Palatine woman heads back to Washington as Mom Congress Mentor

Jennifer DeFranco’s commitment to education is as strong as ever.

The Palatine resident is returning to Washington, D.C., in April to help lead Parenting magazine’s Mom Congress on Education and Learning conference.

DeFranco, past president of the Paddock School PTA, was chosen as Illinois’ delegate at last year’s conference. This year, she’ll be one of 22 Mom Congress Mentors, lead breakout sessions and facilitate conversations on education issues.

She also will serve as a panelist in a bullying prevention dialogue along with representatives from the U.S. Department of Education and the American Federation of Teachers.

“I was beyond words when I was asked to come back,” said DeFranco, who will join delegates in helping magazine editors shape editorial coverage to better inform and empower parents nationwide and get them involved in their children’s education.

In 2008, DeFranco secured proclamations signed by the governor and Palatine mayor declaring Bullying Prevention Awareness Month in October. She later received Illinois Senate recognition from state Sen. Matt Murphy for her efforts to prevent bullying in Palatine Township Elementary District 15 schools.