Over a million students of color attend California’s community colleges, gaining technical skills and education that prepares them for transfer and a variety of different trades […]
California’s diverse population speaks dozens of different languages. That diversity contributes to the best parts of our state – a vibrant culture, innovative spirit, and strong […]
Data can be a powerful tool for illuminating inequities and capitalizing on opportunities for students along their educational journeys. Governor Newsom and state legislators have […]
One of the largest barriers to attaining a degree is college affordability – but it doesn’t have to be. California educates approximately 1 out of every […]
California has one of the most diverse, vibrant populations in the country, and our schools are no different. Three out of four California students, from transitional […]
Recently, the California Department of Education released the results of our state’s college- and career-readiness aligned assessments, the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP). […]
California is celebrating an important win, as Governor Newsom and state legislators included millions of dollars in establishing a new Cradle to Career data system in […]
California is home to millions of students of color and low-income students, but our school systems are not adequately preparing underrepresented students of color, low-income students, […]
California is in desperate need of a state longitudinal data system for education – one with equity built into its design, development, and implementation. Read more […]
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.