| “The Empowering Parents book is a much needed tool for
parents and students. The authors did a great job providing an easy to read roadmap
written from a parents’ perspective. Being a University Administrator, educator and parent,
it is refreshing to know that all parents have the opportunity to become more empowered and
to affirm that we can make a difference in our child’s education. This is a must-have book
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for any parent committed to their children’s educational journey."
Dr. Soncia R. Lilly
Senior Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students
University of Texas-Austin
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"Thank you so much for writing this book! As a Parent, I
truly loved reading it and I now realize what I need to do in order to help my children with a
successful education. By the way, I listen to your radio program all the time and I love it!
Thanks for being so candid and sharing this great news! I really feel empowered!"
An Informed Parent
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"Ms. Dodson and Dr. Willis, thank you for writing
down this information for parents. I am in high school and it's important for me to know about
these requirements. I must admit that it was hard reading the part about parents needing to be
more involved in our lives---especially them having the passcode to my cell phone and internet
access but don't worry, I understand. It actually created an interesting dialogue between me and
my parents..."
A College Bound Student
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"Willis and Dodson give this book two thumbs up! As
their spouses, we think this is a great book to help empower parents. Marsha and Darlene, we are very
proud of you and know that we love and support you. After reading the book, we agree that it was well
worth the long hours, missed dinners and rescheduled appointments. Continue to make us proud!"
Phillip Willis, Jr. and Michael O. Dodson
Your Committed Spouses
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Hi Darlene and Marsha!
I'm half way through your book and it's phenomenal! Even though I had a couple reactions so far :)
as a VERY GOOD school counselor, as a parent, I find the book very informative, and very easy to
read with clear steps to take to helping your child.! I would love to talk to you about your book
when I am done if you welcome the discussion. Let me know. Gotta get back to the book... :)
Many blessings,
Kafi Swaniker
High School Counselor and Blessed Mother of Three!
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"I just wanted to let you know that your speech
was very moving and inspirational for the students at the Golden Pyramid Awards ceremony this
past Saturday. About a year ago, you also spoke to the EOP/Summer Bridge students- that too was
another inspiring speech.
I am currently the 8th Grade Counselor at Memorial Academy and we would like if you can be our
guest speaker for our promoting 8th & 9th students!...It would be an honor to have you address
our students. You would leave a lasting impression."
Chantille McDonald
8th Grade Counselor
Memorial Academy of Learning and Technology
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"I'm pulling for you and the success of your book! So
yes, let's stay in touch!"
Paddy Calistro
President and Publisher
Angel City Press
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"Congratulations to you on your new book. Let me
look at some events on our calendar and decide which date may be best to talk to our families
about your book. Will be in touch soon."
Patricia Jones Rillera
Executive Director / Chief Operating Officer Young Black Scholars
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Darlene and Marsha,
I will personally endorse the book and CD as Pastor of Bayview Church and we can make the same
endorsement by the radio station. Thanks for all that you do to empower our parents.
Pastor Timothy Winters
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"This weekend I had a chance to watch their very
informative presentation and was overwhelmed by the honesty and passion of these two beautiful
Black educators. I am introducing them to you because I would like the Oakland Post newspaper to
consider doing an in-depth article on their book. As one of the Nations top educators (me) I
believe this book should be in every home in America. Right next to the Holy Bible. You may ask,
why would the Oakland Post want to do a story on this book? The reasons are too numerous to list,
but the one reason I think you will find most interesting for your readers is that Darlene Willis is
from OAKLAND. That's right, she is an Oaktown girl. Oaktown is her home and there is no better place
to really promote this outstanding guide to helping our children succeed than her home Oakland."
Howard Ransom – Educator
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"I appreciated the opportunity to join you, and
applaud your forum for parents and the community. I strongly support your efforts to improve
student learning and parent activism for all students in the county.
Thank you - I wish you continued success in the mission of your program."
JT Lawrence
Director, Assessment and Accountability
Learning Resources & Educational Technology San Diego County Office of Education
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"It is I, who would like to thank you! It was a
pleasure and a privilege to be one of your guest professionals. You and the other parents are
doing a truly wonderful thing to enhance the opportunities for success and the life experience of
every child in your program. I personally thank you because they are, indeed "our future". I've
negotiated million dollar contracts all over the world, I've been the chairman of several high
profile boards and commissions, I've been to two Word Series and six Superbowl games, I took a
picture sitting in Richard Nixon's chair as a child and shook hands with Bill Clinton as an adult.
I've had a full and interesting life. But nothing that I've done is as important or meaningful as
what I did on that Saturday morning hoping to inspire the bright, beautiful, talented young men and
women who participate in the College Bound program."
Patricia A. McQuater
Senior Corporate Attorney
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"I was blessed to be able to share a little of
my experience while at SDSU with your listening audience. The point is that many young people
become parents early and have been told that their life is at an end. This is simply not true.
It can make you even more determined. I was blessed with supportive parents. That really made a
difference. I was "college bound" before discovering I was a pregnant high school senior. I never
gave up on that dream of getting a college education. I am thankful for programs like College
Bound, and the EOP. I only wish more people would take advantage of these programs before they
are no longer available.
Thanks for all you and Darlene and your families are doing to help these young (and maybe not so
young) people get their degrees."
Dee Sanford
Business Motivational Speaker, Business Consultant & Trainer,
and Host of the Christian Business Forum TV Show
Dee Sanford International
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"Thank you again for doing your part to empower
students and parents to reach their educational goals. You are making a difference in the community
and I appreciate that UCSD can be part of those efforts."
Marye Anne Fox
Chancellor, UCSD
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"I also wanted to thank you and Marsha for that
awesome book, "Empowering parents". I only wish that I had enrolled my son in College bound San
Diego his senior year. But we are truly grateful that he is doing so well in college. Your book
has inspired me to be a voice for my grandchild when the time comes."
Deborah McCaskill, Friend and Colleague
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