Benito Aranda-Comer (he/him) joins EdTrust-West as a K-12 Policy Analyst. Before joining EdTrust-West, Benito was an 8th-grade English Language Arts teacher in Houston, Texas, where he […]
Roy (he/him) joins EdTrust-West as a Policy Analyst (TK-12) with considerable experience in research and policy analysis, grassroots advocacy, and four years of legislative experience. Before […]
Pamela M. Low (she/her) is a K-12 Policy Analyst at EdTrust-West, where she works to improve education equity, access, and outcomes through policy. Part of the […]
Since Natalie (she/her/hers) joined EdTrust-West in 2014, she has supported the organization’s policy research, analysis, and position development, primarily in K-12 equitable funding and accountability. Natalie’s […]
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.