Empowering Parenting Students: A Future-Focused Approach to Education

About the Event

Join us for the First Annual Fall Parenting Student Conference—a special one-day event created to support, uplift, and celebrate parenting students on their college journey.

Hosted by the Fresno City College CARE Program, in collaboration with EOPS, NEXTUP, and CalWORKs, this event is packed with resources, inspiration, and real-world guidance to help you succeed.

Keynote Speakers

Dr. Lisa Mitchell

Dr. Lisa Mitchell is the Executive Director of the Fresno Unified School District (FUSD) African American Academic Acceleration (A4) Department. The mission of the A4 department is to accelerate the academic achievement of African American and Black students within the district by creating an environment where they can achieve academic success throughout their time in school and beyond. Dr. Mitchell is part of a team that plays a vital role in creating a culture in which the needs of students, teachers, families, and the community are met through building positive connections and providing academic and social-emotional support to increase positive student outcomes.

With 14 years in education, ten years working in the child welfare system, and eight years as a medical social worker, Dr. Mitchell has impacted the lives of many, working to improve the quality of life for socioeconomic groups. Dr. Mitchell’s passion lies in community work, advocating for underserved individuals and families of Fresno County and serving on several boards to support her community. Dr. Mitchell has served as Commissioner for the Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission (EOC) for the past eight years, on the Board of Directors for the Marjaree Mason Center for four years, a member of the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Board of Directors for two years, a member of the Board of Directors for the Black Students of California United (BSCU), and is a member of the San Joaquin Valley Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated, where she is the co-chair of the African American Recognition Program for the past twelve years. In addition, Dr. Mitchell served as Commissioner for First 5 Fresno County for six years, served seven years on the Advisory Council for Fresno Institute for Urban Leadership (FIFUL), was a Board Member for Tree Fresno, served as a member of the ABC30 Advisory Council, and was the Advisor for the Bullard High African American Parent Advisory Council for four years.

In June 2008, Dr. Mitchell was recognized as a trailblazer by the San Joaquin Valley Alumnae Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. In March of 2014, Lisa was recognized by the Fresno Black Chamber of Commerce for outstanding contributions to the Fresno area. She received the “Passing the Torch” trailblazer award in February of 2015 from the African American Historical & Cultural Museum and was recognized as ACSA Administer of the Year in 2016. In August 2020, she was selected as one of the Top Ten Professional Women & Leading Business Awards by the Marjaree Mason Center. Dr. Mitchell has overcome many obstacles in her life; however, she believes her struggles have made her a stronger person. She has risen above childhood domestic violence, poverty, and both speech and learning disabilities. Dr. Mitchell contributes her educational accomplishments and passion for community involvement to her grandmother, Ethel Luke, who raised her and has made her the woman she is today.

Dr. Mitchell has two adult daughters, Candice and Bria, age as well as three grandsons, Ellis, Adrian, and Kameron.