Brenda Walker retired as an employee of BellSouth before participating in the Parent Leadership Institute. In reviewing data, she realized only 13 students at Hardy Middle School had scored high enough to be placed in Algebra I, an indicator of both low math achievement and low motivation levels. Her project, "Parents are Part of this Equation," was designed to work with families of Algebra I students. Brenda organized workshops for parents and students to help both groups understand math concepts better and take the fear out of Algebra I. The following year, 49 students qualified for Algebra I with 100% of the class passing the Mississippi Algebra I test. Since the first year, Brenda has organized workshops for parents to provide strategies for helping students at home with math. In addition, she works with a local sorority to coordinate a Saturday morning mentoring program for middle school girls and has increased participation in Hardy's afterschool tutorials. As a result of her work, the Principal hired Brenda to become the Coordinator of Hardy Middle School's Parent Resource Center where she spends every day making a difference inthe lives of children and families.