About The Parenting Cipher
At The Parenting Cipher, we specialize in special education advocacy and consulting services designed to empower parents, families, and organizations. Founded by Genie Dawkins, The Parenting Cipher is built on the belief that every child deserves an equitable, supportive educational journey — and that every family deserves the tools to navigate it confidently. Through culturally responsive advocacy, IEP and 504 plan support, and holistic coaching, we help families close achievement gaps and create lasting success at home, in school, and beyond.
Vision
Our vision is to create an inclusive and empowering environment through The Parenting Cipher, where Families of Color can effectively navigate the intersections of school, medical care, and home life.
We strive to empower parents, equipping them with the knowledge, resources, and support they need to ensure that their children receive the education they need to be able to thrive.
By fostering a strong sense of community and providing culturally responsive guidance, we envision a future where all children, regardless of their background, have equal opportunities to thrive academically and reach their highest potential.
Mission
Our mission is to empower Families of Color to embrace their children's uniqueness and become knowledgeable advocates for their children's educational experiences. We believe that by utilizing parent-centered and culturally responsive methods, we can help families achieve the greatest possible results for their children's future success.
Our organization is committed to supporting and uplifting families as they navigate the educational system, ensuring that their voices are heard and their children's needs are met.
Together, we strive to create a more inclusive and equitable educational landscape for all children, where every child has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.
Our Impact
At The Parenting Cipher, we believe that empowered parents create empowered futures. Our award-winning Parenting Cipher Podcast has impacted families across the globe, offering expert insights and practical strategies to support parents navigating the complex journey of raising neurodiverse children.
Recognized as a Top 15 Best Single Mom Podcast by Feedspot and a proud recipient of the 4.0 Essentials Fellowship, we have expanded our mission beyond podcasting. Through advocacy events, family workshops, and personalized consulting, we’ve helped parents strengthen their advocacy skills, ensure their children’s educational rights are protected, and achieve academic milestones like high school diplomas rather than certificates.
The Parenting Cipher Podcast has made a lasting impact on parents and families worldwide. By providing valuable insights, fostering strong relationships, promoting inclusivity, and offering practical guidance, the podcast has Our work has empowered hundreds of families to deepen their connections, advocate effectively, and create more equitable academic journeys. Together, we’re building a generation of conscious, confident parents — and a future where every child has the opportunity to thrive. shape a generation of conscious and empowered parents, ultimately creating a positive ripple effect that extends beyond individual families and into the wider society.
Meet the Host and Creator
My name is Lateefa "Genie" Dawkins, MBA and like you—I’m a mom who wears many hats. As a mother of three children with behavioral and learning differences, best-selling author, parent advocate, integrative health coach, CEO of The Parenting Cipher organization and host of the The Parenting Cipher Podcast.
Shortly after getting my daughter's diagnosis I fell into a spiral of urgency. I had placed her in a top tier private school and after years of her losing her confidence and struggling in school she was told she would not be offered a scholarship for the upcoming year. My daughter has ADHD and she couldn't understand why she was not being given a scholarship to attend high school the next school year when her peers had the same diagnosis. With a heavy heart I had to explain to her that we did not have the privilege that her friends had. What’s the privilege? Being tested early and being part of a community that were sharing the best resources to support their children. In the public school setting children are placed in special education when they are failing while in a private school setting children are tested early and provided with quality resources so they will not fall behind their peers while getting the support they need to thrive.
When I was dealing with my daughter I was barely getting by, and by the time my boys started showing the same signs I was not letting the school administration brush me off and wait. I advocated for them to be tested early and connected with top tier outside providers so my oldest son who was 2 years behind when he was diagnosed was able to catch up within a year.
In my quest for information, I realized that we are at a disadvantage because there are quality programs and services that we are not aware of because each of us are advocating for our children alone. We are powerful when we share resources.
I’ve become dedicated to providing resources to parents who want the best for their child and are asking all of the right questions, yet no one provides clear and strategic answers.
Peace and Blessings, I hope that you know that you are an awesome parent and you are not alone. Always remember that quality education and that black excellence will come more easily if we act together.
Ready to take the Next Step?
If you’re ready to build a clear, confident path forward for your child, your family, or your school, I’d love to connect with you. Let’s work together to create empowered, equitable outcomes!
