Rasheeda Turner-Dickens

2023-24 Year 2 Members

Rasheeda Turner-Dickens (she/her) is an assistant principal in the Travis Unified School District. She is a student advocate, who is committed to partnering with students and families to create vibrant learning spaces that promote a student’s thinking, and reflect their personal interests and multiple identities. As an educator for nearly two decades, having worked in both public and private schools, she has held positions as a teacher, dean, instructional coach, mentor, and advisor. Rasheeda is a third-generation college graduate. She earned a Master’s in education from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Bachelor of Science degree in health science from San Francisco State University. She always makes time to create memorable experiences with family and friends, listen to live music, and try new cuisines. Rasheeda is excited to join the Educator Advisory Council and looks forward to working toward expanding equitable education systems for all students.

 

  • 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.