empowering newcomer students, families, and staff

Vivian Palicki, Principal Consultant, uses her personal history as a refugee from El Salvador’s civil war and natural disasters as a catalyst for change, transforming her experiences into a passionate commitment to support immigrant families and children who face similar challenges. Now settled in the United States, Vivian is a staunch advocate, focusing on enhancing educational and social systems to better serve these communities. Her organization tirelessly works to equip school districts with trauma-informed professional development for educators and support staff, while also providing vital education to families about their rights. Vivian also assists administrators in building comprehensive support systems across districts and creates safe spaces for students to voice their experiences, ensuring that every student and family navigating the complexities of immigration receives the support and understanding they need to thrive.

Her professional development sessions and speaking engagements are emotionally charged and transformative, often leading participants to make significant personal and professional changes. Vivian’s powerful presentations are designed to spur others to spread awareness and advocate passionately for students traumatized by chaotic life experiences. Among the tailored professional development programs her organization offers are several key initiatives:

• Safe Spaces, Strong Students: Equipping School Staff to Support Immigrant Students
• A Fighting Chance for our Newcomers: Providing educators with tools and strategies to support newly arrived immigrant students
• Crafting a Unified Action Plan for School and District-Wide Newcomer Support: Helping administrators establish systems that support the integration and success of newcomer students
• Empowering Families Through Education: Understanding Rights for Immigrant Students, a program that informs families about their legal rights and the educational opportunities available to their children.
• Voices Unheard: Safe Space Dialogues for Immigrant Students