This study examines the process of parent engagement at three community and school-based parent participation projects involving Latino immigrant families in California. Through the participants' "testimonios," the study investigates the motivations and interactions contextualizing their leadership development, participation, and organizing activities as well as the significance of their emerging school activism on other aspects of their lives. Specifically, the study explores the notions of "tequio" and women-led activism, seen as critical to understanding the participants' engagement process and to increase the level and quality of Latino parent participation in schools, maximizing its positive impact on their children's education and life prospects. (Contains 1 table.)