Office of the Executive Director
Ryan J. Smith
Executive Director
Ryan J. Smith is currently the Executive Director of The Education Trust–West, a research and advocacy organization focused on educational justice and the high academic achievement of all California students...
Keena Walters
Executive Assistant
Keena has worked in various roles in the education system both inside and outside the classroom. According to those who have worked closely with her, she finds her motivation and passion in service-oriented r...
External Relations
Raquel Simental
Director of External Relations & Communications
An Oakland native, Raquel joins Ed Trust – West with an extensive skill set in public policy work, advocacy, and communications. Most recently the Public Affairs Director for the Sacramento/San Joaquin Valle...
Jelena Hasbrouck
Assistant Director of Communications
Jelena comes to ETW with a background in relationship-building roles in communications, advocacy and social work. A former youth worker, she points to her time mentoring and working with street-involved youth ...
Anthony P. Chavez
External Relations Associate
Raised in the farm worker movement his grandfather founded, Anthony grew up participating in United Farm Workers’ marches, picket lines, and political campaigns. He has spoken around the country about the le...
Research & Policy Analysis
Carrie Hahnel
Deputy Director of Research and Policy
Carrie is deputy director of research and policy at The Education Trust–West, an advocacy organization committed to closing opportunity and achievement gaps. Since joining the organization in 2010, she has...
Theresa Chen
Assistant Director of Research and Policy
Theresa has over 10 years of experience in research, data and policy in the public and nonprofit sectors. Most recently, Theresa was the Manager of Assessment Systems at KIPP Foundation, managing the creation,...
Natalie Wheatfall
Senior Policy Analyst
Natalie comes to Education Trust-West with a legal background. As a practicing attorney, Natalie has experience in various areas of civil rights law, including LGBT equal rights, fair housing, and immigratio...
Leni Wolf
Senior Research & Policy Analyst
Since joining The Education Trust-West in 2013, Leni has contributed to research and policy analysis in various areas including English learners, school finance, and the teacher pipeline. Leni’s work in educ...
Practice
Sarah Feldman
Director of Practice
Dr. Sarah Feldman joins the Ed Trust-West team with a wealth of experience in the practice of education. Dr. Feldman is a life-long researcher and educator who worked to improve public education for nearly a...
Rachel Ruffalo
Senior Practice Associate
Rachel helps inform, focus, and coordinate ETW’s work on closing achievement and opportunity gaps, working with schools and districts throughout California. She contributes to overall ...
Mayra A. Lara
Senior Practice Associate
Mayra Lara joins the ETW team after ten years of classroom teaching experience in the Los Angeles Unified School District. While at the district, she worked to create meaningful and lasting relationships with ...
Government Relations
Brian Rivas
Director of Policy and Government Relations
Brian has been working to improve educational opportunity for disadvantaged students in California for nearly twenty years. His career in education policy began in the University of California’s Office of St...
Manny Rodriguez
Legislative Associate
As a first generation son of immigrants, Manny strongly believes in equity and has a passion for supporting community-based advocacy from both a policy and direct-service approach. Most recently, Manny served ...
Planning, Grants & Administration
Rachel Emmons-Bradley
Director of Operations and Planning
Rachel comes to us from Teach for America with an eight year run in operations and strategy across various teams including as the Director of Strategic Planning and Operations for TFA New York, the Director of...
Erika Oseguera
Grants & Special Projects Associate
Erika comes to Ed Trust – West with over 12 years of operational support experience in the private and non-profit sector. She attended Oakland public schools K-12. As a product of the Oakland community, Erik...
Margaret (Margie) Canto
Operations Coordinator
Margie has an extensive background in administrative operations and executive support and has worked in both the public and non-profit sectors. Before joining ETW, Margie worked at a law firm in San Francisco....
Ed Trust—West Staff Contact
The Education Trust—West
Tel: 510.465.6444
Fax: 510.465.0859
For general inquiries about The Education Trust—West, please contact Margie Canto at x300.
For information on job opportunities or internships, visit our career opportunities page.
For media inquiries, contact Jelena Hasbrouck at (408) 833-4039.
For information about research and policy analysis, including data inquiries contact Leni Wolf at x310.
For government affairs, contact Brian Rivas at (916) 761-9060.
For information about our practice work with schools and districts contact Sarah Feldman x339.