Punam Saxena

Punam V. Saxena holds a B.A. in Psychology, an M.Ed. in Education, and currently working on her doctorate in education. She is a Parent Impact Coach, TEDx, 2x SXSW speaker, podcast host of edu-Me, and 2x published author. Growing up in rural Georgia as a second-generation Indian American in the 1970s, Punam’s parents navigated a binary school system that saw her family as “Other.” Without knowledge or support, they sought out teachers and administrators. They diligently learned about the school system so that all available opportunities were provided in school despite cultural and social differences. Punam’s experiences of watching her parents navigate the schools led her to this passion for parent advocacy in schools. Her work focuses on bridging the gap and fostering stronger relationships between parents and schools by empowering parents to become partners in their children’s education. Throughout her 30 years of teaching and advocating in schools, she implemented several procedures that have benefited the students and administrators within the school district. Punam is married, a mother of four, and has been featured on NBC’s Atlanta & Company, CBS, ABC, FOX, and several magazine articles.