One Night Only See Change Community Collaboration Documentary Sep 24, 6 pm

Clarissa's Battle

Women Directed

Dir. Tamara Perkins USA 90 min Not Rated

2022 Apple of Discord Productions

Join the Nebraska Early Childhood Collaborative after the screening of Clarissa's Battle for a panel discussion where local early childhood advocates will provide insights, share personal experiences, and discuss actionable steps to address the issues raised in the film.

The film will be presented in English with Spanish subtitles, and the post-screening discussion will be translated into Spanish. There will be no ASL interpreters present for this event.

About the Film

Clarissa is a driven, straight-talking single Black mother and social warrior in Oakland, California. Becoming unhoused with an infant inspired her to champion childcare and preschool as a human right. Funny and irreverent, Clarissa's infectious energy pulls us along as she presses forward, with fortitude gained through effort and loss. Stay after the film to discuss the critical issues surrounding childcare, early childhood education, and available family support with a panel discussion of local advocates.

Ilissa Talkington Website Pic Clarissas Battle

Discussion Moderator

Ilissa Talkington • Parent Ambassador Program Manager, Nebraska Early Childhood Collaborative

Ilissa Talkington has 17 years of experience working with at-risk youth and families, gaining expertise in early intervention, prevention services, mental health, and community support. Her roles have included family resource management, lactation counseling, and program supervision, providing a well-rounded skill set in supporting diverse family needs. As the Parent Ambassador Program Manager at the Nebraska Early Childhood Collaborative, Ilissa empowers parents and childcare providers through advocacy training and engagement to become voices for change in their communities. She plays a key role in elevating parent voices on a national level, partnering with nationwide organizations like the United Parent Leaders Action Network and more. Ilissa is passionate about driving meaningful change in communities by amplifying the impact of parent advocacy.

Senator Wendy De Boer Website Pic Clarissas Battle

Discussion Panelist

Senator Wendy DeBoer • Nebraska State Senator

Wendy DeBoer was born in Omaha and raised in District 10, the district she represents in the Legislature. She graduated from Hastings College, the Nebraska College of Law and practiced law in Kansas City. She then got master's degrees from UNO, The Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, and SyracuseUniversity. She was just short of finishing her PhD in Religion specializing in 20th Century Christian Theology when she was elected to the Nebraska Legislature in 2018. Wendy taught for 16 years at colleges and universities, including Wells College, DePaul University, UNO, and Syracuse University. Since she was sworn in to the Legislature, Wendy has served on the Transportation and Telecommunications Committee, the Judiciary Committee, for which she now serves as the Vice-Chair, and the Legislature’s Planning Committee, for which she now serves as the Chair. In 2021, she was elected Vice Chair of the Rules Committee. Wendy focuses much of her legislative efforts In the areas of education finance, criminal justice, childcare, and broadband.

Discussion Panelist

Makaela Clemons • Parent Ambassador, Nebraska Early Childhood Collaborative

Makaela Clemons is a mother of five and an Air Force veteran currently working as a coordinator for adults with special needs. Since September 2023, she has been actively involved with Parent Ambassadors, an advocacy and leadership program for parents of young children through the Nebraska Early Childhood Collaborative. During her time as a Parent Ambassador, Makaela has participated in events with the United Parents Leaders Action Network (UPLAN) and The Empowerment Network. She is also engaged with the HALO Project, a support group for parents with children on the spectrum, serves on the Special Advisory Committee for the NE Statewide Family Engagement Center, and is a member of the Real Parent Engagement Policy Committee for UPLAN. Inspired by her 9-year-old son with Autism, Makaela uses her experience as a parent leader to advocate for positive change and to build community support.

Discussion Panelist

Ana Yumul • Owner, Bella's Daycare

Ana Yumul was born in El Salvador and raised in Los Angeles. She was the first in her family to graduate college, and in 2010, she earned her degree in Liberal Studies from California State University, Northridge. Ana owns Bella’s Daycare in Omaha, NE, and began her career in child care to stay home with her daughter, Isabella. Recognizing the importance of social interactions for her child, Ana opened her own business to support other children’s growth. Ana is passionate about making a difference in children's lives and believes in the vital role of childcare providers in shaping the future. She finds immense joy in watching children bloom and hopes her impact will be remembered positively.