Tuesday, Jul. 30, 2024
This year marks a special milestone—ten incredible years of the Parent Accountability Council (PAC) at Early Learning Multnomah (ELM) County. Over the past decade, the PAC has been a driving force in shaping early childhood education, fueled by passionate parent leaders, dedicated staff, and a shared commitment to providing access to high-quality education for all children.
“We’re not only celebrating the 10 years. We’re celebrating 20 and 30 years ahead, because what we do together will benefit, hopefully, our children’s children."
Lai-Lani, Ovalles, Sr. Program Manager of ELM at United Way of the Columbia-Willamette
“We’re not only celebrating the 10 years. We’re celebrating 20 and 30 years ahead, because what we do together will benefit, hopefully, our children’s children," said Lai-Lani, Ovalles, Sr. Program Manager of ELM at United Way of the Columbia-Willamette. The PAC’s vision stretches far beyond today, working to create lasting change that will shape the future for generations to come.
Honoring Leadership, Embracing Change
The event honored both new beginnings and cherished leaders who have been instrumental in the PAC’s journey. The excitement was palpable as attendees reflected on the leadership of figures like Molly Day, who retired this year after guiding the PAC with passion and dedication. "I am so proud that it has been our PAC that has decided how Early Learning Multnomah spends its money, how we spend our time, and how we do our work," Molly shared, reflecting on her time at the helm.
Change was a major theme of the celebration—embracing it with grace and recognizing its inevitability. As one speaker humorously reminded the audience, “We change every day. We gotta get up in the morning, change our clothes, change our face, change our attitude. So change can be good.”
A Community Built on Love and Accountability
PAC’s success over the past ten years is thanks to the strength of its parent leaders and their deep commitment to the community. As one long-time PAC member shared, "Each and every one of us here does unpack all the cultures that are represented. We shine when it comes to our parents. We make sure that your voice is heard on every platform." This strong foundation of trust, representation, and cultural respect has allowed PAC to flourish and make a meaningful impact on the lives of many families.
The event was also a celebration of togetherness and gratitude, with a heartfelt poem reminding everyone of the power of giving: “We give because giving has changed us...Together, we made something greater from that difference.” It’s this spirit of collective generosity and shared purpose that has made PAC such a vital part of Early Learning Multnomah County’s work.
Looking to the Future
As the PAC moves forward, there’s excitement for what the next decade will bring. One speaker perfectly summed up the sentiment: “For 10 years, we are now in double digits. We are now preteen, and we started out as a seed. Here’s to 10 more years!”
Looking ahead, the PAC remains committed to amplifying the voices of parents, continuing to drive change, and ensuring that the path forward is shaped by those who know firsthand the importance of early education—our parents.
So, here’s to ten years of growth, change, and impact—and to many more years of empowering families and building brighter futures for our children.
