Dr. Batista completed her doctoral work in the area of Latino Parent Engagement and has been speaking across the country regarding how to empower and engage Latino parents to create a true school home collaboration. Dr. Batista used many of her ideas and strategies in her own school where she created a highly involved community within her dual language school. She continued this work at the district level as the Director of English Learner Services for Oxnard School District.  This work resulted in OSD being chosen as one of six model school districts for the state’s Community Engagement Initiative. Dr. Batista now works as the Director of Certificated Human Resources where she uses her human relations and engagement skills to ensure all students are provided with a high quality and equitable education.