"One of DCP's strengths has always been our parents and with a parent on the board, DCP is even stronger."
We are pleased to share that last Fall, Socorro Torres joined Downtown College Prep's Board of Directors as a parent representative. As a long time DCP parent, she now has an opportunity to share the parent voice and perspective in one of the organization's most significant leadership bodies.
Socorro has been a DCP parent for over seven years. Her oldest daughter graduated from DCP Alum Rock High School in 2020. She currently has children attending both DCP Alum Rock High School and DCP Alum Rock Middle School. Her perspective as both a DCP middle school and high school parent is invaluable. Socorro was born and raised in San Jose where she lives with her family. As a lifelong member of the San Jose community, she also brings a depth of knowledge about the challenges facing families in and outside of the educational realm. Her bilingualism also serves as a tool to connect with our Spanish speaking families and the many educational/advocacy spaces where English is the primary language spoken.
As a DCP Parent Leader, she has been involved in a number of initiatives and has actively participated in campus life. In 2019, she was part of founding Padres Unidos, the parent leadership group at DCP Alum Rock Middle and High School They focused on fundraising, building community by hosting parent-led community potlucks and collaborating with the student council.
Holiday Potluck 2019 organized by Parent Leaders
Socorro was also involved in the DCP Parents for the Future committee, advocating for better facilities for DCP Alum Rock High School. She has been advocating for charter schools by participating in the Santa Clara County Charter Coalition and helping to form the DCP Parent Coalition. Last February she participated in the Innovate Parent Leaders Training program along with other DCP parents. Even as a full time early childhood education professional, Socorro remains an active member of the DCP Parent Coalition, School Site Council and Padres Unidos groups.
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Photo 1: Socorro attends PACT Parent Luncheon in 2019 Photo 2: Socorro (left, middle row) being voted in to DCP's Board of Directors on December 9th, 2021 during a virtual Board Meeting.
"This is an opportunity to be an example for my children. The opportunity to connect with more families and share their perspectives. And the opportunity to learn, grow and become a better me."
DCP's Family Engagement Manager Mercedes Carbajal shared, "I'm so proud of Socorro and to see our parent community being represented at the Board of Directors by a caring, authentic and highly involved parent leader. Having a parent on the board amplifies their voice and it empowers our community. Our DCP parents are change agents and with this new role they are able to have a deeper impact."
We are excited to welcome Socorro to DCP's Board of Directors! We are grateful for her profound commitment to our students and our schools.