09/10/2025

EdTrust-West Statement on the U.S. Department of Education’s Cancellation of Minority-Serving Institution (MSI) Grant Programs

EdTrust-West Statement on the U.S. Department of Education’s Cancellation of Minority-Serving Institution (MSI) Grant Programs  Today, we denounce in the strongest terms the U.S. Department of […]
09/09/2025

EdTrust-West Responds to New National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) Data

EdTrust-West Responds to New National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) Data  Today’s release of the Nation’s Report Card should sound a nationwide alarm. The latest results—8th-grade […]
08/22/2025

EdTrust-West Statement on Federal Rollback of English Learner Guidance

EdTrust-West Statement on Federal Rollback of English Learner Guidance  EdTrust-West strongly condemns the federal government’s decision to rescind longstanding guidance that ensures English learners receive the […]
07/17/2025

EdTrust-West Responds to Long-Awaited California Teacher Workforce Demographic Data

For Immediate Release Contact: Mariel Matze, [email protected], 510-879-6208  EdTrust-West Responds to Long-Awaited California Teacher Workforce Demographic Data   Oakland, CA — Melissa Valenzuela-Stookey, Director of P-16 […]
06/27/2025

In Final State Budget Agreement, California Buffers Students from Federal Uncertainty and Fiscal Instability

For Immediate Release Contact: Mariel Matze, [email protected], (510) 879-6208   In Final State Budget Agreement, California Buffers Students from Federal Uncertainty and Fiscal Instability   Oakland, CA […]
06/09/2025

ICE Raids Terrorize L.A. Communities — Students, Schools, and Colleges Must Be Defended

For Immediate Release Contact: Mariel Matze, [email protected], (510) 879-6208   ICE Raids Terrorize L.A. Communities — Students, Schools, and Colleges Must Be Defended   Oakland, CA — […]

Karla Fernandez

Communications Manager

Karla Fernandez (she/her/hers) joins Ed Trust–West as a Communications Manager with over 11 years of experience advancing social impact initiatives.

Karla started her career as a teacher at Chicago Public Schools and UIC College Prep. After teaching, Karla joined United Friends of the Children to support LA County’s youth in foster care as a college counselor. Through Leadership for Educational Equity, Karla also served as a Policy Advisor Fellow for the office of a Los Angeles Unified School Board Member. She solidified her interests in policy analysis and quantitative research during her time with the Price Center for Social Innovation, the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles, and the USC Presidential Working Group on Sustainability. Before joining The Education Trust–West, Karla was the Associate Director for the Southeast Los Angeles (SELA) Collaborative, a network of nonprofits advocating for communities in SELA.

Karla holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Anthropology from the University of Chicago, a Master of Public Policy from the USC Price School of Public Policy, and a Graduate Certificate in Policy Advocacy from the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. Karla is based out of southern California and is passionate about using data analysis, communications, and digital strategies for policy advocacy and social justice efforts.