Are you ready to be inspired? In this episode, Yvonne Johnson shares her journey from local PTA leader to the national stage, highlighting lessons on advocacy, leadership, and resilience that apply to all PTA volunteers and leaders.

Recorded on March 24, 2026.

Main Topics:

• Yvonne Johnson's leadership journey and breakthroughs in advocacy
  

• The importance of building trust and community in PTA
  
• How to effectively lead during challenging times
  
• The value of professional development and continuous learning in PTA
  
• Strategies for fostering family engagement and digital safety
  
• Insights into PTA's programs and resources for local units
  
• The key role of hope and authenticity in leadership
  

Timestamps:
00:00 - Introducing Yvonne Johnson, past PTA President and advocate
00:31 - Yvonne's background and early involvement in PTA and advocacy
01:57 - Her journey from local to national leadership
04:21 - The importance of advocacy and voice in PTA
06:54 - Mentorship, leadership development, and passing the baton
08:40 - Insights into upcoming National PTA convention
09:35 - The significance of resolutions and policy advocacy
11:54 - Building relationships through in-person conferences
12:34 - How PTA is more than just a school organization—it's leadership for families
16:38 - Reflection on major decisions during her tenure, including dues increase
20:28 - The importance of professional development and standards in PTA leadership
23:01 - Resources for local leaders on the PTA Thrive platform
26:10 - What most people don't see about leadership at the national level
27:37 - Personal facets of Yvonne’s leadership style
31:04 - Overcoming challenges and self-doubt in leadership roles
36:34 - The power of trust, perseverance, and empathy
44:59 - Final message: hold onto hope and the importance of showing up authentically

Resources & Links:

• ⁠PTA.org⁠ — official PTA website with resources and programs
• ⁠PTA Thrive Platform⁠ — online training and courses
• ⁠PTA Family Engagement Standards⁠ — guiding principles for PTA engagement
• ⁠PTA Connected Program⁠ — digital safety resources for families
• ⁠Reflections Program⁠ — arts recognition program for students
• ⁠PTA COVID-19 Resources⁠ — support for pandemic-related challenges

Remember, leadership is about who you show up as — your authenticity, passion, and hope can make all the difference. Join us in carrying forward the legacy of PTA by inspiring others and making an impact in your community.

Summary
This episode explores the collaboration between school boards, BOCES, and PTAs, highlighting real stories, challenges, and strategies for effective teamwork in education. Guest Catherine Romano shares insights from decades of experience, emphasizing communication, trust, and community engagement.
Keywords
PTA, school boards, BOCES, education collaboration, community engagement, school leadership, communication, teamwork in education
Key topics
Communication breakdowns and solutions in education collaboration
Building trust and breaking silos among PTAs, boards, and BOCES
Real-life examples of successful teamwork in schools
Strategies for effective advocacy and community engagement
Guest name
Catherine Romano
Titles
Bridging the Gap: How PTAs, Boards, and BOCES Can Collaborate Effectively
The Power of Partnership: Building Trust in Education Leadership
Sound bites
"Honesty and trust make the structure work"
"Showcasing programs changes perceptions"
"Share facts, not passion, in advocacy"
Chapters
00:00 Bridging the Gap in Education
03:10 Understanding Collaboration Dynamics
04:50 Navigating the Unique Landscape of NYC Education
05:15 Real-Life Examples of Effective Collaboration
11:47 Connecting Boards, BOCES, and PTAs
18:15 Understanding BOCES Programs and Their Impact
22:49 Bridging Communication Gaps in Education
29:31 Creating Effective Advocacy and Collaboration
36:43 Transforming PTA into a Powerful Advocacy Tool
48:56 Building Connections in PTA Leadership
51:15 Rapid Fire Insights on Collaboration
52:02 Favorite PTA Moments and Teamwork
55:42 Addressing Parental Concerns in Schools
59:41 Navigating Challenges as PTA Leaders
01:02:30 The Impact of Leadership on FamiliesRecorded on 10/29/25

This episode was recorded live at the NYS PTA Convention in Niagara Falls, NY on Sunday, November 16, 2025. Includes your podcast hosts Robin Brumfield, Kathleen McEnroe, Mary Sotomayor & Sonya Verrillo as well as panelists Brenda Cardoza and Maria Sanders. Ideas were also shared by PTA leaders who attended the workshop/recording.

Summary: This conversation explores the multifaceted roles and challenges faced by PTA leaders, emphasizing the importance of teamwork, volunteer engagement, financial accountability, and fostering a supportive culture within the organization. The speakers share personal insights and strategies for building effective teams, recruiting and retaining volunteers, and navigating the complexities of budget season, all while highlighting the collaborative nature of PTA work.

Takeaways
PTA leadership is filled with unexpected challenges, and building a strong team often requires reaching beyond traditional members to bring in new voices and perspectives. Micro-volunteering can significantly ease the workload by allowing people to contribute in smaller, more manageable ways, while innovative approaches help PTAs operate more effectively in today’s busy school communities. Volunteers should always feel valued and recognized for their contributions, and maintaining strong financial accountability is essential to the success and credibility of any PTA. Councils should serve as supportive allies rather than overseers, helping local units feel empowered rather than directed. When leaders focus on creating a culture of trust, it encourages open communication and stronger collaboration among schools, which in turn enhances overall community engagement. Through it all, PTA service builds meaningful experience and develops transferable skills that are valuable in many professional settings.
Sound bites
"Micro volunteering is key."
"PTA is a business."
"We are not the boss of PTA."
Chapters
00:00 Welcome to Council Conversations Unfiltered
04:42 Building Effective Teams in PTA
09:23 Recruiting and Retaining Volunteers
14:15 Navigating Budget Season and Financial Accountability
17:24 Understanding the Role of Council
24:34 Creating a Culture of Trust and SupportKeywords
PTA, leadership, teamwork, volunteers, budget, council, support, community, education, collaboration