Kelsey Hernandez

LA Partnerships and Engagement Associate

Kelsey Hernandez (she/they) has joined EdTrust-West as an LA Partnerships and Engagement Associate. Kelsey brings a background in communications, event planning, and program operations to the team. Most recently, she worked as a Volunteer Coordinator, managing volunteer efforts to support programs for unhoused individuals and those from low-income backgrounds. Growing up in Boyle Heights, a community facing poverty, injustice, and limited growth, Kelsey developed a strong determination to give back and promote prosperity. Her early involvement in the community exposed her to both its beauties and inequities, particularly in education. Kelsey remains committed to addressing barriers within the education system and advocating for the success of students of color and multilingual learners. She believes in influencing policymakers to adopt a more equity-minded approach, challenging the “it’s good enough” mentality that often displaces students from the classroom. As a proud first-generation college graduate, Kelsey earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of California, Santa Cruz.

 

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  • Los Angeles, CA
Community & Regional Engagement

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.