In this Season 2 episode of The ParentCamp Podcast, host April F. Draine is joined by Julie Pile, President of ParentCamp, and ParentCamp coach Maz Ashraf for an inspiring conversation about what happens when parents move beyond their comfort zones and step into their power.
Maz shares her personal journey as a stay-at-home parent, immigrant, and mother navigating a new education system—first feeling like she was “just a parent,” and later realizing she is the parent. Together, the group explores how ParentCamp creates inclusive spaces where families feel safe, valued, and capable of contributing—regardless of language, background, or experience.
This episode is a celebration of growth, confidence, and community—and a reminder that when parents are given the opportunity, they rise.
What you’ll hear in this episode:
- Maz’s growth from volunteering parent to ParentCamp coach
- How ParentCamp builds confidence through belonging and trust
- The importance of multilingual and culturally responsive engagement
- Why parents often underestimate their own leadership potential
- How community spaces help parents move beyond their comfort zones
- What it means to shift from “just a parent” to the parent
Key Takeaways
- Parents don’t lack ability—they often lack encouragement and opportunity.
- Confidence grows when parents feel seen, validated, and supported.
- Language and culture should never be barriers to leadership.
- ParentCamp creates space for parents to discover their voice.
- Community connection strengthens both families and schools.
- If one parent can step forward, others can too.
Key Quotes:
- “You are not just a parent. You are the parent.” – Maz Ashraf
- “If I can do it, any parent can do it.” – Maz Ashraf
- “Parents often see potential in others before they see it in themselves.” – Julie Pile
- “ParentCamp creates the space where confidence can grow.” – April F. Draine
Show Notes:
- Episode Title: Finding Your Voice, Your Place, and Your Power
- Hosts: April F. Draine
- Guests:
- Resources Mentioned:
- Angela Masden, Play Cousins Collective https://playcousinscollective.wildapricot.org/ and Rose Dove Consulting https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089104753651
- Matt Morrison, The Delaware Dream Center – https://dreamcenterde.org/
- Matt Morrison The ParentCamp Podcast Episode – https://youtu.be/r04hhphIfNE?si=B0bEMxYVGkl0n1zk
- Aspira Academy Charter School, Newark, DE – https://www.aspiraacademy.org/
- Aspira Academy Charter School YouTube ParentCamp Video (English) – https://youtu.be/z-ArDJxijd0?si=Fq_7MAY7OO15VgJR
- Aspira Academy Charter School YouTube ParentCamp Video (Spanish) – https://youtu.be/JJGmE8zibMY?si=I_L_fNC2Eqj2VXNm
- Delaware Department of Education – https://education.delaware.gov/
- Delaware Department of Education ParentCamp Video – https://youtu.be/1j7o_duwqi4?si=KWj5hB8R-z0cuYwB
- Call to Action:
- Visit the ParentCamp website (https://www.parentcamp.org/) to learn more and bring ParentCamp to your school or district
- Sign up for the ParentCamp Newsletter – http://cerkl.com/org/profile.php?id=1999
- Join us for our monthly Virtual ParentCamp – Dates in our Newsletter Archive – https://app.cerkl.com/org/profile.php?id=1999
- Share your experiences with family-school partnerships on social media using #ParentCamp #TheParentCampPodcast
- Connect with Us:
- ParentCamp’s Website: www.parentcamp.org
- ParentCamp’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ParentCamp
- ParentCamp Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/parentcamp
- ParentCamp Twitter: https://x.com/ParentCamp
- ParentCamp LinedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/parentcamp
- ParentCamp Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parentcampglobal/
- Julie Pile LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliapile/
- Julie Pile Twitter: https://x.com/juliepile
- Laura Gilchrist LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauragilchristedu/
- Laura Gilchrist Twitter: https://x.com/LauraGilchrist4
- April F. Draine Linktree – https://linktr.ee/aprilfdraine
For more information and to listen to the episode visit Apple, Spotify or on ParentCamp’s Podcast YouTube Playlist.
#ParentCamp #TheParentCampPodcast #FSCE #FamilyEngagement #Education #Parents #Families #Community #EducationPodcast
#Aspira #Nosotrassomosfamilia #Spanish #Delaware #DEDelivers #DEDOE #NewarkDE #CharterSchools