CAN Program Celebrates Leadership Across Generations
Two generations of graduates walked hand in hand across the stage on Thursday, May 14, proving that when parents succeed, their children do, too. Held at the Bachman Recreation Center, the ceremony honored Bachman Lake Together's Community Action Network (CAN) parent leaders and their children for their growth and shared success.
A Shared Success
This year, 16 parents graduated from CAN, our parent leadership program equipping families with the tools and skills to learn how to have a say in the way decisions are made within their local schools and community spaces. An additional 26 parents were recognized for serving as Agents, an advanced level of the program that serves the broader community. These achievements deepened their leadership, expanded their networks, and helped them continue creating a thriving Bachman Lake neighborhood.
While parents attended CAN sessions, their young children participated in high-quality early childhood programming provided by AVANCE North Texas. Together, families celebrated this milestone while looking ahead to continued growth and opportunity.
Parents Leading Change
Demonstrating what it means to be a community advocate, 2026 CAN graduate Elvia Caldera stood before the audience to share how the program transformed her experiences. "When you’re a first-generation immigrant, a new parent, you don’t know anyone, you don’t have a close support network, and you don’t fully understand the culture—you start to feel smaller and smaller…” she said. “CAN became a spark that ignited my voice; I realized that my problems weren’t just mine, there were other moms who had gone through the same thing and offered advice on how to solve them.”
Caldera initially joined CAN seeking support to enroll her daughter in AVANCE’s early childhood program, never imagining how profoundly her own life would be impacted. She now takes with her a sense of pride and confidence, recognizing the role that a group of parents played in her personal growth. “Seeing mother leaders act with such courage motivated me to try it too,” she said. “Without knowing it, they showed me what I was capable of.”
Building on the moving words, Dallas ISD Board of Trustees President Joe Carreón took the stage to remind everyone in attendance that “everything is possible in Bachman Lake.”
Uplifting Voices
The ceremony celebrated not only the accomplishments of the graduating families but also the collective strength and commitment of a community working to create lasting change in the Bachman Lake neighborhood. Dr. Olga Martinez Hickman, Executive Director of Bachman Lake Together, shared with the audience the growth she witnessed over the years. “I’ve seen you find your own voice, I’ve seen you ask tough questions, I’ve seen you step into spaces with a confidence that wasn’t always there before,” she said. “That kind of growth doesn’t happen overnight; It happens because you kept showing up, kept coming.”
Ana Lorena Carazco, Executive Director of AVANCE North Texas, painted a vision of collaboration between AVANCE and Bachman Lake Together. “When families feel supported, everything changes,” she said. “That is what we celebrate today—not just certificates or completed courses, but courage, perseverance, and hard work.
The celebration ended on a high note as families and their little ones took the floor together, performing the lively song and dance, “Muevo mis pañuelos (I wave my handkerchiefs).”
A Commitment to Bachman Lake
CAN graduation ceremony celebrated collaboration in action and Bachman Lake families’ commitment to building a stronger, thriving community. As Bachman Lake Together continues to deepen and expand opportunities for parent leadership, we are incredibly thankful for our partners, volunteers, and supporters who make this work possible. Together, we are building a neighborhood where children, families, and opportunities prosper.