Dear LWPTSA Leaders,
It has been both an honor and a transformative journey to serve alongside the LWPTSA Board and so many passionate PTSA leaders across our district. Through this work, I’ve gained more than experience—I’ve gained perspective, purpose, and relationships that will remain lifelong touchstones.
Serving as Co-VP of Advocacy and Co-Chair of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging reaffirmed for me that leadership isn’t always found in titles—it lives in the quiet, consistent commitment to listening, learning, and lifting others. These roles were open-ended by design but always anchored in a single, unwavering truth: Every student deserves to be at the center of all we do.
Together, we’ve helped reimagine advocacy, inclusion and belonging—not as tasks, but as values that shape culture. At the heart of that work lies a simple but powerful truth: Every child—regardless of background, disability, ability, identity, or story—deserves love, care, and the dignity of true belonging.
A child cannot grow roots in a place where they are merely accepted. They need to feel embraced. When belonging is real, it does more than comfort—it empowers. It builds confidence, resilience, and the inner freedom to imagine a future worth pursuing.
But belonging must go beyond intention—it must live in action. It means protecting students’ emotional and physical safety, nurturing their self-worth, and supporting their unique paths to success—academic, creative, technical, and beyond.
Though I will be stepping down from my role as Executive Vice President next year, my commitment to this work—and to our students—remains deeply rooted. I carry their voices with me and will continue to advocate for them from wherever I stand.
With enduring gratitude and deep respect,
Zahra Eslami
P.S. Turns out the gopher and I share more than a smile—we both stand (or sit) tall for what we believe in. Still proudly advocating, just from a bigger chair! 🐿️😊 #PTSAProud