Dr. Jose Paolo Magcalas, a proud Anaheim native, is a dedicated advocate for expanding educational opportunities and breaking barriers for underrepresented communities. With over 20 years of experience, he has taught Ethnic Studies and U.S. History and is currently a tenure-track assistant professor at California State University. In 2016, he was named one of Orange County’s Top 25 Teachers by OC Parenting Magazine. 

In addition to his role as Clerk of the Anaheim Elementary School Board, Dr. Magcalas has presented his research nationally and internationally, published in UCLA’s XChange, and co-authored a chapter in the Handbook on Teaching Social Issues. He is currently writing From Pedagogy to Policy: Ethnic Studies in O.C..

Dr. Magcalas earned his B.A. from California State University, Long Beach, his M.A. and Teaching Credential from Pepperdine University, an Administrative Credential from California State University, Fullerton, and his Ph.D. from Chapman University, where he received the Paulo Freire Outstanding Graduate Student Award.

Presenters Bio: Tarik Smith is a Systems of Support Advisor for LAUSD. He is a former Restorative Justice Teacher at Carver Middle School. His passion is helping students feel safe, seen and heard. He is working towards being anti-racist and holistic not just in his heart and mind, but in work and deeds.

Presenters Bio: Sara’s journey to becoming a physics teacher is both personal and intentional. As a first-generation Latina from an underserved Los Angeles community, she faced significant challenges while pursuing an engineering degree at UC Berkeley, especially due to her limited exposure to advanced math and physics. However, through her participation in programs like CAMP (California Alliance for Minority Participation) and SHPE (Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers), Sara gained the confidence and skills needed to succeed. After earning her Mechanical Engineering degree, she spent several years in the semiconductor industry  before discovering her passion for education while volunteering as a Robotics coach for middle school girls.

This experience inspired Sara to shift her career, and she returned to Los Angeles to earn her physics credential from CSULA and a Master’s in Integrated STEM Education. She now teaches AP and general physics at South East High School in LAUSD, where she focuses on fostering diversity and inclusion in STEM. Sara is committed to creating transformative learning experiences that help students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, break barriers in physics and pursue STEM careers. Additionally, she teaches a science methods course at CSULA, aiming to inspire the next generation of STEM educators.

Presenters Bio: Dr. Kenderick O. Wilson (K.O.) manages the development and implementation of the KOO Department of Black Male Teacher Recruitment, Retention, and Certification. K.O. is the founding Program Manager of the Academy for Rising Educators (ARE) program – Seattle Public Schools' "homegrown" teacher talent initiative focused on assisting SPS high school students, Instructional Assistants and community members in entering the field of education as certificated teachers, with an emphasis on Black Males teachers. K.O. earned a Doctoral of Educational Leadership from the University of Washington, Tacoma as a first-generation college graduate and master's degree earner.

Bridgette Hernandez Bio: Bridgette Hernandez’s journey to her leadership role as Dean of Career and Workforce Education at Rio Hondo College reflects a steady climb built on her commitment to workforce development and hands-on educational leadership. As a proud Rio Hondo College alumna with a Master’s in Applied Educational Leadership from National University, Ms. Hernandez combines her educational foundation with over a decade of practical experience in workforce training. She has previously served as the Associate Director of CTE at Pomona Fairplex and as the Executive Director of Educational Services for the East San Gabriel Valley Regional Occupational Program, where she developed comprehensive CTE initiatives and supported 21st-century skill-building. Through roles ranging from business management teaching to student outreach liaison, her path is marked by her dedication to equipping students for professional success, aligning educational outcomes with industry needs, and advocating for robust career pathways within her community.

Dr. Silva Talaoc Bio: Dr. Silvia Talaoc is a proud community college graduate who earned her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Mathematics from California State University, Northridge, and completed her Doctorate in Educational Leadership with a focus on Social Justice from California State University, Los Angeles. Passionate about empowering students, she became a mathematics professor to demonstrate that math is an accessible subject, encouraging students to pursue their chosen majors without fear.

Dr. Talaoc taught at Pasadena City College for 15 years, where she served as the Success Centers Faculty Lead and the MESA Faculty Coordinator for the final three years. In July 2024, she transitioned to the role of Dean of the Mathematics, Sciences, and Engineering Division at Rio Hondo College, where she is dedicated to fostering student success and supporting their educational journeys.

Presenters Bio: With a career spanning 24 years in Child Development, I have worked with a variety of programs including Head Start, state preschool, special education, religious-based programs, and private schools. My experience includes teaching, lecturing, and conducting workshops, with a focus on supporting diverse populations and families, which has deepened my understanding of community dynamics.

A key lesson from my experience is transitioning from a traditional teaching role to that of a facilitator, where I focus on building trust, respect, and meaningful connections. By fostering environments where children feel safe and respected, I help them build self-efficacy and self-esteem, supporting their academic and social success through the power of play.

I am a doctorate student at Pacific Oaks College studying Early Childhood Education and a Master Teacher at Pacific Oaks Children's School. I also teach Child Development at Cal State LA and East LA College. As a mentor with the California Early Childhood Mentor Program, I guide students from ELAC, CSULA, USC, and Rio Hondo College, aiming to empower future educators with a passion for advocacy in the field of child development.

Presenters Bio: Sara’s journey to becoming a physics teacher is both personal and intentional. As a first-generation Latina from an underserved Los Angeles community, she faced significant challenges while pursuing an engineering degree at UC Berkeley, especially due to her limited exposure to advanced math and physics. However, through her participation in programs like CAMP (California Alliance for Minority Participation) and SHPE (Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers), Sara gained the confidence and skills needed to succeed. After earning her Mechanical Engineering degree, she spent several years in the semiconductor industry  before discovering her passion for education while volunteering as a Robotics coach for middle school girls.

This experience inspired Sara to shift her career, and she returned to Los Angeles to earn her physics credential from CSULA and a Master’s in Integrated STEM Education. She now teaches AP and general physics at South East High School in LAUSD, where she focuses on fostering diversity and inclusion in STEM. Sara is committed to creating transformative learning experiences that help students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, break barriers in physics and pursue STEM careers. Additionally, she teaches a science methods course at CSULA, aiming to inspire the next generation of STEM educators.