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Louann Baker, Central California Writing Project Director, taught K-12 for over twenty years and was a UC Santa Cruz Education Department Instructor/Supervisor for ten years. She participated in statewide writing research projects, including a study with CWP: Improving Student Analytical Writing. During her years of teaching, she has made a commitment to keeping student voices at the center; to life-long learning from colleagues; and to supporting teachers who want to embed meaningful writing instruction into their discipline-specific curriculum. She is devoted to understanding implications of equity and culturally sustaining pedagogy in the context of linguistic, literate and cultural pluralism.
Carisa Barnes is passionate about working with teachers and schools to reimagine and design ways to best support student learning. She taught high school English for 17 years before moving into her current role as literacy instructional coach. Carisa believes that all students are capable of growing in the skills and mindset necessary to be college and career ready. She also consults for a number of organizations, working with teachers to develop systems and structures that support literacy across subject area, as well as the development of standards aligned content. She is currently living her best life in downtown San Diego and believes that curiosity and wholeheartedness are essential to a rich personal and professional life.
Kyndall Brown has over 35 years of experience in mathematics education. Kyndall holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, master’s degrees in computer-based education and mathematics education, and a Ph.D in Education. He was a secondary mathematics teacher for 13 years. He has been a professional development provider for schools and districts in Los Angeles County for over 25 years. He is currently the executive director of the California Mathematics Project. He presents at local, state, and national conferences on mathematics education. He writes articles for mathematics education publications. His research focuses on the impact of culture and identity on the ways that African-American males learn mathematics. He is the co-author of the book Choosing To See: A Framework For Equity In The Math Classroom.
Dr. Vern Caruz's academic and professional experiences have focused on transformational change and are founded on the necessity that traditional systems are incapable of meeting the interests of all students. As an educational leader, he is compelled by his collectivist identity and culture to lead with the spirit and essence of communal unity, where work and cooperation are vital in achieving goals. His research interests center on cross-cultural leadership, developing counter narratives and counterstories to racialized contexts, and how cultural traditions and values affect how we navigate our personal and professional lives.
Maria Chiara Simani is the Executive Director of the California Science Project and Adjunct Faculty in the School of Education at UC Riverside. Her research experiences include high energy physics, neuroscience of physiological systems, and teacher learning in science education. Dr. Simani is a lead author of the 2016 California Science Curriculum Framework and serves as an advisor for science to the California Department of Education. Her current research focuses on the ways that teachers learn from professional development and adapt their pedagogies to promote critical asset-based transformations in learning for multilingual students.
Angienette Desuyo Estonina she/her/siya is in her second year as the Principal of College Park Elementary School in San Mateo Foster City School District. She has been an educator in the Bay Area for over 30 years serving as a Paraeducator, Elementary Classroom Teacher, Mentor, Coach, Content Specialist and Supervisor for Multilingual Learners, and Principal. Angienette was the Director of the California Reading and Literature Project (CRLP) at UC Berkeley before returning to SFUSD as the Elementary Supervisor in the Multilingual Pathways Department. Her passion for Multilingual Learners, Social Justice and Equity led her work as an Instructional Quality Commissioner where she also served as Vice Chair of the English Language Arts/English Language Development Subject Matter Committee, she also contributed to the revision of the ELA/ELD Framework for California Public Schools.
Roxana Dueñas is an Ethnic Studies and History teacher at the Math, Science and Technology Magnet at Roosevelt High School in Boyle Height. Roxana graduated from UC Santa Barbara with Bachelors in Women’s Studies and Chicana/o Studies. It is her gender and ethnic studies coursework that inspired and influenced her to pursue a teaching career with a specific emphasis on social justice and transformative education in urban schools. In 2009, she graduated from UCLA’s Teacher Education Program with a Masters in Education and a teaching credential. In 2014, Roxana helped co-create the curriculum for an ethnic studies course titled Boyle Heights and Me. The course places an emphasis on community history, student activism, and civic and artistic engagement. Additionally, the course focuses on developing a critical analysis of systems of oppression, methods of transformative resistance and resilience.
Christine Ibarra, Associate Superintendent of Educational Services for Antioch Unified School District, dedicates her 31-year career to enhancing education in Northern California, particularly for high-needs groups. Her rich background includes roles as an elementary teacher, vice-principal, principal, and district administrator. In her current position, Christine champions academic success and the social-emotional wellbeing of all students, focusing on the most vulnerable. A native of Northern California, Christine balances her professional zeal with her roles as a wife, mother, and stepmother to four, and a caregiver to two rescue dogs, enjoying long walks and hosting gatherings at her Benicia home.
Priti Johari an instructional leader with 20+ years of classroom, site, and district level experience in education. She is committed to constructing systems that foster liberatory, deeper learning experiences for students in order to open windows, mirrors, and doors to the world around them. Her work is deeply rooted in personal and professional reflection so that we continually grow to better align my/our intentions and actions. She lives in the Bay Area with my daughter and husband. Priti holds degrees from Harvard University, University of Southern California, and University of Chicago
Maurissa Koide is an equity-minded leader that firmly believes every child can learn and be successful. She works to pave the way for all students by uplifting their capacities and honoring their identities. These beliefs and practices have guided her pedagogy and helped her to disrupt inequities for the past 20 years. Maurissa has received degrees from Columbia University, Santa Clara University, San Francisco State University and is currently a Doctoral Candidate in Educational Leadership at the University of Southern California.
Renee Lama is a devoted educator with 27 years of experience, currently enriching San Lorenzo Unified School District. Her journey in SLZUSD began five years ago, initially as Director of Secondary Education, later advancing to Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services. Previously, Renee contributed 22 years to West Contra Costa Unified, evolving from Teacher to Director of Curriculum and Instruction. Presently, she's a doctoral candidate, studying how Central Office fosters transformative leadership in site Administrators, focusing on enhancing conditions for Black Students. Renee's commitment shines through her dedication to racial equity and continual professional development.
Kristy Martinez, a University of Hawaii-Manoa alumna, has dedicated 23 years to education, focusing on at-promise youth. Initially an English teacher, her journey led to a pivotal role in disrupting the school-to-prison pipeline, exemplified by her zero suspension rate while leading the Alternative to Suspension program at Wasco Union High School District. A certified International Institute of Restorative Practices trainer, Kristy now shapes the AUSD Restorative Practices program, managing training, professional development, and supporting restorative practice facilitators. Her commitment to transformative education reflects her deep-rooted passion for nurturing positive, lasting change in student lives.
Cindy Mata is the Director of the UCI History Project. She has taught all secondary history courses from seventh to twelfth grade, including courses in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programmes, AP, and credit recovery. She holds an undergraduate degree in Chican@ Studies from U.C. Santa Barbara and a Masters in Latin American Studies from CSU, Los Angeles with a research emphasis on how to best incorporate Central American Studies across K-12. Cindy has honed her critical consciousness through her academic pursuits and her experiential knowledge and brings this critical lens to all her history and ethnic studies work.
Marissa McGee has spent her career in communities that have been historically underserved due to systemic inequities. She taught in Washington, D.C. and was featured in a 2016 NPRed series highlighting great teachers. Before joining Menlo Park City School District and Ravenswood City School District as a DEI Coordinator, Marissa worked as a Consultant at New Teacher Center. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and a Master of Arts in Elementary Education from Stanford University, where she previously served as a lecturer. With her debut book Free the Curls, Marissa aims to inspire children to be changemakers.
Jason Muñiz was named the site director of UCBHSSP in the Fall of 2023. He has led the development of UCBHSSP's programmatic support for implementing Ethnic Studies courses in addition to leading professional development and developing curricular models for H-SS teachers more generally. Before coming to UC Berkeley, Jason worked as a Social Science educator in South Florida and East Oakland. During his time in the Bay Area, Jason piloted and implemented Ethnic Studies curriculum for the Oakland Unified School District. He also brings a passion for integrating technology and gamification into educational practices.
Eduardo R Muñoz-Muñoz, PhD, serves as the site director of the Stanford World Language Project (SWLP) and is also an Assistant Professor and the Coordinator of the Critical Bilingual Authorization program “Bilingüismo y Justicia” at the Lurie College of Education at San José State University. Dr. Muñoz-Muñoz earned his doctorate at Stanford University in 2018. He also holds a Master’s Degree in Sociology (Stanford University, 2016), a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership (UC Berkeley, 2010), and a Licenciatura in English Philology (Universidad de Córdoba, España, 2000). Dr. Muñoz-Muñoz has taught high school in Spain and the UK and elementary bilingual education, before becoming an elementary school principal in 2010. Additionally, he regularly supports and advises districts and dual immersion programs on design and implementation issues pertaining to multilingualism.
Zetha Nobles stands at the forefront of educational equity as the Director of Equity, Access, and Achievement in California's New Haven Unified School District. With a rich 30-year career spanning roles from PYP Principal to international school founder, her expertise is global and profound. Educated at Xavier, Howard, and UC Berkeley, Zetha's leadership is grounded in a commitment to dignity and excellence in education. Beyond her professional life, she co-owns Iwalore Ranch, a retreat promoting growth and transformation. Zetha's essence is best captured in her devotion to her three children and her belief in every child's inherent genius, inspired by her favorite Dr. Asa Hilliard quote.
Dawn O'Connor, a seasoned education leader with an M.A. in Educational Leadership and an Administrative Services Credential, is a former Executive Director at the Alameda County Office of Education. In this role, she led the curriculum team, managed grants, and supported professional development initiatives. With exemplary leadership, Dawn actively participated in state-wide committees, advocated for science standards, and conducted impactful research. While serving as the Director of the East Bay Science Project, she contributed significantly to grant research, knowledge dissemination through publications and presentations, showcasing a profound dedication to educational excellence, passion for science, and transformative impact in leadership roles.
Diego Perez, Communications Coordinator for San Mateo-Foster City School District, transformed the district's communication landscape, fostering parent and community connections. Notable achievements include revamping websites, launching the OneSMFC Podcast, and implementing an inclusive communication system. He presents at ACSA events, advocating innovative family-focused communication. With a strong background in public speaking and communication in the American Foresciscs Association and a commitment to equity, Diego holds a Bachelor's degree from Concordia University Irvine and a Master's in Communication from Cal State East Bay.
Mariana E. Ramírez is an Associate Director for the UCI History Project, focused on building collaborative networks between ethnic studies scholars, K-12 teachers, and students in a meaningful study of local history through an ethnic studies methodology and pedagogy. She worked as a middle and high school teacher in immigrant communities within San Diego and Los Angeles for 13 years, engaging students in geospatial community action research. Mariana is a doctoral candidate at the UCLA School of Education and Information Studies, and her scholarship lies at the intersections of ethnic studies, critical geographies, and documenting local histories of joy and resistance of people of color.
Dr. Miguel A. Rodríguez was born and raised in San José. He is the proud son of Angelina and Miguel Rodríguez, both from Jalisco, México. He was the first in his family to earn college, Masters and doctoral degrees. He has served as a TK-12 school leader and non-profit leader for the past 23+ years. Proudly he is one of many educational leaders at Shore Acres Elementary School, the only Dual-Language AVID elementary in MDUSD. His doctoral research focused on leveraging indigenous philosophies, cultural values, practices, and ceremonies to empower unapologetic positive cultural identity and culturally sustaining leadership development.
Dr. Christian J. Rubalcaba is a district administrator who began his career with Teach for America, serving as a bilingual teacher and instructional coach in the San José Unified School District, CA. Earning National Board Certification in literacy and an administrative credential, he later became Principal of Laurel Elementary School and Abbott Middle School in the San Mateo-Foster City School District. Dr. Rubalcaba holds degrees from Harvard, Purdue, and SF State Universities, and now serves as Director of School Leadership. His work focuses on providing guidance to school leaders, and ensuring every student and family can thrive, lead, and learn.
Noah Schectman is the Program Director for the Center for Wellness and Achievement in Education, a San Francisco based non profit organization that provides meditation based wellness, leadership development, and social emotional development programs in schools, businesses, and community organizations. His current focus is on Integrative Leadership Development programs for educators and first responders; students at the high school, undergraduate, and graduate levels; leaders in the healthcare industry; and Veterans in treatment for PTSD and Substance Use Disorder. Noah is passionate about sharing tools for personal development to help his students increase their mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing.
Shannon Soza has been in education for about 20 years. Shannon is passionate about ensuring the success of historically marginalized groups and believes all students can learn, excel, and achieve high academic goals. Shannon has received her B.S. and M.S. from Saint John's University in New York and is currently a Doctoral Candidate in Educational Leadership 2024 at the University of Southern California.
The California Arts Project (TCAP) is a collaborative, statewide network of teachers and university scholars with the singular goal of expanding student access to and improving student artistic literacy development in dance, media arts, music, theatre, visual, and career arts. TCAP supports educators through research based, context specific leadership development, planning, and professional learning programs.
Kristin Watts has 25 years of experience supporting equitable access to standards-based instructional programs for San Diego’s Multilingual Learners. She currently serves as an Instructional Coach in San Diego Unified’s Multilingual Education Department where she is focused on increasing opportunities for Long Term English Learners. Kristin has extensive experience supporting educators through professional learning, student-centered coaching, lesson study and focal student inquiry. Kristin is passionate about being a voice for the amazing capacity of California’s Multilingual Learners. When she Is not working, Kristin finds joy in travel, time at the beach and raising her two teenage sons.
Denise Williams , Chief Teacher Professional Learning Officer for Silicon Valley Education Foundation in San Jose, Ca. oversees STEM programs prioritizing students lacking access. As a CTPLO, Denise ensures that professional learning opportunities are provided for teachers and administrators in East San Jose. She has worked closely with the Santa Clara County Office of Education to implement the nationwide My Name, My Identity initiative in schools in the Eastside San Jose community and is known for her work empowering parents to be successful with their children . All of these efforts led to her receiving the state’s Golden Bell Award, the County’s Kristy Porter Award for Parent Engagement and the NAACP’s Emmitt Dollarhyde Award for providing equitable opportunities in the school communities. Denise remains dedicated to implementing equitable practices for students.
Lindsay Wisely, Ed.D., with a 20-year tenure at Antioch Unified, has progressed from teacher to director of secondary schools, earning accolades like the ACSA Region 6 Middle School Principal of the Year. A Saint Mary’s College alumna with a doctorate in Educational Leadership, she’s a pioneer in restorative practices, recognized for her dissertation and publications. Lindsay champions district-wide educational and athletic programs, fostering community engagement and personal development. Alongside her husband Nick, also an educator, she coaches their children in sports. An Antioch native and former division I athlete, Lindsay is dedicated to creating inclusive, empowering educational spaces in her hometown.
Nancy Wright is a passionate science educator who serves as a Teacher on Special Assignment for Hayward Unified School District. She holds an M.S. in Educational Leadership, both Single and Multiple Subject Teaching Credentials, and a preliminary Administrative Services Credential. She plans and delivers all science PD for the district, facilitates district wide science events, and coaches teachers. She was a Teacher Leader for the Elementary Science Partnership grant and a writer and presenter at the NGSS CA Roll-Out events. She serves as project staff on the Science Communities of Practice Partnership grant, funded by the National Science Foundation. She is committed to championing elementary science education, fostering teacher leadership opportunities, and providing support to educators.
Jose Yobani Lopez (he/el) teaches chemistry, physics, and AP Physics at Roosevelt High School. His work as an educator follows a deep appreciation for education opportunities that his migrant Mexican parents did not have, and for working-class communities of color like his hometown of Westlake in LA. His teaching is supported through his Knowles Fellowship and Hollyhock Fellowship, which help him develop a more critical science curriculum and socially-just teacher practices. He hosts a Youth in Action! Club chapter in partnership with East Yard Communities for Environmental Justice. In his free time he enjoys biking with his dog Luna.
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