Meet Olivia Vaca (she/her), a senior at MSTMA at Roosevelt. We connected to discuss her musical experiences and goals for the future. Read more below. Olivia is a prime example of determination, resilience, and ambition. With a flawless attendance record, she is unwavering in her commitment to academic excellence, having completed 14 advanced placement (AP)...
Meet Christian Melgoza (he/him), the proud winds, percussion, and digital music director at Hollenbeck Middle School. We recently connected to discuss his music education journey and how he inspires students to embrace new challenges. Read more below. Melgoza’s journey into music began in 4th grade when he agreed to support a friend who did not...
Meet Frank Sanchez (he/him), a 3rd-grade teacher in his 34th year at Figueroa Street Elementary School. We recently spoke with him to discuss his journey in education. Read more below. Frank’s path to becoming an educator was unplanned, but his passion for learning and helping others has always guided him. This passion was sparked in...
Meet Dalila Lawrence (she/her), Jordan High School alum and first-year at California State University, Long Beach. We connected to discuss her college-going experience. Read more below. In 2024, Jordan High School celebrated a significant milestone: a remarkable 24 percentage point increase in the number of Black students accepted to four-year colleges compared to the previous...
Meet Danni Hernandez, a 6th-grade math and science teacher at George Washington Carver Middle School. Danni Hernandez is making an impact in her first year at George Washington Carver Middle School after transitioning from teaching 5th-grade math at Dolores Huerta Elementary. With three years of teaching experience, Danni brings a unique blend of energy, passion,...
Meet Flor Elena Chacon Tovar (she/her), a senior at Santee Education Complex. We connected to discuss her experience as a Los Angeles Youth City Council member. Read more below. Flor’s interest in the Youth City Council—a year-long program that teaches youth about local government, involves them in community projects and events, and allows them to...
Meet Katherine Castro (she/her), a 12th-grade student at Jordan High School and a member of Partnership’s Policy Advisory Board. We spoke with her about what she’s looking forward to during her senior year. Read more below. As the school year kicks off, many high school seniors are filled with excitement and anticipation, eager to make...
Meet Crista Baisley (she/her), a 7th and 8th grade English Language Arts (ELA) teacher at Carver Middle School. We recently connected to discuss her experiences after completing her first full year of teaching. Read more below. Crista always knew she was destined to become a teacher. Her struggles as an auditory learner in a mostly...
Meet Jacquelin Dang (she/they), an English and history teacher at Stevenson College and Career Preparatory. We spoke recently about their experience at Partnership’s annual Advocacy Days in Sacramento. Read more below. On Day One, Jacquelin felt a blend of anticipation and determination, ready to make their voice heard. Being surrounded by other champions for change...
Meet Andrew Anderson, an eighth grader at Markham Middle School. We connected to discuss his student experiences and recent participation in Partnership’s Advocacy Days in Sacramento, CA. Read more below. As the name implies, Partnership’s Advocacy Days gather community members to advocate for stronger education policies and practices to close opportunity and achievement gaps in...
Meet Diana Rios (she/her), visual arts teacher at 99th Street Elementary. She is the only full-time arts teacher in an elementary school in the LA Unified School District. We spoke with her recently about her passion and love for the arts and what it means to her to be the only fully-staffed arts teacher at...
Meet Edgardo Aceituno (he/him), Roosevelt High School Alum, current California State University, Fullerton Student. Learn more about his newfound love for learning below. From the heart of Boyle Heights and the son of Honduran immigrants, Edgardo Aceituno is a trailblazer. As the first in his family to attend college, Edgardo knows its importance and is...
