Leslie Priscilla

I attribute my success to purpose, courage, authenticity, cultural connection, and a commitment to serving my community. Rather than waiting for culturally responsive parenting resources to become available, I chose to create the resources I recognized were missing. My work is deeply informed by my lived understanding of family and culture, and I approach difficult conversations about parenting with compassion, respect, and an open mind rather than judgment. Above all, I believe in taking meaningful action. When we feel called to create something that addresses a genuine need, there is likely a person, family, or community that can benefit from what we have to offer.

The best career advice I have received has come through the mentorship and wisdom of Ruth Beaglehole and Stacey Patton, whose work has profoundly influenced my professional development. Their perspectives have deepened my understanding of children, parenting, nonviolence, and the broader cultural systems that shape how families raise and connect with their children. Their guidance has reinforced the importance of continuous learning, thoughtful advocacy, and approaching my work with both compassion and purpose. Mentorship and community have been instrumental in helping me develop an approach that honors established parenting principles while recognizing and addressing the unique cultural experiences of Latino families.

My advice to young women entering my industry is to be courageous and willing to take calculated risks. When an opportunity aligns with your purpose, it is often better to take the leap, knowing you have prepared yourself with the skills, knowledge, and support needed to succeed, than to let fear hold you back. Trust your vision and remember that there is always someone, somewhere, looking for exactly what you have to offer. Your unique perspective and willingness to pursue meaningful work can create opportunities not only for yourself, but also for the people and communities you serve.

One of the most significant challenges I address is the need for parenting education that is both effective and culturally responsive. Many families want to move away from harmful disciplinary practices while also fearing that doing so means abandoning traditions, authority, respect, or cultural identity. My work focuses on creating a bridge between these perspectives by helping families recognize that healing and cultural connection can coexist. I also see a tremendous opportunity to expand culturally responsive education beyond individual families by equipping educators, mental health professionals, social-service providers, school districts, and organizations serving Latino communities with the knowledge and tools to better support parents. Through Latinx Parenting, my book Chancla: Healing Our Families, Ourselves, and Our Cultures Through Nonviolent Parenting, and my planned curriculum and certification program, I hope to scale this impact and empower more professionals to foster healthier family relationships, support intergenerational healing, and help communities break harmful cycles while honoring the cultural traditions that strengthen families.

The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are respect, cultural connection, healing, compassion, family, dignity, community, and breaking harmful intergenerational cycles. I believe families should never have to choose between honoring their cultural identity and embracing healthier parenting practices. Instead, I encourage families to preserve the values that strengthen connection, including family, community, belonging, and mutual respect, while thoughtfully examining practices that may cause harm. I also value authenticity and believe that meaningful change begins with compassion, understanding, and a willingness to have difficult conversations without shame or judgment.