Parental Mental Health Spotlighted at Education Is Power 2025
On May 14, Way to Grow hosted our annual Education Is Power luncheon at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. The event gathered families, educators, and advocates around one urgent question: How can we better support parental mental health so that children can thrive?
This year’s theme, Empowered Parents Empower Children, sparked meaningful conversations. More than two hundred guests joined us to reflect on the pressures families face today and the solutions that help them grow stronger. From lived experience to policy leadership, each voice in the room contributed to a deeper understanding of what families truly need. The energy was hopeful, grounded, and driven by the shared belief that when parents are supported, children thrive.
Stories that Highlight Parental Mental Health Support
The event opened with a warm welcome from Board Vice Chair Dr. Julia Halberg. She then introduced Way to Grow’s new CEO, Coco Du, who shared her own experience as a first-generation college student, a parent, and a new leader. “I know firsthand how powerful it is to have people believe in you,” Coco said. “And how life-changing that support can be.”
Coco then introduced Associate Supervisor of Family Educators, Roxanne Bell-Afolabi, who shared a powerful story. She spoke about Kewana, a young mom working through trauma and early motherhood. Despite the challenges, Kewana stayed committed to her healing and to her children. Personal stories like this one show how Way to Grow’s consistent support and trust changes lives.

“Kewana once told me I helped her mental health just by being there,” Roxy said.
“That’s what this work is truly about – presence.”
Panelists Discuss Mental Health Solutions for Families
Next came a panel discussion with four leaders who work in mental health, education, and policy. Each person offered a unique view on how to support families.
- Brandon Jones, Executive Director at the Minnesota Association for Children’s Mental Health, reminded us that “Parental stress was declared a public health crisis by the former U.S. Surgeon General.”He encouraged early intervention and stronger access to care.
- Alex Ang, youth advocate and host of a is for anxious, described how listening and storytelling can bridge generational gaps.
- Ronel Robinson, Way to Grow’s Program Director, shared insights from decades of leading home visiting programs.
- Commissioner Tikki Brown, head of Minnesota’s new Department of Children, Youth, and Families, outlined her vision to connect services and reduce barriers for families across the state.
Panelists agreed that stigma, isolation, and limited access still block many families from getting help. However, they also shared real solutions to improve parental mental health, including early childhood education, culturally responsive care, and strong community support.
Why Parental Mental Health Matters for Families
Way to Grow sees parental mental health as key to a child’s success. Families can only thrive when parents feel strong, seen, and supported. That’s why we focus on the whole family at home, in school, and throughout the community.
Events like Education Is Power are more than a conversation. They help us connect, reflect, and move forward together. When families share their experiences and leaders share solutions, we build the trust and momentum needed for real change. These gatherings also remind us that mental health isn’t a separate issue, it’s a thread that runs through education, stability, opportunity, and the systems families navigate every day. Whether it’s healthcare, housing, childcare, or school, supporting parents is not extra. It’s essential.
With Gratitude to Our Sponsors
Way to Grow extends heartfelt thanks to the generous sponsors who made Education Is Power 2025 possible. Your support fuels our mission and ensures that families across our community have access to the tools, relationships, and resources they need to thrive.
Because of you, we were able to gather in a space of learning, healing, and connection—and to continue showing up for parents and children every day. Thank you for standing with us.
A Call to Action
Want to experience the day for yourself? Watch the full Education Is Power 2025 program, now available on YouTube with closed captions:
We invite you to join our efforts to improve parental mental health and child development in your community.
- Learn about our home visiting programs: waytogrow.org
- Enroll as a Way to Grow family: waytogrow.org/enroll
- Support this work: waytogrow.org/give





