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