ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jasmin Velasco

Jasmin Velasco is a passionate advocate, educator, and storyteller whose heart beats for family, community, and culture. Her work is rooted in the belief that every family is a powerful advocate for their child’s education, achieved through connection and culturally-rooted reflection.

As a seasoned educator and Parent and Family Engagement Specialist in Los Angeles, Jasmin’s mission is to build bridges between schools and homes. She knows firsthand how challenging it is for families to navigate the educational system when they are not viewed as true partners. Therefore, she is deeply invested in helping forge strong, equitable connections, drawing on her experience as a classroom teacher and instructional leader.

Jasmin creates safe spaces where diverse families can move beyond participation to become active leaders, a process she calls empoderamiento. She has witnessed the transformative power that occurs when families find their voice: leading to improved student outcomes and a greater sense of ownership over the educational process. As a mamá and tía, she is committed to creating a more just and equitable education system for all children.

Central to her ethos is the art of la sobremesa, the beautiful, cultural tradition of lingering at the table after a meal to share stories, laughter, and memories. Jasmin is also a picture book author inspired by these sacred moments. She actively encourages using the sobremesa as a way to