In a heartfelt ceremony at Austin City Hall, Comi Madre, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering mother-daughter teams through education, received a proclamation recognizing September 26, 2024, as \"Con Mi Madre Day.\" The event was led by Councilwoman Vanessa Fuentes and Council Member Jose Velasquez, who highlighted the organization's significant contributions to the community.
Comi Madre focuses on dual generational social-emotional learning and college readiness programs, serving over 3,000 mother-daughter pairs since its inception. The organization boasts impressive statistics, including a 97% high school graduation rate, a 75% college enrollment rate, and a 93% college retention rate among its participants. These achievements underscore Comi Madre's role in fostering the next generation of confident and diverse female leaders.
Dr. Joanna Moya Fabregas, the executive director of Comi Madre, expressed her gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing the importance of community support in the face of recent educational funding challenges. She noted that nonprofits like Comi Madre play a crucial role in filling gaps left by the education system, particularly during difficult times.
Jackie Padgett, the board chair of Comi Madre, also spoke at the event, sharing her personal journey as a first-generation college graduate. She praised the organization's impact on both students and their mothers, highlighting the dual generational benefits of their programs.
The ceremony not only celebrated Comi Madre's achievements but also reinforced the city's commitment to supporting educational initiatives that empower families and promote success in higher education. The gathering concluded with a call for unity and continued support for the vital work being done by Comi Madre and similar organizations in the community.