Former Belmont-Redwood Shores trustee to be president-elect of state PTA

Colleen You began her work with the California State PTA like most parents, while her children were in elementary school.

As of July 1, the 51-year-old Belmont resident became the president-elect of the statewide organization. You was elected to the two-year term of office at the association’s 112th annual convention in Long Beach this spring.

"It’s like president in training,” You said.

You spent 14 years in the medical field. Her volunteer work grew to a point in which it is now her main focus. Her new role means four additional years on the state board, two as president-elect and soon enough as president.

"I am honored to work with an association that does so much to improve the lives of children every day,” You said. "I’m excited to dedicate myself to PTA’s work on all issues that affect the whole child, including education, health, safe communities and parent engagement. It’s especially rewarding to me to support and mentor emerging PTA leaders to help them to work even more effectively on all these issues.”

Many people associate PTAs with fundraising, which is one aspect of what local groups do. You wants Californians to use the PTA as a go-to for information about issues facing children since the organization works to build local leaders while advocating for youngsters and education throughout the state.

Recently focusing on "investing” in children has been a focus for the group, one which You assumes will continue in the coming years. In addition, the statewide PTA has worked to secure grants to fund programs, like art, at various school districts.

You, and her husband David, raised their two children in Belmont. She joined the Nesbit Parent Teacher Association then began work with the group at Ralston Middle School as her children grew older.

Through the years, You learned more about PTA and its goal of speaking for every child with one voice. Statewide, the organization boasts more than 1 million members. The volunteer leadership is often made up of parents or teachers. However, anyone, even those without a child or grandchild, can become involved.

You’s experience led to serving on the Belmont-Redwood Shores Elementary School District Board of Trustees from 1999 to 2004 — a position You feels she was prepared for through PTA leadership experiences.

She is a past president of the Seventeenth District PTA, which serves San Mateo County, and has a total of 18 years working with local PTAs from elementary through high school levels.

Additionally, You has served with the California State PTA as vice president for health, vice president for parent involvement, leadership services commissioner and on multiple committees.

Northern Californian residents will be at the helm of the PTA state board for four years. Carol Kocivar, a San Francisco resident, was named the new president July 1.

To learn more about the California or local PTA visit www.capta.org.

Heather Murtagh can be reached by email: heather@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 105.