September 13, 2023 – California State PTA is honoring its advocacy origins. Like the PTA founders who first met over 125 years ago to discuss issues affecting children, PTA representatives from throughout the state of California recently met to discuss issues affecting children and families. The organization adopted advocacy goals ranging from expanding civic engagement to enacting common sense gun control to safeguarding the well-being of children and families.

Kathleen Fay, California State PTA Legislation Director for the 2023-2025 term, said “With these forward-looking advocacy goals in place, the association is poised to make a positive difference in the lives of children and families, whether it be promoting informed family engagement or providing support for vulnerable youth.”

At the quarterly meeting of the state’s Board of Managers, leaders from throughout California voted to advocate for legislation, policies, and measures that:

• safeguard the health, safety, welfare, culture, and well-being of children and families, including mental health services and support for vulnerable youth;
• promote evidence-based, informed family engagement;
• expand civic engagement, learning, and participation;
• enact common sense gun control.

In addition, the advocacy goals include providing programs, expertise, and resources to support and expand PTA advocacy at the local level.

Affirming the state organization’s dedication to local PTA leaders, Shereen Walter, California State PTA President for the 2023-2025 term, said “California State PTA reaffirms its commitment to support and enhance the advocacy efforts of our local leaders. Recognizing the unique needs and challenges faced by communities across the state, the association aims to empower local PTAs with the tools and knowledge needed to effectively advocate for positive change within their respective regions.”

About California State PTA:

California State PTA connects families, schools, and communities. We are part of the foundation of our public education system and a trusted messenger to millions of members, parents, families, educators, and allied agencies throughout the state. PTA is the nation’s largest volunteer-led child advocacy association working to drive improvements in the education, health, and well-being of all children and families.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Barbara Smith
Vice President for Communications
bsmith@capta.org

September 12, 2023 – SACRAMENTO, CA – California State PTA, the state’s oldest and largest child advocacy organization, is looking to the future. Anticipating new challenges and opportunities in the years ahead, the statewide leadership has adopted goals for more effectively helping the 3000-plus local PTAs support all the children, families, and schools in their communities.
Shereen Walter, California State PTA President for the 2023-2025 term, explained that the new goals include strategic planning to align the PTA’s vision with emerging trends, technologies, and educational needs.

“Our association aims to continue its leadership as we adapt parental involvement and advocacy to fit the evolving landscape of education,” Walter said. “We are committed to supporting educational excellence and the welfare of all children and families by strengthening PTA’s impact through strategic partnerships, innovative advocacy campaigns, and data-driven initiatives.”
Walter added that California State PTA is also committed to cultivating an inclusive organization that recognizes the diverse communities its local associations serve. “Everyone’s voice needs to be heard and valued.”

Every PTA is a membership organization. PTA thus is focused on sustaining an outstanding membership base and expanding its reach throughout the state.
“Our membership is our strength,” said Heather Ippolito, California State PTA President-Elect. “To keep attracting and retaining a diverse community of individuals, and helping our local PTAs to do the same, we will continue looking for ways to enhance member benefits, connect people throughout the state, and provide helpful content and training to our local leaders. Our goal is to train, develop, and support a robust network of leaders who will carry the work of PTA forward for decades to come.”
Through collaborative efforts and a shared commitment to education, California State PTA is poised to make a lasting impact in the lives of children and families across the state.

About California State PTA:

California State PTA connects families, schools, and communities. We are part of the foundation of our public education system and a trusted messenger to millions of members, parents, families, educators, and allied agencies throughout the state. PTA is the nation’s largest volunteer-led child advocacy association working to drive improvements in the education, health, and well-being of all children and families.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Barbara Smith
Vice President for Communications
bsmith@capta.org

July 5, 2023 – SACRAMENTO, CA – Shereen Walter, a passionate advocate for all children and families, began her term as California State PTA President on July 1, 2023. Walter was elected to the 2023-25 term of office. In her new role, she will chair the Board of Directors and be the Chief Executive Officer of the California State PTA. Walter now leads the largest volunteer-led child advocacy association in California as it strives to improve the health, safety, education, and welfare of the state’s nine million children.

A resident of Orange County and mother of three adult children, Walter has volunteered in various PTA roles for over twenty years. Her service with PTA has included roles at the local, regional, and state levels, including a local PTA unit president, council treasurer, and district Vice President for Legislative Advocacy, and at the state as Vice President for Health and Community Concerns, Director of Legislation, and President-Elect.

“I can’t think of anything more important than advocating for the health, safety, and education of all of our children,” said Walter. “We know that when families and schools work together, all children benefit. I look forward to leading this organization which is dedicated to championing the rights and needs of children and families in California.”

Walter’s work with PTA has been focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion, advocating for California’s most vulnerable children and promoting mental health awareness. During her two-year term as president, she hopes to support and encourage new leaders, expand its membership, and advocate at all levels for every child with the largest, most inclusive voice possible.

“Shereen brings a wealth of experience to the role of President and CEO of the California State PTA,” said Josiah Kitonga, Managing Director of California State PTA. “I’m confident her experience, dedication, and commitment to the children and families of California will take us to the next level of growth and impact for the organization.”

Walter has a bachelor’s degree in geophysical engineering and an MBA from the University of California, Irvine. In addition to her volunteer role, she is a small business owner and is the president of a local non-profit youth football club.

Walter looks forward to leading an outstanding Board of Directors during the 2023–2025 term:

• Shereen Walter, President
• Heather Ippolito, President-elect (2025-27)
• Laura Hawk-Loya, Vice President for Leadership Services
• Ellen Torres, Vice President for Membership Services
• Barbara Smith, Vice President for Communications
• Will Stanford, Vice President for Convention
• Marilyn Lucey, Vice President for Health & Community Concerns
• Brad Waller, Vice President for Education
• Anita Avrick, Vice President for Family Engagement
• Kathleen Fay, Director of Legislation
• Nicholas Smetak, Secretary
• Derick Boerner, Treasurer
• Becca Marks-Anderson, Parliamentarian
• Diane Hyland, Chair of the District Presidents
• Josiah Kitonga, Managing Director

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About California State PTA: California State PTA connects families, schools, and communities. We are part of the foundation of our public education system and a trusted messenger to millions of members, parents, families, educators, and allied agencies throughout the state. PTA is the nation’s largest volunteer-led child advocacy association working to drive improvements in the education, health, and well-being of all children and families.

Media Contacts:
Josiah Kitonga, Managing Director
(916) 465-8600
jkitonga@capta.org

Barbara Smith, Vice President for Communications
(213) 393-6285
bsmith@capta.org

June 30, 2023 – SACRAMENTO, CA – California State PTA, a leading advocate for the education, health, and well-being of children and families, is pleased to announce the appointment of Josiah Kitonga as its new Managing Director. With a strong background in non-profit management, Kitonga brings a wealth of experience and a passion for creating positive change in the lives of children and families.

In Kitonga, California State PTA has found a collaborative and visionary leader who will work closely with the Board of Directors to drive strategic direction and ensure the continuity of the organization’s mission, goals, and objectives. As the Managing Director, Kitonga will oversee the organization’s day-to-day functions, lead the organization’s staff, and collaborate with volunteers and partners to advance California State PTA’s mission.

With a track record of success in operations, program management, fundraising, and community relations, Kitonga brings unique skills and expertise to the position. He has demonstrated a commitment to fostering diverse and inclusive environments, building solid partnerships, and implementing innovative strategies for organizational growth. Kitonga has a proven ability to lead high-performance teams, navigate complex challenges, and drive sustainable performance.

“Hiring our new Managing Director, Josiah Kitonga marks an exciting chapter for California State PTA,” said Carol Green, 2021-2023 President. “His experience and dedication to our mission make him the ideal leader to guide our association in positively impacting the lives of children and families across California.”

“I am thrilled to welcome Josiah to the organization,” said Shereen Walter, 2021-2023 President-Elect. “His enthusiasm, communication, and leadership skills will help our organization continue to thrive. I look forward to working together to strengthen the California State PTAs’ advocacy efforts, expand programs and services, and build strategic partnerships to address the organization’s evolving needs.”

“It is a privilege to join the organization at a time when California’s children, youth, and families need the support of the PTA more than ever,” said Kitonga. “I am ready to work collaboratively with the board and staff to help the California State PTA amplify its voice and increase its reach for the betterment of all children and families throughout California.”

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About California State PTA: California State PTA connects families, schools, and communities. We are part of the foundation of our public education system and a trusted messenger to millions of members, parents, families, educators, and allied agencies throughout the state. PTA is the nation’s largest volunteer-led child advocacy association working to drive improvements in the education, health, and well-being of all children and families.

Media Contacts:
Josiah Kitonga, Managing Director
(916) 465-8600
jkitonga@capta.org

Barbara Smith, Vice President for Communications
(213) 393-6285
bsmith@capta.org