Lisa Smith

I’m a mother who refused to stay silent.
When my son was pushed out of preschool, I didn’t just ask why—I began asking what needed to change. That moment lit a fire I couldn’t put out.
My advocacy is deeply rooted in lived experience—fighting for my child’s right to be seen, supported, and included. From challenging exclusion in early childhood to navigating ADHD diagnoses and 504 plans, I’ve walked the path so many families are forced to travel alone.
I use my voice to speak up for children who are too often labeled, misunderstood, or pushed aside before they’ve even had a chance to begin. I believe in the power of parent voice, the importance of being in the room where decisions are made, and the urgency of protecting all children—particularly those from BIPOC communities.
My work is grounded in one question: What would justice look like if we started with our youngest children?
This is more than advocacy. This is a fight for belonging—and I’m not backing down.