08/29/2023

Money Matters: Prioritizing Equity and Opportunity for Students of Color in the 2023-24 California Budget

At The Education Trust—West, we’re dedicated to a more equitable California for the students who have been systematically shut out from opportunity. To make our educational […]
06/26/2023

Q&A: Getting to Know Rachel Ruffalo, Ed Trust–West’s Senior Director, Strategic Advocacy

Question: You’ve been with Ed Trust–West since 2017, but were just named Senior Director, Strategic Advocacy. What excites you about this new role? This is an […]
01/25/2023

Getting to Know Ed Trust–West’s new Director of Southern California Partnerships and Engagement, Dr. Mayra A. Lara

I became familiar with Ed Trust—West earlier in my career, and I remember coming across reports from the organization that were notably more accessible and action-oriented […]

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.