Mellvette Hill
Parent Leadership Training Institute
Bridgeport, CT

Mellvette Hill, State Coordinator for the Parent Leadership Training Institute, a civic engagement program, speaks on her journey from parent participant, to trainer, to director. She discusses the impact of learning about power and privilege, and the importance of parents being included as partners and decision makers at the local and state levels.

"My story? When I am invited to participate in a committee, board or other civic activity, more often than not, I am the only person of color at the table. In addition, sometimes I am the only woman. So, I am the black woman in the room. I’ve learned that in some cases I am intentionally the token and in others unintentionally; diversity wasn’t even on their radar.

Upon my arrival and introduction at the meeting I acknowledge myself as a black woman and that I appreciate their commitment to welcoming diversity to the work, even if it wasn’t their intention, it shows a light on what their intentions should be. "

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