#119 | When 30,000 Kids Stay Home: The Fight for Safety, Schools, and Justice in Charlotte W/ Natalie Paramenter

In this powerful and timely episode, Kyle sits down with Natalie Paramenter, a fearless advocate for families and students in Charlotte, to unpack one of the most urgent crises the community has faced this year. With ICE presence disrupting neighborhoods and nearly 30,000 students absent from school in a single day, Natalie and Kyle dive into the real consequences families are navigating and why education must remain a protected right for every child.

They explore the current assault on Charlotte’s immigrant communities and how ICE activity is impacting school attendance, access, and family safety. The conversation moves into the heart and character of great schools, what it looks like to be a braver parent in moments of uncertainty, and why struggling before succeeding is such an important part of a child’s development. Throughout the episode, Natalie brings clarity and conviction to a moment when parents need both information and courage.

The two also dig into how everyone in the community can do their part. Natalie shares her mission-driven commitment to advocacy, fundraising, and amplifying the work that matters most. She talks about her 20–30 minute YouTube literacy sessions designed to help close the growing reading gap, and the work she does to help parents navigate school options so their children land in environments where they can truly thrive.

This conversation is raw, inspiring, and anchored in purpose. If you care about schools, families, justice, or the future of Charlotte’s children, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.