Christa Koppuzha

Research and Data Analyst

Christa Koppuzha (she/her/hers) was raised by Indian immigrants who instilled the value and power of education in her from a young age. Throughout her academic career, she became aware of the potential of literature as a tool for social justice. She later sought to create spaces for her students to explore their identities and challenge dominant structures as an English and English Language Development Teacher in Richmond, California. While she was a teacher, Christa saw the glaring inequities present in the education system and worked with a local education policy non-profit to explore the disparities in a-g achievement among English Language Learners and propose a policy change to the West Contra Costa School Board. Her interest in the intersection between education and policy led her to the Education Trust–West, where she served as the School District Engagement Intern under the Educator Engagement Team. Christa continued to explore systemic practices that further education equity while pursuing her Master’s in Public Policy at the Goldman School of Public Policy at UC Berkeley. During graduate school, Christa worked as a graduate student instructor and served as a policy consultant for the Alameda County Office of Early Childhood Education, the Oakland Mayor’s Office of Education, and the UC Berkeley Center for Cities and Schools. She is excited to return to The Education Trust–West as a Research and Data Analyst. She earned her B.A. in English and International Development from the University of Florida.

 

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  • Oakland, CA
School Funding
Math Education and Curriculum Development
Research & Data Analysis

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.