Our Team
Meet the people behind EdTrust-West. Browse our staff by department below, or select a team member to learn more about their work and expertise.
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Office of the Executive Director
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Christopher J. Nellum, Ph.D.
Executive Director
Dr. Christopher J. Nellum is the Executive Director of EdTrust-West, an evidence-driven advocacy organization committed to advancing policies and practices to dismantle the racial and economic barriers embedded in California’s education system.
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Erika Oseguera
Deputy Director II, Strategic Growth
Erika Oseguera (she/her) serves as Deputy Director II, Strategic Growth at EdTrust-West, where she leads organizational operations, financial sustainability, and fundraising efforts. In partnership with the Executive Director, Erika oversees strategic planning,…
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Martine Blake
Deputy Director of External Affairs
Martine Blake serves as Deputy Director of External Affairs at EdTrust-West, where she leads coalition-building, strategic engagement, and advocacy efforts to advance educational equity for students and families across California.
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Rachel Ruffalo
Deputy Director of Strategic Advocacy
Rachel Ruffalo (she/her) serves as Deputy Director of Strategic Advocacy at EdTrust-West.
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Sarah Pugeda
Senior Executive Assistant
Sarah Pugeda (she/her/hers) joins EdTrust-West as Senior Executive Assistant to the Executive Director.
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People & Operations
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Janel Lloyd
People & Culture Associate
Janel Lloyd (she/her/hers) is the People & Culture Associate at EdTrust-West, with a background in operations, finance, client services, and sourcing/recruiting.
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Tyler Williams
Operations Associate
Tyler Williams (they/them) joins EdTrust-West as an Operations Associate with a background in higher education and student affairs operations at the California State University, East Bay.
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Development & Financial Planning
Communications
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Daisy Ruiz-Purcell
Director of Communications
Daisy Ruiz-Purcell (she/her/hers) joins EdTrust-West as a fierce advocate for education equity.
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Karla Fernandez
Communications Manager II
Karla Fernandez (she/her/hers) is a Communications Manager at EdTrust-West, with over 14 years of experience using data-driven policy analysis, quantitative research, and strategic communications to create meaningful social impact.
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Esha Pillay
Communications Specialist
Esha (she/her/hers) joins EdTrust-West with a background in student affairs, writing, and digital media communications.
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Partnerships & Engagement
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Esmeralda Marcial
Manager of External Relations II
Esmeralda Marcial (she/her/hers) joins EdTrust-West as Manager of External Relations II, with a background in organizing, electoral campaign management, community engagement, local policymaking, and advocacy.
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Megan Kane
External Relations Associate
Megan Kane (she/her/hers) is the External Relations Associate at EdTrust-West, and has an educational equity, research, and advocacy background.
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Government Affairs
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Melissa Bardo
Director of Government Affairs
Melissa Bardo (she/her/hers) serves as the Director of Government Affairs for EdTrust-West, advocating at the state and local levels for policies that dismantle the racial and economic barriers embedded in the California…
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KaBria A. Payden
Government Affairs Manager II
KaBria A. Payden (she/her) joins EdTrust-West after five years of dedicated service in the California State Capitol.
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Raquel Morales
Government Affairs Manager II
Raquel Morales (she/her/hers) serves as EdTrust-West's Government Affairs Manager II.
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Research
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Melissa Valenzuela-Stookey
Director of Research
Melissa (she/her/hers) joins EdTrust-West with a background in education research and policy advocacy across the birth through the postsecondary continuum.
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Vanessa Romo
Senior Research and Data Analyst
Vanessa Romo (she/her/hers) is a Senior Research and Data Analyst at EdTrust-West.
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Rogelio Salazar, Ph.D.
Data and Research Analyst
Dr. Rogelio Salazar is a Data and Research Analyst at EdTrust-West.
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Sarah Son
Data and Research Analyst
Sarah (she/her) joins EdTrust-West as a Data and Research Analyst with a background in data analysis, research, government consulting, and service.
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TK-12 Policy
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Benito Aranda-Comer
Policy Analyst, TK-12
Benito Aranda-Comer (he/him) is a TK-12 Policy Analyst at EdTrust-West.
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Pamela Low
Policy Analyst, TK-12
Pamela M. Low (she/her) is a TK-12 Policy Analyst at EdTrust-West, where she works to improve education equity, access, and outcomes through policy.
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Roy Tongilava
Policy Analyst, TK-12
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.
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Higher Education Policy
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Denise Luna
Director of Higher Education Policy
Denise Luna (she/her/hers) is the Director of Higher Education Policy at EdTrust-West, where she advocates for higher education policies that expand opportunity and equity for students of color experiencing poverty.
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Jaime Ramirez-Mendoza, Ph.D.
Senior Policy Analyst, Higher Education
Dr. Jaime Ramirez-Mendoza (he/him/él) is a Senior Policy Analyst in Higher Education at EdTrust-West.
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Maya Valree
Senior Policy Analyst, Higher Education
Maya Valree is a Senior Policy Analyst at EdTrust-West, where she leads work across the organization’s higher education portfolio, with a focus on student parents, A-G, and advanced coursework.
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Educator Engagement
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Niambi Clay
Director of Educator Engagement
Niambi Clay (she/her) serves as the Director of Educator Engagement at EdTrust-West.
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Jamila Espinosa
Senior Educator Engagement Associate
Jamila Espinosa (she/her/ella) is a Senior Educator Engagement Associate at EdTrust-West.
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Camille Medrano
Senior Educator Engagement Associate
Camille Medrano (she/her/hers) joins EdTrust-West as a Senior Educator Engagement Associate.
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Greater Los Angeles
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Mayra A. Lara, Ed.D.
Director of Greater LA Region
At a young age, Dr. Mayra A. Lara (she/her/ella) immigrated to the United States from Mexico with her parents and sister, and they made Los Angeles their home.
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Kelsey Hernandez
LA Partnerships and Engagement Associate
Kelsey Hernandez (she/they) joins EdTrust-West as an LA Partnerships and Engagement Associate.
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