Sarah Son

Research and Data Analyst

Sarah (she/her) joins EdTrust-West as a TK-12 Research and Data Analyst with a background in data analysis, research, government consulting, and service. Before EdTrust-West, she supported quantitative research for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). While attending UCLA, she was involved in research on the history of higher education’s response to crisis, and research on crime and policing through assisting with data management. Her experience with the California public education system, both as a student growing up in the East Bay and as a tutor volunteering in local communities since high school, has informed an understanding of the education system as having immense potential for a positive impact on the lives of California’s students, yet marked by deeply entrenched racial and economic inequities. Sarah graduated from UCLA with a B.S. in Statistics and a minor in History. As the daughter of immigrants and a Bay Area native, she is passionate about using data to inform a more equitable education system in California.

  • Oakland, CA
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.