council. Since then, Angela has embraced her role as a parent leader—advocating for families, sharing her experiences, and learning from other parents.

She believes that parent leadership plays a pivotal role in children’s development: "Children imitate what their parents do. If we, as parents, lack the confidence to speak or participate, it becomes harder for children to excel. It's vital for us to motivate them to share their opinions and engage with others."

Angela’s participation in the council has not only enriched her family’s life but also extended to her involvement in her children’s school council. Through advocacy and collaboration, she continues to inspire families to access resources and embrace leadership roles.

For Angela, the Family Leadership Council is more than a support group—it’s a space for mutual learning and growth. "Joining this group has been transformative. We share experiences, learn from one another, and discover ways to improve our parenting. It’s about coming together to help our children thrive."

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First 5 Nevada, a program of The Children's Cabinet, is partially supported with funding from the Administration for Children and Families Child Care and Development Fund through a subaward agreement with the Nevada Division of Social Services, Child Care and Development Program (Grant #G00996005). First 5 Nevada was initially developed with funding from the Preschool Development Grant Birth through Five Initiative (PDG B-5), Grant Number 90TP0099, awarded to the Nevada Department of Education, from the Office of Child Care, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the the Office of Child Care, the Administration for Children and Families, or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

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