Meet Cecila Forbes - Empowering Families and Schools at Region 16
At the heart of any great organization are the people who drive its mission forward with passion and purpose. Today, we’re spotlighting Cecila Forbes, a Program Facilitator for the Parent Family Engagement Statewide Initiative at the Region 16 Education Service Center.
From her early days in the classroom to her current role supporting schools across Texas, Cecila's journey is a testament to the power of connection and the importance of staying engaged in a child’s education.
A Foundation in Family Engagement
Cecila's career began in 2010, working in a classroom with two-year-olds. It was there that she discovered her true motivation: partnering with families to support their child's development. This early experience sparked a desire to "dive deeper" into family engagement, eventually leading her to her current position at Region 16.
In her role as Program Facilitator, Cecilia manages registration for the Parent Family Engagement Initiative. Her work is critical in helping schools throughout the state remain in compliance with federal laws and requirements set by the Texas Education Agency. By ensuring these trainings run smoothly, she plays a vital part in supporting educators and families across Texas.
Innovation and Problem Solving
One of the most fulfilling aspects of the job for Cecila is the opportunity to problem-solve and find efficiencies. She embraces new technology, to gather data and better support her team. For Cecila, every day is an opportunity to learn something new.
A Culture of Mentorship and Growth
Cecila's connection to Region 16 runs deep. She recalls working at Opportunity School, an Early Head Start partnership site, where she was first inspired by mentors and coaches from Region 16. Their helpfulness and love for their work made her want to join the team.
Now, she strives to be that same source of inspiration for others. "I want to be the person that goes out and makes those relationships... to have other people think, 'She really loves what she does. She loves working for Region 16,'" she shares.
Looking to the Future
For those looking to grow within the organization, Cecila's advice is simple: get involved. Whether it’s joining committees or filling out surveys, she believes that speaking up and participating is key, noting that leaders truly want to hear employees' thoughts and opinions.
As she looks to the future, Cecila is excited about making connections that support both her career and the program as a whole. "I really do believe that our relationships are what keeps us going and pushes us forward," she says.