As we continue into our exciting summer training season, we’re thrilled to introduce the incredible team leading our REAL Family Engagement training efforts for the upcoming school year. This dedicated group works to ensure that our trainings and products are grounded in research, developed alongside Flamboyan’s cohort of trainers and ambassadors, and are engaging experiences that allow educators, locally in DC and nationally across the country, to explore what it means to foster meaningful family engagement in their roles. Their expertise and passion drive our mission, empowering educators and school leaders to create impactful connections with families so that students most impacted by inequity are prepared to succeed in school and beyond. Get to know the phenomenal individuals making it all happen!
Meet Youval Yadlin, Manager, Training + Product Operations
Youval oversees and tracks the operation of Flamboyan’s training program, including supporting the organization’s parent and teacher trainers. She is committed to education because she believes that every young person has immense potential, and it is through education and holistic support that they can be enabled to thrive.
Prior to joining Flamboyan, Youval worked in the youth leadership development space, supporting LearnServe International’s social entrepreneurship fellowship program. Her background is in conflict transformation, understanding the ways young people are both impacted by conflict and working to address conflict in their community.
Outside of Flamboyan, Youval’s favorite place to relax is out on her back porch, reading a book while her cat rolls around in the dirt.
What drew you to Flamboyan?
As I transitioned from the world of international conflict into something with a more local focus, I was drawn to how Flamboyan’s work in schools prioritized strong and authentic relationships as a driver of student support and success. I wanted to be involved in an organization committed to uplifting students and empowering teachers with the skills and mindsets needed to partner with families.
Why does REAL Family Engagement matter to you?
As a kid, I was lucky and privileged to have parents who wanted to participate actively in my education and teachers who welcomed that partnership to ensure I got everything I needed to succeed in and out of school. Looking back, it’s clear to me that this was REAL Family Engagement in action, and I want every student, regardless of their background, to have the same kind of holistic web of support that I had.
What are your hopes and dreams for our trainings, especially as our trainers and ambassadors prepare for a new school year?
I am so excited for our new group of trainers and ambassadors to get out in front of DCPS educators and share their expertise. They have such powerful stories and a wealth of knowledge that I think will challenge, encourage, and inspire other educators on the REAL Family Engagement journey.
In your role, what are you most excited about in the upcoming training season?
I love it whenever I see educators have that “aha” moment where an aspect of REAL finally clicks for them – whether that’s hearing a successful home visit story and viewing them in a different light or realizing a bias they hadn’t unpacked yet.