Who We Are

Prior to joining the Partnership, I was a Senior Associate at Irell & Manella, LLP, where I was responsible for leading large trial teams and took part in pro bono work, including participating on the board of an aspiring charter school, representing victims of mortgage fraud, and working to ensure that veterans receive appropriate health care and benefits. After practicing law for several years, I came to the Partnership because I wanted to spend my time working on the most important issue facing our society today – ensuring that all children have a great education. I come from a family of public school teachers, so coming to the Partnership was a chance to return to my roots. I received a master's degree in Economics from UC Santa Barbara and a J.D. from Harvard Law School.

Guerrero is a highly experienced educational leader with over 30 years of experience in improving the quality of education in underserved urban public schools. He has experience as a bilingual elementary teacher, school principal, and central office administrator in Boston and San Francisco, and most recently, as superintendent of the Portland Public Schools in Oregon.

During his over six-year tenure in Portland, the district strengthened its commitment to ensuring every student an equitable educational opportunity. Guerrero focused resources in underserved school communities to ensure every student experiences joyful and high-quality learning experiences. His efforts included expanding opportunities for students to participate in visual and performing arts, career technical education, and a full range of summer school programming. Under his leadership, the district mitigated the adverse effects of the pandemic on student learning, increased graduation rates, and provided greater access to mental and behavioral health support.

Over the past 20 years, I’ve taught every grade and subject K-8, served as a middle school principal, and directed a school and district turnaround center — all of which have led me to being Chief Academic Officer of the Partnership’s Academics Team. I began my career teaching in Montgomery County Public Schools, and in 2003 joined KIPP Academy of Opportunity (KAO) as a founding teacher, where I earned KIPP's teacher of the year award. I later become the principal after attending the KIPP Leadership Program at UC-Berkeley in partnership with National-Louis University, earning a Master’s in Administration and Supervision. During my tenure at KIPP, I also received a Doctorate in Education Leadership at UCLA. Deeply, I believe our democracy requires striving for a true meritocracy, which can only be achieved once we have justice and equity in all our schools. The work of the Partnership is at the core of who I am, yet if I was forced to do something not in education, would be happy competing in expeditionary races, playing in the NBA, or being a full time dad.

I believe that transformational change is possible and I want to contribute towards building a thriving movement ecosystem that leads and models that change. As the Sr. VP for Policy and Advocacy at the Partnership, I am excited to use my experience building and leading campaigns and organizations that foster cross-sector collaboration and center the needs and voices of students, families, and communities.

Prior to joining the Partnership, I supported the leadership and growth of nonprofit leaders of color as a coach and a strategy consultant. Prior to that, I worked alongside community leaders in Boyle Heights to launch and oversee the Promesa Boyle Heights collaborative from planning into implementation of a model that is strengthening outcomes for students and families and advancing systemic change. I also served as the Director of Advocacy and Organizing for the New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC) where I worked alongside multi-racial grassroots organizations, parents, and schools to organize and win landmark victories for immigrant communities and Multilingual Learners in NY.

I hold a Bachelor’s degree from UCLA and a Master’s Degree in Education Policy & Management from Harvard’s Graduate School of Education. I was raised by my grandmother in Mexico City before coming to Los Angeles as a teenager to reunite with my parents, where I attended LAUSD schools and community college as an undocumented student. My people are the Chinantecas of Oaxaca and other indigenous peoples of Mexico. In my free time, I love to travel, cook, and spend quality time with my three nieces.

I feel privileged and honored to serve as the Partnership’s chief people and operations officer. I am a product of Los Angeles Unified schools and am dedicated to making our public education system work better for all students.

I previously served as a policy advisor in LA Unified’s deputy superintendent’s office and I provided strategic support on a range of issues, policies and projects including development and coordination of the Black Student Achievement Plan and the district’s initial $5-billion spending plan for one-time COVID relief funds. I also have held leadership positions in New York City’s Department of Education and the San Jose Unified School District in areas of talent, strategy and operations.

I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Welfare from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Master’s in Public Administration from the Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service at New York University. I also am a graduate of The Broad Residency in Urban Education, an intensive two-year leadership development program.

After spending several years living in New York City and the Bay Area, I am grateful to be back home in Los Angeles, along with my husband Cedric, and two boys.

Randy Romero has been in education for nearly 15 years, serving as Secondary Information Systems Clerk, Math and Science Classroom Teacher, Mathematics Coach, Professional Development Coordinator, and Intervention Coordinator. Randy served as Principal at both Math, Science, and Technology Magnet Academy at Roosevelt High School and Hollenbeck Middle School. He collaborated with teachers to develop a democratic shared governance structure, and bolstered the STEM courses at both sites. Mr. Romero is a product of the Los Angeles Unified School District where he attended school in his hometown of El Sereno, CA. He graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School.

While sitting at my desk, monitoring statements and trade confirmations as a compliance officer, I got an overwhelming feeling of being unsatisfied with where I was in my professional career. I quickly realized that working in corporate America was not the place for me. I was laid off during the 2008 economic crisis and found myself living with my sister and helping my nieces and nephew with their schoolwork, parent-teacher conferences, and extra circular activities. As I explored what avenues would allow me to assist youth and provide them with the knowledge vital to them for years to come, I discovered that the educational system is the perfect place to start, as many of life’s important lessons are learned in school. I was accepted into an alternative route teaching program, Urban Teachers, where I started my career change into education. I received my Master of Elementary and Special Education at Johns Hopkins University and continued to work in low-income and high-poverty communities as a math educator. My considerable number of years in the private and public sectors has equipped me with a unique ability to recognize, address, and resolve problems. I chose to join the Partnership family because of its mission, vision, and dedication to its scholars and families. I am confident that my experience will be an asset in the mission to educate students in high-need schools. I want to be a part of the change!

Raised by immigrant, working class parents in New York City, I learned early on that our cultural identity was the bridge to our ancestors and the heart of every community. I hold this identity close when advocating for systems change in historically marginalized communities. My entry marks 22 years in education and I have served in every capacity within and across systems—educator, interventionist, coach, director, and administrator. After serving as an educator, I focused on building educator capacity as a critical lever for change. I joined the Academy for Urban School Leadership in Chicago, first as an instructional coach, and was later promoted to Director of Coaching. I managed a team of coaches and drove scaled improvement across 31 schools in high poverty communities based on metrics tied to achievement, attendance, family engagement and school climate. Most recently, I served as Principal in Evanston where I led culture transformation and ensured every student experienced academic growth, a strong sense of identity and belonging. As a culture-setter, I am committed to creating healthy learning environments where adults and children can thrive. I have led “Equity-Focused Roundtable” discussions for the Illinois Principal Association, presented at ASCD’s Empower Conference on “Coaching for Impact”, and co-led D65’s first “Equity In Action Symposium” as co-chair of the DEIB Committee. I hold a BS and MS from the City University of New York and an EDD in Urban Education from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Benjamin Franklin is attributed with saying, “tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” Teachers are most effective when they act as facilitators of learning rather than the distributor of knowledge, and I am passionate about supporting teachers and systems in creating equitable opportunities for students where that happens. Math makes sense, and understanding that math makes sense helps students persevere, try new strategies, check their answers in context, and makes them better prepared for higher-level math. These skills alone benefit their ability to succeed so much more than just memorizing an algorithm. I’ve put these beliefs into practice through my roles as a Principal/school administrator (7 years), a Curriculum Specialist (2 years), and a middle school math teacher (7 years). I am proud to join the Curriculum Systems Advising team as a coach helping to grow systems of support to spread student-centered learning practices in mathematics within LA Unified.

I graduated from California State University, Long Beach with a BA in Sociology. Throughout my life, I always understood the importance of college and how much of a huge role it played in my upbringing. When I graduated from CSU Long Beach, I was shocked at the amount of youth within my own community who knew so little of the opportunities that surrounded them. Through my role as a College Advisor for USC Advising Corp, I was given the opportunity to change the college-going culture within LAUSD at Santee Education Complex. As a College Success Advisor, I am excited to continue my work in hopes of changing the mindset of students to know they have endless opportunities.

I knew I wanted to be in education when I had the privilege of having amazing teachers who taught me to believe that the sky was the limit. I was born and raised in Los Angeles, and I attended LAUSD schools all the way through high school. I earned my teaching credential through Cal State University, Dominguez Hills. Knowing that I make a difference in the lives of students constantly reminds me of how important educators are. I now know that one of the most powerful things to see is when a student has an “aha” moment. Going into the classroom everyday with the mindset of getting students to have those moments is what made my experience in the classroom such a joy. I am married to my college sweetheart, and we have two amazing adult sons. We like to spend time at the beach and going to concerts and stage plays. We are also very active in our church. I consider it an honor to walk alongside school staff, and work with Partnership team members, as we all together work toward the common goal of student success.

I come from a family of three generations of public school teachers, so the importance of a high-quality education for all students has been instilled in me from a young age. I started my career in Newark, NJ, teaching 6th and 7th grade English and Social Studies. After leaving the classroom, I led the New York City region of the Petey Greene Program, a non-profit that trains college students to tutor incarcerated students in prison and jail classrooms. Seeing the many injustices that affected my students’ academic opportunities, both in and outside of the classroom, I became further motivated to fight against the systemic inequities and barriers to education that disenfranchised communities face. Most recently, I completed a Master of Public Policy degree at the University of Southern California where I focused my work at the intersection of education and homelessness. I am excited to combine my experience in the classroom with the systems-level work I did in graduate school to support the implementation of high-quality instruction in LAUSD.

Prior to working at the Partnership, I worked as an elementary math coach and a classroom teacher at under-resourced schools in Virginia. I earned my teaching credential through Norfolk State University and my school leadership credential through Regent University. As an educator for the past 11 years, I have grown a strong passion for math education. I believe that if the foundations are set at a young age, the love for math can and will grow in every student.

As the eldest daughter of Mexican immigrants, I always understood how important attending college was for my family and me. However, even at a young age, I was able to identify inequities in the schools I attended. I saw firsthand how tracking and differences in teaching strategies greatly impacted me and my sisters and ultimately resulted in us having vastly different opportunities. I attended UC San Diego, where I began tutoring elementary students and fell in love with being able to help students improve their math understanding as well as their math identity. Through this experience, I decided to become an elementary teacher in hopes of transforming students’ learning experiences. I received my teaching credential and Master of Education from UC San Diego. I spent the next 7 years teaching in Los Angeles schools, where I continued to learn and improve so that all students in my class had access to high-quality instruction and opportunities for deep learning. I am fortunate to join the Partnership team as an Elementary Math Coach in an effort to continue providing equitable access to high-quality instruction for students at a greater capacity.

Coming soon.

I am an educator, artist and activist who started her teaching career in 1999 as a 6th grade ELA and Social Studies teacher at Samuel Gompers Middle School in LA Unified. Since then I have spent 14 years teaching middle school students in Oakland and the south Bronx. I am a proud National Board Certified teacher who strongly believes that education is a tool for social justice and empowerment and that learning experiences for children should be culturally relevant, student-centered and interactive. I currently serve as a Teaching Channel Laureate and a board member of the Black Teacher Project. Previously I have served as a Teaching Ambassador Fellow at the U.S. Department of Education where I used my experience to inform federal education policy. As a product of LA Unified schools I am excited to join the Partnership to support the soaring eagles of Edwin Markham Middle School. I earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Ethnic Studies and an Master's Degree in Education from University of California, Berkeley and a teaching credential from Mills College. In my spare time you may find me in a capoeira roda, freestyling over an instrumental beat, silkscreening t-shirts, or traveling the globe.

As a product of LAUSD, I know how important it is to have great teachers at underperforming schools. After 7 years of teaching and growing as a math educator at George Washington Carver Middle School, I decided to join the Partnership team as the Secondary Math Coach for School Transformation. I will continue to serve and support students in Los Angeles with their academic growth. Previously, I served as the math department chair, Team Lead, and Peer Coach at Carver Middle School. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family, swimming, reading, and trying new foods.

Coming soon.

Alyssa M. Garcia (she/her/ella) is a first-generation, queer, integrative Chicanx artist and educator from Boyle Heights. The oldest daughter of two educators and participants of the East LA Walkouts, Alyssa has been in education and nonprofit sectors for over 10 years, respectively. Her work centers on restructuring learning approaches and educational strategy through community advocacy, racial equity work, healing centered engagement, and the arts.

Alyssa has served as Dean of Students and School Culture with Valley Charter Middle School, Director of Education and Programming with Las Fotos Project, and was a former TK-12 educator teaching visual arts and photography. She specializes in strategic planning, curriculum design, project management, impact evaluation, along with professional development, fundraising, and consulting.

Alyssa received her BA in Urban Learning from CSULA where she also pursued both multiple-subject and single subject (art) credentials. She is a current Executive MBA candidate at USC's Marshall School of Business and in her free time, enjoys family trips to local Farmer's Markets, early morning hikes, live jazz events, and cooking with her fiancée.

Coming soon.

Prior to the Partnership, I spent my career in urban education working primarily in New York City as the Principal of the Urban Assembly Bronx Academy of Letters, which consistently produced some of New York City’s highest college readiness metrics. Prior to that, I worked as an instructional leadership coach, and a high school social studies teacher in East Harlem and the South Bronx. I began my career as a college admissions officer at my alma mater Dartmouth College (Go Green!). A native of Saint Paul, Minnesota I firmly believe in the importance of a quality, public education in a democratic society.

As the first person from both my mom and my dad’s side of the family to graduate from high school, no one set the precedent or expectations for me when I attended CSU Long Beach. Fortunately, my wife guided me into teaching. Ever since, I’ve been in love with making a difference in students’ lives. I taught 7th and 8th grade mathematics for nine years before transitioning into my new role with the Partnership as Math Coach for School Transformation. I am a direct product of an inner-city public education, and this is the community and students that I am passionate about serving. After college, I earned my master’s degree from CSU Dominguez Hills. When I am not serving students, I am spending time with my beautiful wife and two daughters, coaching my daughters’ soccer teams, playing soccer, or exercising in my DIY, Pinterest-inspired garage gym.

I have always been passionate about social justice and equitable access to education. Throughout high school and my post-secondary education, I participated in different initiatives to advocate for more resources for my alma mater, Roosevelt High School, and my community, Boyle Heights. After attending Chico State and receiving my BA in Sociology, I returned to Boyle Heights and took a position as a counseling aide at Roosevelt High School where I provide (and will continue to, as a College Success Advisor) college and career access to all students. I practice self-care by developing new hobbies such as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, snowboarding, weight lifting, and more.

I began my career as a PreK-8 visual arts teacher in Chicago Public Schools and have continued my work in arts education through positions with Davis Publications and LA Promise Fund. My work has included developing arts-integrated curriculum and programming with Paramount Animation, overseeing the Education Program for the Getty’s Pacific Standard Time: LA/LA initiative, and directing two U.S. Department of Education grants that built media arts programs in South LA schools. I hold a bachelor’s degree in art education from the University of Dayton and a master’s degree in education from Roosevelt University. I have a deep love for crossword puzzles and desserts.

Although I was born in a small rural community that is very different from the city of Los Angeles, my experiences through education and supporting students in different communities have molded me into the person I am today. Through reflection of my experience navigating education, I discovered my passion for education and supporting youth of all ages in different capacities. I attended undergraduate school at the University of California, Irvine where I earned my Bachelors of Arts in Criminology, Law, and Society. As a student at UCI I also discovered my passion for youth outreach. This passion led me to serve with City Year Los Angeles in the community of Watts. This experience taught me that I wanted to continue service in the education field and continue to support education reform in whatever capacity that I could. Prior to the Partnership, I continued my work with City Year as a Program Manager in a middle school in Inglewood. During those years I also discovered a need to learn about the non-profit sector which led me to graduate from the University of Southern California with a Masters in Nonprofit Leadership and Management. I want students to feel heard, seen, and supported in all spaces, and working with the Partnership will allow me to support that. Outside of work I enjoy skating, being around friends, and spending time with family!

Growing up in LA County public schools, I observed the need and impact school systems have on students’ personal and professional trajectories. The opportunities I had led me to pursue a degree in Mathematics at Iowa State University as a first-generation college student. Though I found success as an aspiring mathematician, I faced a steep learning curve in navigating academic and professional opportunities. But with mentorship and support, I was able to thrive and have experiences that helped me understand the impact scientists, engineers, and mathematicians have on policies and society. I have focused my work on establishing strong bridges that cut through existing barriers to guide students through STEM pathways. I have experience with math enrichment programs in Los Angeles and I am a former high school math teacher in the Clark County School District. I have a master’s in Education from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and a master’s in Applied Mathematics from the University of California, Riverside. Before joining the Partnership, I worked at the RAND Corporation researching educational policies and their impacts on students from all communities. In my free time, I enjoy the outdoors, watching movies, and spending time with my friends and family.

I was born and raised in the San Fernando Valley, and I attended LAUSD schools from K-12 grades. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in History from California State University, Northridge, and a Master of Public Health with an emphasis in health education from Azusa Pacific University. Through my personal education and professional career, I have witnessed the inequity in education and social disparities that low-income and minority communities receive, which is what drives my work now. My experience includes working with youth who have been detained at juvenile hall and most recently, providing college access at Mendez High School. During my free time, I enjoy attending Dodgers games, hiking, and traveling.

The Partnership allows me the amazing opportunity to give back to the community that I grew up in. I previously worked for CSU-Dominguez Hills as the Program Coordinator for a hybrid teacher credential program focused on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). Prior to this experience, I worked in business development for small businesses and in engineering at Northrop Grumman. I joined the Partnership as a Broad Resident, and hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University and an MBA from UT-Austin.

Community activism was something I briefly knew through my mother’s involvement with the United Farm Workers, but it wasn't until I attended San Diego State University, that I truly understood its importance. While working toward my BA in Journalism and Media Studies, I immersed myself in social justice spaces to expand my understanding of the world and lead event planning efforts to promote our mission and goals. I also worked with the university’s student and parent programs to help execute outreach and communications with external audiences. I loved having the opportunity to interact with students, provide them with valuable knowledge and guide them toward a better understanding of higher education. Through the union of these two passions, I narrowed my focus on which community roles I wanted to play in the social change ecosystem. Which now brings me to the Partnership as an Associate for Academic Programs. I am excited to be focusing on project management, strategic planning and communication within the organization to effectively and efficiently impact the communities we serve. When I’m not working, I enjoy doing activities that help keep me active, informed and creative, whether that be cooking, watching documentaries, working out or taking care of my many plants.

I have a Masters in Reading, an Administrative Preliminary Credential, 20 years of teaching and coaching experience in Long Beach Unified School District, as well as over 10 years of Professional Development experience in the public and private sector. I have worked as adjunct Professor for Alder Graduate School of Education, supporting new teachers in their journey as educational leaders, and as a Capacity Building Coach, leading coherent cycles of continuous improvement, helping school sites and leadership teams to reflect upon their practices as instructional leaders within a context of equitable best practices for student engagement and ultimately, student success. With an emphasis on ELLs and early literacy, I have spent the past few years supporting teacher teams, K-12, in the implementation of literacy standards for Reading, Writing, Language, and Speaking & Listening.

I am a native Angelino, born and raised in Boyle Heights. I have 15 years of experience in the classroom as a secondary math teacher and have had the privilege of being able to work with some amazing coaches. Knowing the importance of growth in the classroom and the ability to do it with a coach has helped me develop into a better professional for my students. I decided to join the Partnership team as a Secondary Math Coach for School Transformation because as a product of Los Angeles Unified schools I know of the importance for all students to get a high-quality education in underserved schools, and as a growing teacher, I experienced the power of coaching and how that helped shape my instruction to better suit my students.

A year after earning my Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Occidental College, I began my teaching career with Teach for America and taught 6th grade English in Dallas, Texas. After my second year of teaching, I moved back home and joined KIPP Sol Academy in East LA where I served as a 5th and 7th grade English teacher, Dean, and Assistant Principal while also earning my Master’s of Science in Literacy and Reading Education from Cal State Fullerton. I now have the opportunity to work with the Partnership for Los Angeles as a Coordinator for School Transformation for Elementary Literacy. In this capacity, I am excited to continue my work in education in service of students and work towards ensuring students across the city have access to an equitable and high-quality education. In my free time, I love to spend time with my husband and my son and enjoy traveling as much as I enjoy reading a good book.

As a first-generation college graduate, my own education has afforded me countless opportunities; fundamentally, my work centers around making access to the opportunities I had a matter of fact -- rather than chance -- for all students. Previous to the Partnership, I worked at the Achievement Network, a nonprofit that supports school and district leaders to unlock the power of standards, curriculum, and data to bring game-changing instruction to all students. I’ve also worked in curriculum development, serving as the Director of Education at Girls Who Code, a nonprofit dedicated to increasing representation of women in technology by providing young women early learning opportunities in computer science. Most formatively, I began my professional career as a middle school math teacher, where my students and peers helped me grow my own love for mathematics and a deep respect for the community that is required to support great schooling. I hold an undergraduate degree in Engineering Sciences from Harvard University and received my Masters in Teaching from Hunter College in New York City.

After earning my Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science from Whittier College in 2015, I began substitute teaching in my hometown of Pico Rivera and soon discovered my love for teaching. In 2017, I earned my Master of Arts in Teaching and CA Teaching Credential from USC. That same year, I began teaching literacy through Social Studies at KIPP Sol Academy in East Los Angeles. During my time at Sol, I led the 8th-grade team and Social Studies department. As a Literacy Coach at the Partnership for Los Angeles Schools, I hope to help bring joy into classrooms and ensure all students have access to high-quality instruction and culturally relevant content.

I am an equity-minded student affairs practitioner. I was born and raised in Boyle Heights and graduated from 2 Partnership schools – go Hollenbeck and Mendez! I graduated from UC Davis with a B.S in Animal Science and have most recently earned my Masters in Education in Postsecondary Administration and Student Affairs from USC. My career in education started with academic advising and has led me to college access work. As a first-generation scholar I navigated the challenges of higher education with minimal guidance and I use this lived experience to inform my work. I am passionate about equipping students with the tools to be successful in their postsecondary endeavors and instilling confidence in them to achieve their goals! Outside of work I enjoy going to Disney, watching Grey's Anatomy or finding an art activity to do with my daughter.

Coming soon.

I am passionate about creating inclusive instructional experiences that transform student outcomes. In my eight years of classroom teaching, I gained experience in grades 4-7 and in all content areas. My final years of teaching were in 5th and 6th grade ELA & Social Studies classrooms at Freire Charter Middle School in Philadelphia. Since then I have worked as a school-based instructional coach for all content areas in grade K-8, an instructional coach for a post-baccalaureate teacher preparation program in Baltimore, and most recently as an Evaluation Learning Specialist with The School District of Philadelphia where I supported the redesign of the teacher evaluation system. I graduated from Syracuse University with dual degrees in Inclusive Elementary and Specialist Education before obtaining my Master’s of Education from West Chester University of Pennsylvania.

As an educator for the past 20+ years and a member of the Partnership team from the beginning years of the organization, I bring a wealth of knowledge both internal and external. My years in education began as a teacher, and then math coach, teacher leader, professional development provider, and institute director. I hold a Bachelor's, Master's , and Doctorate degree from UCLA. Through my work with the Partnership as well as many other professional organizations, I am always immersed in learning, growing, and deepening understanding around curriculum, instruction, assessment, pedagogy and practice and the interplay of these with teachers, students, and school leaders. I have a strong passion for math and believe that all students can achieve at high levels and that it is up to us as educators to help students know, believe in, and sometimes help unlock their mathematics brilliance.

I am an educator, collaborator, and fierce advocate of college access, especially for those who have been historically shut out of higher education. I grew up in Inglewood and I am a product of the city’s public schools, where very few students have the privilege of going to a 4-year college upon graduation. In my 10+ years of recruiting and serving schools and students across the U.S., I have seen the pervasive lack of college access in low-income communities of color. My commitment is to ensure that students and families, who come from communities similar to mine, are equipped to reach and succeed in college, and that those around them can serve as resources for accurate college and career information. I am a proud Bruin, Trojan, and Chapina who enjoys a good road trip and bad reality TV.

After completing my undergraduate studies at UCLA, I began my teaching career in LAUSD with an emergency teaching credential and a strong desire to impact underrepresented students. Over the course of the next 19 years, I was a teacher at 20th Street Elementary School in South Los Angeles. Throughout my experience I’ve learned that teaching is one of the most challenging yet rewarding professions. Eventually I earned my teaching credential from CSU Los Angeles, Master of Education degree from the University of La Verne, and National Board Certification. During my teaching years, I saw first-hand the immense challenges that our students face, the significant growth that children can make in one year, and how teachers can change the trajectory of their students’ lives. When 20th Street became a Partnership school in 2016, I was incredibly attracted to their model of educational system transformation through the development of great leaders, strong teachers, and engaged families. I look forward to supporting the math instruction of the amazing teachers within Partnership elementary schools. In my free time, I spend much of my time with my wife and son trying out as many Los Angeles restaurants as my stomach will allow.

I graduated from the University of California, Irvine (UCI) with a B.A. in Political Science and a B.A. in Chicano/Latino Studies. As an undergraduate, I dedicated my time engaging in research studies that highlighted the experience of underserved and marginalized communities in K-12 systems and higher education. As a direct result, I became very passionate about fighting for education equity through restorative justice practices. I was also involved in organizations that created fostering communities through diversity, equity, and inclusion practices while also building socio-cultural awareness. My personal experience with education as a first-generation student, and my time at UCI, helped me build a strong passion for youth empowerment, community building, and social justice reform. Some of my passions include traveling, reading and writing, tasting new foods, and spending time with friends.

I have been a mathematics educator and instructional coach in California and New York for nearly 15 years. Prior to teaching, I earned my undergraduate degree in Mathematics and Economics from UCLA and my Masters in Education from Cal State University, Northridge. I started my career in education to make a difference in the way students learn mathematics. I am determined to engage students in discourse of the “why” of mathematics just as much as the “how.” Dedication to addressing equity in education by empowering both teachers and students to become confident mathematical thinkers and learners is at the center of my work. I am passionate about helping teachers implement an instructional approach that allows students to see mathematics everywhere. I am thrilled to be joining the Partnership as a Math Coach for School Transformation at Roosevelt High School. In my spare time, you can most likely find me in a group exercise class or reading a nonfiction book.

I was born in Mexico and emigrated to this country when I was six years old. I was raised in South Los Angeles and I’m a product of LAUSD. Prior to joining the Partnership, I served the community of Watts (Locke High School) and Lawndale (Leuzinger High School) as a math teacher. I was drawn to the Partnership because I’m passionate about transforming education in our marginalized communities by ensuring ALL students are receiving a high-quality education. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my wife and two sons. We are LAFC supporters! Black and Gold!

For the past 17 years, I have immersed myself in the world of middle school education. I began my teaching career in Compton Unified School District in 2001, where I taught 7th grade English for seven years. In 2008, I transitioned to KIPP LA Schools and remained there for almost ten years serving as a 6th and 7th grade English teacher, middle school Assistant School Leader and founding School Leader. During my tenure, I received a Master's Degree in Education through UCLA’s Principal Leadership Institute. In my current role as the Literacy Coach for School Transformation, I have the pleasure of working with our team to positively impact student achievement results in literacy at Carver Middle School, a school that is just two miles from where I began my educational journey as a five year old. As a counternarrative, I am deeply passionate about working to transform our school sites into places where all students receive a high quality, equitable educational experience. As a mom and wife, I approach our work as if my two kids attended our schools; as James Baldwin stated, “For these are all our children, we will all profit or pay for what they become.”

I am a product of an educator’s influence of nurture, high expectations, and instilling a positive student identity. After serving in the United States Marine Corps, I earned my BA in Sociology with a minor in Education at the University of California, Los Angeles, and an MA at the University of Southern California. I have worked in public education since 2013 in East Oakland, CA, and Santa Ana, CA. I have also worked as a consultant for inclusive R&D math curriculum and instruction that focuses on serving Black and Latinx students, with various organizations to help improve teacher recruitment and retention, and helped establish the largest charter teacher union in Oakland. My passion is to provide high-quality, equitable instruction and pathways of continued growth for all students.

I have 15 years of experience as an elementary educator, including time as a classroom teacher, mentor teacher, grade level chair and coach. I most recently served as a lead teacher for 3rd grade English Language Arts at KIPP Empower Academy in Inglewood, and have a deep knowledge of literacy instruction and curriculum, blended learning, and culturally relevant and responsive pedagogy. Education is lifelong curiosity that builds growth and development. Curiosity pushes my passion for literacy to be provided to all scholars in an innovated model, because they deserve it. I am excited to be a part of the Partnership for Los Angeles Schools to join in the effort of transforming and revolutionizing schools. This is the only way that our children will be college ready and leaders for the future. When I am not working I am busy loving my three beautiful sons, trying new recipes, making time to laugh, and having fun.

I became an educator to provide disenfranchised children with an excellent education that will empower them to make positive change in their lives and the lives of others. Prior to joining the Partnership I worked with the Colton School District, Bloomington High School, for twelve years as a master math teacher (teaching everything from pre-algebra to AP calculus BC), department chair, and Saturday school coordinator. My passion is working with young people, living in generational poverty, to support their development as confident individuals who see investing in themselves and their communities as a worthwhile and necessary effort. My work with teachers and school leaders is to support them in doing this work.

Julija Zubac (pronounced Yuliya Zoo-bahtz) is an educator, organizer, and restorative practitioner who integrates her passion for teaching, education policy, and restorative justice to work toward real equity in our schools. As Director of Restorative Communities, Julija manages the implementation of restorative justice practices, social and emotional learning, and trauma informed/healing practices across our network of high-need LAUSD schools in Boyle Heights, South Los Angeles, and Watts. Prior to joining the Partnership, Julija was a social science teacher at Alain LeRoy Locke HS and an Education Pioneers Fellow with LAUSD, where she served as a strategic planner in the Office of Government Relations, helping design a year-round LCAP community engagement strategy. Named one of "30 Under 30 Innovative Educators" in 2011, Julija has extensive teaching and international experience. Mrs. Zubac has taught diverse student populations in grades 5th-12th, in Glendale, Rosemead and Watts. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania (BA, Honors in Political Science) and Claremont Graduate University (MA, Education), she has worked on projects in Bosnia-Herzegovina, India and Mexico, and grew up in the ex-Yugoslavia, Italy and the U.S. Julija is a proud Bosnian-American war survivor and an activist for a more peaceful and just world. Outside of work, she is a devoted mother, an avid traveler, and an arts enthusiast.

I joined the Partnership in February 2011. I have dedicated a total of 17 years working for Hollenbeck Middle School, 7 as a parent volunteer and 10 as a Community Representative. That has helped me deepen my knowledge of working with parents at Partnership schools. In my role on the Parent College team I connect with parents, empower the community, and support our students. I love my job. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family, listening to music, dancing, and traveling to Mexico.

My personal mission is to ensure that Partnership students get access to the most skilled, curious, and inspiring teachers and school leaders out there. Our team seeks to understand the barriers and obstacles to hiring and keeping the best, in order to develop creative solutions for the short and long-term. I started my career as a third grade teacher in Phoenix, Arizona, and hold a Masters of Public Policy from the University of Southern California and a Bachelors in Sociology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In my free time, I love exploring Southern California, listening to podcasts and audiobooks, and going on adventures with my husband.

My experience in education started at 112th Street Elementary and I remained in South Central for the duration of my time with LAUSD. While life sent me in another direction for a few years, I am excited that all the building blocks have brought me back to serving the schools and communities that have remained near and dear to my heart. I am passionate about working with, cultivating, and sustaining the best educators. My background in and outside the classroom, paired with recent experience coordinating at the university level, make me eager to collaborate with our schools in my new role. I am so excited to be a part of the work the partnership does.

As a DACAmented immigrant, English Language Learner Latina, raised in a low-income household and proud product of the LAUSD community – my personal experiences drive my work to support in the transformation of schools. I am passionate about supporting the development of sustainable and effective ecosystems that offer ALL our students equitable access to high quality education so they can attain economic prosperity and social mobility. Prior to joining the Partnership, I worked as an intervention teacher, and later, intervention coordinator for the Camino Nuevo Charter Academy Network and for a non-profit supporting youth in the Los Angeles - South Central Area. As the Manager of School Transformation, Family Engagement, I am excited to support our elementary schools in developing, implementing, and overseeing school-based family engagement initiatives. As a first-generation college student, I understand the importance of engaging families. I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in Integrative Biology from UC Berkeley and my master’s degree in Education Policy and Management from Harvard’s Graduate School of Education. In my spare time, I enjoy being outdoors and running.

I was raised in Watts and I attended two Partnership schools -- Florence Griffith Joyner Elementary School and Markham Middle School. My passion for education began when I started working for the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) at California State University, Dominguez Hills, where I graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration Marketing. While working for EOP, a program designed to help low-income first-generation college students, I saw my work generate positive change on campus and in my students’ communities. I understand the need and the help that the Partnership brings to communities across Los Angeles. I strongly believe that education can be a great equalizer and want to recruit as many children as possible for our schools. In my free time, I like spending time with my two brothers and friends, and playing some video games.

I am a first-generation Latina, born and raised in Los Angeles, CA. My family came to the United States to escape the civil war in El Salvador in the early 1980s. I was raised by a single mother who taught me the importance of living a life of integrity, hard work, and dedication to those that you love. Those values are central to who I am today. Over the past 15 years, I have served in a variety of different roles working directly with children, families, communities, and educators. During that time, I also earned four degrees, culminating in a Doctor of Organizational Leadership from the University of La Verne. What I learned during this time, and through my own lived experiences, is that change happens when educators and families work together, in relationship, to support children. Families who are empowered to support, guide, teach, and advocate raise unstoppable children that grow up empowered to do the same. As a part of the family engagement team, I am excited to bridge my educational, professional, and personal experiences to effect meaningful change in the way educators and schools build relationships with families. I envision an educational system wherein family engagement is not “part of what we do” but integral to who we are.

I’m a cinema major turned high school teacher that made a pivot into higher education and the non-profit space! I love integrating entertainment, social media, and academics to create leaders inside and outside of the classroom, and I host a podcast to highlight the importance of building social capital. I’ve lived in New York City, the Chicago area, and Los Angeles—of which I can say LA has the best…weather. Fight On to my fellow Trojans! I’m also a proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Shout out to my fellow National Pan Hellenic Council members!

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I was raised in South Los Angeles and graduated from MSTMA at Roosevelt – a Partnership school. As a first generation college graduate, I understand the challenges many underrepresented students face when trying to receive a high quality education. While in college at CSU Long Beach, studying political science, I was elected as student body vice-president. I established the first university food pantry and an AB540/Dream resource center -- both projects dedicated to serving underrepresented communities. Through this work, my commitment to my community increased, and after college I worked on a California statewide education campaign leading strategic partnerships, operations and fundraising efforts. After traveling up and down the state, I was convinced that I needed to continue advocating for underrepresented communities. I’m incredibly excited to continue to expand my work in communities with the Partnership for Los Angeles Schools. In my free time, I like hanging out at the park with my two beautiful pugs, Lolita and Panchito.

A native of South Los Angeles and father of three, I am deeply invested in providing an excellent education for all our students in the city of Los Angeles. In my current role at the Partnership of Los Angeles Schools, I serve as the Elementary Coordinator of School Transformation. In this role, I am responsible for coaching and mentoring educators in pedagogy, praxis, and professional leadership. I began my career in public education as a Teach For America corps member, where I taught six years as an elementary teacher in Atlanta, Georgia. I eventually left the classroom to serve as the Executive Director of the Longfellow Youth Academy that focused on mentorship and leadership development of young Black males. Before joining the Partnership of Los Angeles Schools, I mentored and coached teachers for Teach for America Los Angeles. I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Marketing from Morehouse College, a Masters in Theology from Regent University, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership for Social Justice from Loyola Marymount University. In my spare time, I mentor young men through my travel baseball organization, West Elite Baseball.

I am honored to serve as the Partnership's Director of Community Engagement and Partnerships. My life’s work is to support families and communities to be healthy and thrive, and I have worked with non-profits, government, health organizations, and foundations on public health and social justice issues including violence, food access, active living, HIV/AIDS, and tobacco use. Prior to joining the Partnership, I was the Senior Manager for Urban Peace Institute and Advancement Project. I also convened the Watts Regional School Safety Collaborative with the goal of promoting safe passage for students and implemented the Watts Latino Leadership Institute which focused on increasing civic engagement among immigrant residents. Quality education is an issue close to my heart, and I am excited to serve and support school communities in reaching their fullest potential.

I am Dr. LeAnna Majors (she/her) and I have partnered with communities in both public and charter school systems in various roles since 2006. In these roles, I have demonstrated my belief in providing liberatory educational opportunities for all students as a resource for culturally responsive teaching practices, identity-affirming leadership development, strategic planning, professional development, and operationalizing systems. I have also presented at national academic conferences on my own research aimed at uplifting discourse on parenting practices of African American families. Most recently, I founded KIPP Compton Community School. An elementary school grounded in the fundamental belief that all people have the power to positively impact the lives of others through revolutionary civic leadership and everyday anti-racism. I enjoy reading, superhero movies, tending to my garden, and baking. I am passionate about education and look forward to creating organizational spaces where all people can be free

Before joining the Partnership, I was a community school coordinator for The Los Angeles School of Global Studies located in the Miguel Contreras Learning Complex. It was there that I witnessed how powerful and passionate our youth are when they advocate and strive for social change in their communities.

For the past ten years, I’ve had the privilege to work alongside passionate mentors, advocates, and educators that believe in the determination and inspiring stories of the students and families we work beside; a transmittable passion that I continue to hold as I join the Family Engagement team at the Partnership for Los Angeles Schools.

I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Studies from California State University, Los Angeles. I am a proud product of LAUSD and grew up just a few miles east of downtown Los Angeles, near the neighborhood of Boyle Heights. In my spare time, I enjoy visits to the dog beach and hiking trails in Oregon with my wife and dogs.

I grew up in the community of Watts, where I graduated from Jordan High School (now a Partnership school), and attended Smith College in Massachusetts. Following my time at Smith College, I returned to Los Angeles to serve as a City Year corps member at my high school. I wanted to give back to my community to help other first-generation students, like me, receive more academic support and resources to apply to college. After my two-year service with City Year, I continued working at Jordan High School as a Bilingual Teacher’s Assistant to all ELD classes and as an Academic Affairs Coach with College Track. Most recently, I took the opportunity to teach English for a semester in Colombia. Although it was an amazing experience, my Watts community always calls to me and I am looking forward to continue serving it through my role at the Partnership. Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, and traveling abroad.

My personal mission is to ensure that Partnership students have access to high-quality programs that nurture their academic curiosities, elevate their voices, build their experiences and get them to and through college. Our team values community experiences, relationships, the importance of sustainable impact and a whole-child centered approach. I started my career as a college advisor in a high need district school and held roles in youth leadership development, supplemental education program management, adult education and advocacy, and capacity builder and trainer. I hold a Masters of Public Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a minor in Chicano/a Studies from California State University, Northridge. In my free time, I support a youth scholarship program, I indulge in LA’s eclectic food scene, and l love to explore California’s scenic and historic sites with my husband.

I joined the Partnership in September 2017 as part of the Parent College Outreach team. In my role I support parents who participate and encourage them to graduate from our program. I previously worked at Debbie’s Bridal, where I learned how to work on a team, connect with people, and provide excellent customer service. I enjoy using all of these skills to support the Parent College program. I am currently a student studying accounting and I plan to go to college in the future. I like to hike and run with my kids. I love my family and like to spend most of my free time with them.

I was born in apartheid-era South Africa and completed my primary and secondary education in Hong Kong. After graduating from New York University, I returned to Hong Kong to teach English before relocating to India to work with an NGO. My time in India strengthened my belief in the power of education to fundamentally change society and motivated me to apply to graduate school. I moved to Los Angeles in 2014 with a master’s degree in International Education Policy from Harvard and a desire to impact student opportunity. I found a home in higher education and teacher credentialing, and each successive role has enabled me to work more closely with the students who are ultimately at the heart of this work. I am honored to join the Partnership team in support of LAUSD’s highest-need schools. Outside of work, I spend quality time with my husband and young son, and every so often I treat myself to a zombie movie.

Dr. Michelle Rappino was born in Rome, Italy, and spent her primary years in Rome and Los Angeles. She is multilingual, speaking English, Italian, and Spanish. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from UCLA in 1997, her Master’s Degree in Cross-Cultural Education and Educational Administration from National University in 2000 and 2005, respectively, and her Doctorate in Educational Leadership from USC in 2008. During her teaching tenure, Dr. Rappino has worked in both LAUSD and charter schools as a K-6 classroom teacher, a Programs Adviser focusing on compliance and organizational management, as a Teacher Adviser in both Math and Language/Cultural Competency, and most recently as the Principal of Ritter Elementary School. At Ritter, she supervised both instruction and operations while fostering a culture of success and a passion for learning within our students. When she is not educating and empowering our youth, Dr. Rappino focuses her attention on various investments. She also loves jazz, attends poetry readings, walks the beach, travels, and attends events with her sorority sisters.

I started working at the Partnership in 2009. My role at that time was knocking on doors to recruit parents from local schools to participate in a community program that eventually became Parent College. Before joining Partnership, I worked as a crossing guard at different schools. I also with UCLA for 2 years on Latino community outreach projects. In Mexico City, I worked as a receptionist and secretary at various companies where I also learned a lot. I enjoy interacting with many people. What I love most about the Parent College program is connecting with parents who are interested in supporting their students. It is wonderful to see how much they learn and grow by participating in our program. In my spare time, I like to be with my family and grandchildren enjoying every moment. I also like to travel, go for walks, dance, shop, and cook.

I grew up on the Mexican-American border learning to navigate both languages and cultures. As a first generation college graduate from UCLA, I have a passion for empowering all people to access and enjoy learning and education. This passion lead me to serve two years with City Year at Edwin Markham Middle School, where I reinforced my desire to be a part of this cause greater than myself. Joining the Partnership has allowed me to continue and expand my contributions to improve the quality of education for all students.

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Prior to joining the Partnership, I worked with adults in the Skid Row area of Los Angeles to identify pathways to self-sufficiency by assisting them with navigating employment barriers. The work was a constant reminder of my belief that a strong educational foundation, along with access to resources, sets individuals up for success both personally and professionally. I had spent a few years, prior to my time in Skid Row, working on improving student retention in an alternative high school education program where I worked with students and families who had left their traditional district. My commitment to support the transformation of schools stems from my personal experiences as a first-generation LAUSD student who was raised on the east side of Los Angeles.

I love to tell stories and I am fortunate to be in a position where I can share the stories of inspirational young people and remarkable change makers to help the Partnership secure the resources it needs to thrive. Though I grew up in Southern California, I spent the first stage of my career in Baltimore. I taught English at the middle school level and managed an afterschool program for students learning English. I began working in development and communications at the MERIT Health Leadership Academy, a nonprofit program supporting students pursuing careers in health care. Beyond my formal roles, I am also passionate about writing and have taught personal statement writing to high school seniors and worked as a writing tutor at a correctional institution. I hold a BA from U.C. Berkeley and a Master of Science in Education from Johns Hopkins. Outside of work, I enjoy cooking, watching soccer, visiting art museums, and watching horror movies.

I have always had a passion for social justice and believe education is a key to promoting critical thinking and reducing inequality. Before joining the Partnership, I lived in central Mexico, where I raised funds to establish an Internet company that serves rural communities. I have also worked independently as a consultant for many years fundraising for political campaigns and social justice organizations, including coalition building and grassroots organizing throughout California to push for gender parity and LGBT equality. I am a native of upstate New York and hold a BA in English from the University of Vermont. When I’m not busy securing investments to move our work forward, I enjoy traveling, hiking, kayaking, spending time with my dog, and reading about the latest science discoveries in astronomy, archaeology and space exploration.

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I feel grateful and privileged to ground my work as Director of Advocacy Campaigns in community-driven change and I am so excited to be continuing to fight with students, parents, and schools for equitable education for all!

I’m a queer, Chicana organizer, educator, and relationship builder who believes that power is best leveraged when it’s with our communities. Born and raised in Pilsen (Chicago), I am a proud public school alumna and former public school teacher. Prior to joining the Partnership I received my Bachelor of Arts in English and Latinx studies from Princeton University, my Masters of Education in Teaching (focused on Multilingual Learner Education) from Boston University, and have since led organizing and advocacy campaigns across Massachusetts, California, Arizona, and British Columbia.

Living in Boyle Heights with my partner and our dog, I love spending my free time training for marathons with the Boyle Heights Bridge Runners and Good Vibes Track Club. You can find me at Angel City FC games, baking new recipes for @DownWithThePastryarchy, and booking flights to somewhere new!

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I was born and raised in East Los Angeles/Boyle Heights, and I’m a former Partnership student having graduated from MSTMA at Roosevelt High School. I also was a Partnership Lundquist Fellow. My whole educational trajectory has been shaped around my identity as a first-generation student trying to get to college; it was rough and it was lonely. I was gifted with a curious mind and asked a lot of questions. I asked for resources, I asked for guidance, and I asked all the right questions that got me to a four-year university, UCLA, where I studied Political Science and minored in Education. In everything I did, I found myself relating back to my experiences. So, to further my knowledge I went on to Brown University to get my degree in Urban Education Policy, where I learned more about the structural barriers that are in place for many students like me. My experiences and exposure to elite spaces, have only strengthened my belief that there should be more students from communities like mine in higher education. I want to do what I can to bring my skills and my expertise back home and to Partnership schools. In my free time, I love anything Harry Potter: books, movies, etc.

My experience started during my undergraduate years at California State University, Dominguez Hills, through my involvement in various leadership roles on campus and in regional and national organizations. The Organizing and Leadership Academy (TOLA) further refined my skills by exposing me to the fundamentals of political organizing. Through the program, I had the opportunity to work on prominent campaigns. I also worked as a Union Representative/Organizer for United Healthcare Workers, which enhanced my capability to motivate people to become involved in an issue and to work alongside others to be successful. My role as Parent Organizer gives me the opportunity to give back to the communities I grew up in. I organize parents in Watts and Boyle Heights in support of greater equity in our education system, and leadership development. With the regional chapter of United Parents for Educational Justice (UPEJ), I identify parent leaders and provide the political education to better serve their community. I believe that fostering leadership and organizational skills in community members, and ultimately our students, are the key components to social change.

Growing up in Inglewood, I never questioned the conditions in my community until I attended college. Through my coursework in Chicana/o Studies and Education at UCLA, I became aware of the systemic oppression taking place in communities of color. That realization motivated me to become heavily involved in student-led community service programs and to commit my life to dismantle these systems and give back to my community. Prior to joining Partnership, I worked at two Partnership schools in Watts. Most recently, I worked at College Track at Jordan High School. Before that, I served two years with City Year at 99th Street Elementary School. I have a deep personal connection to the work done by the Partnership and share the belief of not just improving schools, but revolutionizing the broader school system.

Born in Chicago — Go Cubs! — I love Los Angeles because of its palm trees, open outlook and brilliant light. I am proud to have contributed to our city as the the National Immigration Law Center's first director of development and executive director of Learning Rights Law Center, and now as Manager of Development at the Partnership. I am a board member of the SPACE Arts Center in South Pasadena, and received an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business and a Bachelor of Music in Composition from the Bienen School of Music at Northwestern University. I enjoy music (indie rock, college radio), silent films (Weimar Republic), reading (punk rock, history) and Mexican mochas (extra chocolate).

I am a highly-motivated, young professional with a passion for social justice and lifelong learning. I was first introduced to the concept of lifelong learning when I worked at Centro Latino for Literacy – an organization that taught adult literacy in Spanish as a springboard to learning English as a second language. In my past roles, I‘ve managed media relationships and fundraising campaigns, coordinated events, provided training to partner organizations, developed and implemented creative and comprehensive strategies to market programs and services to key target audiences, and managed printing and distribution of promotional materials. Through consistent positioning and messaging, my aim is to help the Partnership for Los Angeles Schools continue to drive our mission forward and effectively communicate it through media and partner relationships, as well as social media channels. I am excited to be a part of the Partnership and help with our online identity and presence, and brand awareness.

A deep commitment to social justice brought me to the Partnership. I love our work because of the dual impact we have on the schools we directly work with and on the broader system we work within. I previously worked in Ghana as Deputy Country Director for Innovations for Poverty Action, where I managed research projects examining the impact of anti-poverty measures. Before that, I led customer research at McMaster-Carr, an industrial supplies company in Los Angeles. Prior to that, I worked in communications for World Vision, a large international humanitarian organization.

I hold a Master’s degree in International Affairs from UC San Diego and a Bachelor’s degree in History from Stanford University. Outside of work I love to run on mountain trails, enjoy the amazing diversity of food in Los Angeles, and play with my two sons.

I’ve always believed that a good education is the keystone of the American Dream and as a product of "Blue Ribbon" public schools, I’ve seen firsthand what our educational systems should look like for all children. My passion for equitable educational opportunities led me to my volunteer positions as a mentor with Kid City Hope Place, a college-access organization in downtown Los Angeles, and as part of the fundraising committee for its parent organization, the Los Angeles United Methodist Urban Foundation. I come to the Partnership and the non-profit world from a career in the entertainment industry, where I represented writers for film and television and exercised my advocacy muscles in a completely different way. I’m a proud alum of the University of Southern California and outside of the office, you’ll find me obsessing over Trojan football and Dodger baseball.

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As a product of the LA Unified School District, I know how important a high quality education can be in order to succeed in college. I am excited to join the Partnership and do my part to ensure our communities receive the support they need. I graduated from UC Santa Barbara with a B.A. in Political Science and an emphasis in International Relations. I am currently pursuing a certificate in Business Administration - Management from Pasadena City College. Prior to joining the Partnership, I was working in accounting, and during college I served as the College Link Outreach Program Coordinator. During my spare time you can find me with family and friends or traveling to new places.

I believe that measuring the impact of school programs for historically underserved students and empowering school leaders with timely and relevant information are important tools to address systemic inequalities and support anti-racism work in schools. My education sector journey started in 2013-14 when I served as a Corps Member and Evaluation Coordinator with City Year Los Angeles at Belmont High School. From there, I spent the past nine years supporting schools in the Westlake & Koreatown communities as a Senior Data Coordinator, and later as the founding Dean of Academic Programs & Data for Rise Kohyang High School, part of Bright Star Schools. I received my BA at Rice University in Houston, TX, where I also served in student government as residential college president. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, playing and coaching soccer, and spending time with my dog, Peanut!

I am thrilled to be part of the Partnership, serving in the role of Controller. I am a licensed CPA and spent nearly a decade in public accounting before moving into a Controller position at a non-profit private school. I’ve always been a lover of learning and have a special place in my heart for public education. I am grateful to have the opportunity to serve students, teachers, and administrators in the classroom, doing the transformative work of education. I hold a Master of Education and I’m excited to apply the technical accounting skills I’ve developed in my career through the lens of a mission that speaks directly to my personal values.

I believe deeply in education as a powerful force for empowerment and equity, and I’m inspired by the work the Partnership is doing to make this a reality for our students and families. I’m excited to support this work as the Operations Associate, in particular in helping facilitate a nurturing, equitable, and collaborative office culture that models our system of support for schools. Before joining the Partnership, I worked in northern Spain as a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant and stayed for a second year with another program to continue teaching. At Scripps College, I earned a BA in Organizational Studies, focusing on the nonprofit and education fields while also emphasizing the role of culture in high-achieving organizations. In my free time, I enjoy reading novels, traveling, and spending time with my cat, Stella.

I am passionate about public education and have spent my career focused on using data to improve the educational opportunities for students, working as Senior Analyst with the California Charter Schools Association and an analyst with the Los Angeles Unified School District. I received my B.S. degree in Statistics from San Francisco State University and M.A. in Education from Cal State LA. Outside of work I enjoy reading, hiking, spending time with my husband and two daughters… and I am a proud roller derby parent and fan. Go Angel City!

I was born in the city of Compton, California, and was raised in the Los Angeles area. In November 2022, I joined the Partnership’s Jordan High School in Watts as a Pupil Services and Attendance Clerk. During my time at Jordan, I learned so much about the community of Watts and how the Partnership continuously supports our students and educators. I have felt inspired and motivated to carry out our mission of ensuring a high quality education for all students. During my free time I enjoy spending time with my family, running, and listening to R&B music.

My passion for education equity began when I was in elementary school where I recognized the influence of educators on my growth development. I knew which teachers empowered me and held the magic that could transform my barriers into opportunities. This motivated me to work with students at City Year, Los Angeles where I worked with 6th & 7th graders at John Liechty Middle School. After 2 years, I went off to graduate school at Washington University in St. Louis for my Joint-Masters (MBA & MSW). While working in the different fields of social equity such as community development & financial inclusion, education was a driver of equity that was always mentioned. I’ve had the privilege to work with passionate people who advocate for social justice throughout my professional career, and this opportunity is continued within my role at the Partnership for Los Angeles Schools.

I have spent the past 15 years working in nonprofit and education spaces, creating programs for Los Angeles students and healthy work cultures for the staff carrying them out. I am passionate about building equitable, truly inclusive, and people-centered workplace cultures that foster a sense of deep belonging while disrupting white dominant norms, and creating sustainable organizational strategy. I was most recently Community & Culture Director at Young Storytellers, and I previously held operations and programs-based roles at 826LA, Every Monday Matters, Invisible Children, and the Broad Museum. I hold a BA in Psychology, am currently training to be a mindfulness teacher, and consider myself a life-long learner. In my spare time, I love to travel, spend time with my husband and pets, participate in my long-running feminist book club, see an occasional comedy show and museum exhibition, catch up on Riverdale, and tend to my many (maybe too many) houseplants.

I grew up in Medellín, Colombia and was very privileged to have had hardworking parents and educators who were invested in my education and personal growth from an early age. Their encouragement and support gave me confidence in my abilities and sedimented my belief that education is the foremost impactful tool for equity, opportunity, and success. Prior to joining Partnership, I was doing research on consciousness and severe mental illness in Colombian populations, which allowed me to utilize data and technology to better understand and support my community. I hold a B.S. in Neuroscience from UCLA and an A.S. in Computer Science from Santa Monica College. Having been in LA for over 6 years, I strongly believe that we should be invested in the schools that educate our society. This is why I am extremely excited about starting my work here at Partnership, where I can contribute my skills and passion to provide students and their families with the resources and empowerment I received. In my free time I love to paint, knit macramé and binge-watch true crime documentaries.

My background building and growing start ups, small business enterprises, and consulting firms, with everyone from home owners to public agencies as clients, helped prepare me for the challenges I face at the Partnership. I previously served as Office Manager at The Solis Group, overseeing the administration and accounting departments of three businesses and one private foundation while also working as a key advisor to the Chairman of the Board of Directors, guiding the companies to their most profitable years in business during his tenure. What doesn’t translate from the private sector, and what drew me into the Partnership, is the sense of fulfillment I enjoy from tackling the challenges day-to-day. I hold two Bachelor of Arts degrees, one in Communications and one in Philosophy, from Fordham University in New York.

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I was born and raised in LA, and am a product of the LAUSD school system. Throughout my career, I have worked in administrative support roles at various non-profit organizations to provide children, families, and vulnerable communities with services, advocacy, and other supports. I am honored to now serve as the Partnership’s Executive Associate to the CEO, where I can follow my passion for shaping a future public education system that serves students in an equitable and holistic way.

I join the Partnership with experience in the education policy and advocacy space, most recently at the California Charter Schools Association where I focused on school performance, development, and support. Before that, I cut my teeth at Spark, a national non-profit middle school career exploration program where I launched and managed programs in two Oakland middle schools. I received my Master of Public Policy from the USC Price School of Public Policy and my undergraduate degree in American Studies at Stanford University (where my football allegiances lie)! In my free time, I enjoy meal planning and cooking at home, reading, exercising, and spending time with friends and family.