Testimonials
“They know what they’re talking about.”
Connected. Authentic. Well-informed. Collaborative. Effective. Persistent.
These are some of the adjectives that prominent decision-makers, elected officials, and advocacy partners have used to describe COFI parents.
Don’t just take it from us. Read what some of the most influential people in the policymaking arena have to say about the power of COFI-trained parent voices in changing the way things are done.
The people in community–you build on those assets. You develop your assets and they become your ambassadors. That’s what distinguishes COFI from other places.
Carlos Azcoitia
Professor Emeritus, National Louis University
COFI’s approach is to say, “Hey, there’s a problem. Let’s figure out how to solve it.” And their parent leaders are the ones who give the perspective.
James Bebley
Acting CEO, Chicago Housing Authority
We were pointing at data. Rosazlia was always the person who would distill it down to how it was going to help parents.
Tawa Jogunosimi
Senior Program Officer, MacArthur Foundation
You can respect parents’ judgment and believe what they say. They are willing to work in the trenches, not just show up for photo-ops.
Senator Kimberly Lightford
Majority Leader, Illinois General Assembly
They are persistent on the issue and are respectful about working with us to find solutions because we’re losing too many kids.
Ernesto Matias
Chief Education Officer, Illinois State Board of Education
COFI parent leaders bring voice to parent concerns, including parents who are not able to or confident sharing their own feedback.
Dr. Jennifer Norrell
Superintendent, East Aurora School District 131
Parents are really the true champions, the true fighters. That gives me the fuel that I need to be able to push while I’m here in Springfield.
Cristina Pacione-Zayas
City of Chicago First Deputy Chief of Staff (and former Illinois State Senator)
All the stories I’ve had the privilege of hearing from COFI parents have stuck with me. No matter the venue, I’ve had some of the best moments of my career with COFI parents.
Jenna Severson
Communications Manager, Economic Security for Illinois
English 
Spanish