Aspiring Latino Leader Fellows Bay Area 2024
Cristo Rey San Jose High School
Admin Espinoza
Currently, I am a biology teacher at Cristo Rey San Jose High School, where I am dedicated to fostering a deep understanding and appreciation of the natural sciences among my students. Prior to this role, I served as a middle school math teacher for six years, during which I excelled as a grade-level chair, developing a positive team culture through real-time feedback and restorative practices. My experience in English Learner instruction has equipped me with the skills to support diverse student populations effectively.
I hold a strong passion for curriculum development and lesson planning, always striving to create engaging and impactful activities for my students. My educational background includes a degree in education, which has provided me with a solid foundation in teaching methodologies and student engagement strategies.
I am driven by a commitment to educational excellence and a desire to create collaborative learning environments where all students can thrive. My ultimate goal is to open a high school in my community, providing quality education and opportunities for future generations. This mission fuels my dedication to the work I do every day.
Rocketship Public Schools
Adriana Luna
My name is Adriana Luna, and I am currently the Wellness and MTSS Manager for Rocketship Public Schools, managing six wellness counselors and 2 MSW interns. I recently transitioned out of the CareCorp Manager role, which I was in for two years, managing seven coordinators in different Rocketship schools. During this time, I also worked in a nonprofit agency, FACTR, as a clinician and provided individual counseling, group counseling, and forensic evaluations to victims of domestic violence. Before this work, I also worked as a case manager at a nonprofit agency, Community Solutions, in the PEI program, where my love for education and mental health meshes together.
As a DACA recipient, I was the first in my family to obtain a higher degree. I got a B.A. in Psychology with a minor in child and adolescent development, which then led to a Master’s in Social Work and a Pupil Personnel Services Credential. I do this work because I want others with the same background to know we can do what we set our minds to. I also do this to ensure the students and families succeed and meet their goals.
Oak Grove School District
Alejandra Martinez
I am currently a kindergarten teacher at Del Roble Elementary’s Two Way Immersion Program. I returned to full-time teaching in 2018 and this is my seventh year at Del Roble. My career started in 1994, but I took a 15 year hiatus to raise my children. During this time, I remained an active volunteer in the school setting and took on a variety of roles within the school district. I was a substitute teacher for grades k-8, with an emphasis on bilingual classrooms. I was a test administrator for the district, and interpreter and translator, an intervention specialist, and a long term substitute teacher, which led to my current position.
The site where I teach has been honored with awards highlighting its two-way program, and my colleagues and I were honored to present our program at the 2023 Association of Two-Way & Dual Language Education Conference. In addition, I have been trained in the Sobrato Early Academic Language strategies, which allow me to present a rigorous and rich learning environment to all multilingual learners.
Lastly, I am a dedicated student and teacher advocate who serves as the secretary for my local chapter, the Oak Grove Educators Association. I am in my second term as a secretary and was a recipient of a WHO (We Honor Ours) award from the Santa Clara County Service Center in 2024.
I am passionate about teaching kindergarten because it’s the first step in helping students find their voice because everyone has one.
San Mateo Union High School District
Araceli Cordova
Bio coming soon
Oakland Unified School District
David Ramirez
David is an accomplished educator currently in his third year as Assistant Principal at Urban Promise Academy. With a decade of experience as a math teacher, he has consistently demonstrated his commitment to student success and academic excellence. In 2019, David’s exceptional teaching skills were recognized when he was awarded Teacher of the Year, a testament to his dedication and impact in the classroom.
Building on his passion for education, David pursued advanced studies and earned a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership in 2020. This achievement reflects his deep understanding of the complexities of educational systems and his desire to influence positive change at a broader level. David continues to lead with a focus on equity, innovation, and fostering a supportive learning environment for all students and staff.
Felton Institute
Erika Malfavon Alvarez
My name is Erika, and I currently serve as the Operations and Facilities Director at Felton Institute Children, Youth Family and Transitional Age Division. I am dedicated to creating equitable learning environments where all students can thrive. Before this, I worked in various leadership roles within the nonprofit sector, focusing on education equity and advocating for marginalized communities. My passion for this work is rooted in my experiences as a first-generation college student and immigrant. After earning my Master of Science in Organization Development from the University of San Francisco, I deepened my understanding of how to build inclusive organizations. Prior to that, I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Sonoma State University, where I developed a strong foundation in understanding human behavior and the importance of mental well-being in education.
My journey began in Mexico, where my parents instilled in me the belief that education is the key to empowerment. Moving to Sonoma County at 13, I became acutely aware of the disparities in educational opportunities, particularly for Latinx individuals. This awareness has driven my commitment to ensuring that everyone has access to quality education, regardless of their background. My work is fueled by a deep love for my community and a desire to create a more just and inclusive world where every student has the opportunity to succeed.
KIPP Northern California Public Schools
Giselle Andrade
My name is Giselle Andrade and I am an Associate Director of Talent at KIPP Public Schools Northern California. As a recruiter, I’m committed to leading effective recruitment and cultivation efforts in our hiring systems and procedures to ensure equity in hiring. I do this work because I care about students having high-quality educators that will continue providing excellence at our schools.
Education was a career path I knew I wanted to pursue long term which pivoted me to be a Teach for America corps member (Bay Area TFA alum). I was a 5th Grade Teacher in San Jose, CA and a 3rd Grade Teacher in Sun Valley ID. I’ve also had the opportunity to be Latino Board Leadership Academy Fellow from the Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley and obtain a certification in NonProfit Management and Leadership from the Institute of NonProfit Practice. Knowledge is Power- I obtained a BS in Elementary Education, BA in Spanish from the University of Idaho and a MA in Education Administration from National University.
KIPP Northern California Public Schools
Gustavo Arámbula
Gustavo Arámbula Jr. brings over 14 years of combined professional experience working in both rural public-schools in Texas and urban charter schools in California. He believes all children deserve equal access to high-quality education and access to a choice-filled life. Gustavo currently serves as the Director of Expanded Learning Opportunities Program at KIPP Valiant in Menlo Park, CA.
Previously, Gustavo has taught Middle School Math, Duo-Language Middle School Spanish, High School Spanish, College Counseling, Social and Emotional Learning, and served as Dean of Culture at KIPP San José Collegiate in East San José, CA. Gustavo currently holds teaching certifications in Foreign Language: Spanish EC-12 through the state of California and a Generalist Grades 4-8 through the state of Texas. He received his undergraduate degree in Spanish Literature from Grinnell College in Iowa. Gustavo has received coaching certifications through the Relay Graduate School of Education, Deloitte Courageous Principals Program, and a college counseling certification through The UC Berkeley Extension Program.
In 2006, Gustavo received a full-tuition leadership scholarship through The Posse Foundation, which landed him at Grinnell College in Iowa where he completed his Bachelor’s of Art. In 2010, Gustavo became part of the 2010 Teach For America -Rio Grande Valley Teaching cohort and has been in education ever since.
Franklin-McKinley School District
Jahsve Worthy
Jahsve Worthy is the Principal at McKinley Elementary School, where she leads a diverse community of students, staff, and families in fostering a supportive and achievement-oriented environment. Prior to this role, she served as the Senior Director of Programs at Silicon Valley Education Foundation, where she managed and scaled key educational initiatives across multiple districts. Before that, she was the Principal of John J. Montgomery Elementary School, where she implemented Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and expanded the SEAL program to enhance outcomes for English Learners.
She also led ACE Empower Academy as Principal, aligning resources to support teacher development and accelerating student learning through data-driven practices. Her leadership journey began at ACE Charter High School, where she transformed a struggling school into a college-preparatory environment with a high persistence rate for college-bound students. Earlier in her career, she served as an Assistant Principal and Teacher on Special Assignment in the Franklin-McKinley School District, focusing on curriculum development and support for English Learners and migrant education.
Jahsve holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from California State University, East Bay, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Policy and Management from the University of Southern California. She has also earned a Clear Administrative Services Credential and was selected for the Innovate Public Schools Start-Up Schools Fellowship and the RELAY Graduate School of Education’s Bay Area Instructional Leadership program.
Driven by a commitment to educational equity, Jahsve is passionate about creating opportunities that empower all students to reach their full potential.
Aspire Public Schools
Jillian Hernandez
I am currently the Academic Program Manager of Science and Engineering K-12 at Aspire Public Schools, Bay Area. Prior to my current role I was a Director of Teacher Leadership Development (Instructional Coach) at Teach For America, Bay Area where I worked with first and second year teachers in the West Contra Costa Unified School District. I also served as a secondary Biology teacher in Richmond at Richmond High School and Leadership Public Schools.
I received my Master’s degree in Urban Education with a concentration in school administration and policy from Loyola Marymount University and a Bachelor’s degree in Social Welfare from the University of California, Berkeley. I deeply believe in the potential of the youth in our communities and through my work I have continuously encouraged students and teachers alike to believe that science education and careers in STEM are not only a dream but can and should be a reality for our students.
Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability
José Rubio-Zepeda
José Rubio-Zepeda is a first-generation Honduran-American urban planner, scholar, and practitioner. Currently, he serves as an assistant director for inclusion and belonging within the Doerr School of Sustainability at Stanford, supporting graduate students’ and postdocs’ professional and academic development. Previously, he championed and advocated for minoritized students’ persistence and retention through academic and financial retention initiatives. He’s worked both internationally and locally in the areas of migration, citizenship, community development and engagement, coalition building, and participatory planning. Central to his work are topics related to social equity, justice, access, diversity, inclusion, and community engagement and outreach.
José holds dual master’s degrees in Community and Regional Planning and Latin American Studies from the University of Texas at Austin. He earned a B.A. in Political Science and Spanish, with a minor in International Studies, Latin American emphasis from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.
In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family and friends, running, dancing, listening to music, cooking, and planning his next travel destination.
As a result of access to various opportunities in higher education, including mentorship, and participation in high impact programs, he has benefited from the transformative power of education. He is passionate and relentless to create access and pathways for minoritized students within education.
College Track
Josue Castellon
Josue Castellon (he/him/el) currently serves as the Executive Site Director for College Track Oakland. Originally from Los Angeles, he was raised in a single parent household where his mother instilled the importance of higher education and working with disadvantaged communities. For the past 10 years, Josue has been doing college access and completion work with first-generation and underserved communities. He believes in empowering and providing his students and families with academic, socio-emotional, financial, and critical tools necessary as it aids with transforming the lives of youth and future generations. To date, he has supported hundreds of students and families through their college journey. Josue holds a BA in Ethnic Studies and a minor in Critical Gender Studies from UC San Diego.
During his free time, he enjoys cooking, baking, and attending concerts. When not working, you’ll find him hanging out with his wife and their two dogs.
Voices Academies-Morgan Hill
Lucy Gutierrez
I am Luz Gutierrez. I am the instructional coach for Voices College-Bound Language Academy- Morgan Hill. I primarily coach teachers to promote academic achievement for all of our students in our bilingual dual immersion program. As an instructional coach, I support teachers in driving and analyzing student learning for equitable academic, social-emotional learning, and achievement. I have been coaching for 2+ years. Aside from coaching and observing teachers, I also lead the professional development at my school for all teachers with my principal. I have served in many roles at my organization. Before coaching, I was a first-grade teacher, as a course lead for Spanish Language Arts. Previously, I was a guided reading specialist, and before that, I taught Kindergarten.
I hold a cleared multiple-subject teaching credential and a Master’s degree in Teaching with Bilingual Education Authorization from Santa Clara University. I have a BA in Psychology and Behavioral Sciences from San Jose State University. After completing my master’s degree I was honored to participate in a foundational literacy teachers fellowship with WPS Institute in Newton, MA. From that fellowship, I learned and reflected on many case studies to promote and accelerate learning for students. The reason I became an instructional leader is to provide Latino students and other ethnic minority students, and teachers opportunities to succeed in their academic paths from an equitable and social-ethnic approach to learning so that students can graduate from college and earn post-graduate, and so teachers can become the best educators they can be.
Voices Academies-West Contra Costa
Luisa Lopez Serrano
Luisa Serrano is currently an Instructional Coach at Voices College-Bound Language Academy in West Contra Costa, Richmond, California. Over the past year, she has played a pivotal role in supporting teachers to enhance instructional practices and improve student achievement. Luisa joined Teach for America in 2020 and began her career as a Dual-Immersion 2nd Grade Teacher, where she created an inclusive learning environment that fostered student growth and learning.
Beyond her teaching responsibilities, Luisa serves as a board member and secretary for Love. Learn. Success, an after-school nonprofit dedicated to enriching the educational experiences of underserved children in the Bay Area. Before becoming a teacher, she worked as a Classroom Counselor with Seneca Family of Agencies, supporting students’ social and emotional needs. Her early teaching experience includes instructing biology at SMASH Summer Academy and developing bilingual educational materials for the UC Berkeley Labor Occupational Health Program.
Luisa holds a Master of Education in Inspired Teaching and Learning from National University and a Bachelor of Arts in Public Health with a minor in Education from the University of California, Berkeley.
As the child of immigrants, Luisa was instilled with a deep sense of resilience and empathy, qualities she brings to her role as an educator. She is dedicated to empowering both students and educators to reach their full potential.
City College of San Francisco
Melissa Serrano
Melissa Serrano is currently a faculty member of Child Development Family Studies at City College of San Francisco & Administrative Support/Recruiter Felton Institute Child Youth and Families Division. She is a homegrown product of San Francisco’s public school district, where she educated her own children in this same school district with much better results. The difference was due to parent participation. Her own parents did not know how to be an active part of her education and believed it was disrespectful to question the teacher. As an educator, Melissa is on a mission to educate parents and motivate them to be active participants in their children’s education.
Melissa is an educator and long term child care provider, who is passionate about student and family advocacy and believes that in collaboration with our families and school communities positive outcomes can be achieved for our students/youth to help them reach their full potential. Melissa received an AA in Child Development Administration City College of San Francisco; BA in Child and Adolescent Development San Francisco State University and an MA in Organizational Leadership University of San Francisco.
She is a proud mother of three highly educated Latina daughters that chose careers as educators, giving back to communities of color.
“Once social change begins it cannot be reversed. You cannot un-educate the person that has learned to read. You cannot humiliate the person who feels pride. You cannot oppress the people who are not afraid anymore.” – Cesar Chavez
Silicon Valley Education Foundation
Mercedes Carbajal
As the ASSETs Program Director at SVEF, I have the privilege of enhancing the quality and engagement of extended learning programs for over 8,000 students in the East Side Union High School District. Prior to joining SVEF, I served as the Self Sufficiency Director at Sacred Heart Community Service for two years, where I oversaw four departments. This direct service experience deepened my commitment to advancing educational equity and advocating for high-quality education for all students.
At Downtown College Prep, I held the role of Family Engagement Manager for three years, where I had the honor of collaborating with and supporting parent leaders, amplifying their voices at both the school and state levels. Before my time at DCP, I served as the Program Director for all Contract Services at Sylvan Learning Center for eight years, partnering with over 12 local school districts to manage supplemental educational services. This role allowed me to support our most vulnerable students in improving their reading and math skills.
In 2017, I earned a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Santa Clara University, and in 2019, I participated in the Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley’s Latino Board Leaders Training. I have also been actively involved as a parent leader in my children’s school district, contributing to the Consolidation Committee, DELAC, and co-founding CAMINO, a 501(c)(3) parent-run organization. I am deeply committed to closing the opportunity gap in education, particularly for the Latinx community in San Jose, CA.
San Francisco Exploratorium
Michelle Salgado
Dr. Michelle Salgado is a Mexican-American scholar, educator, and leader. She is a Senior Science Educator at the Exploratorium Museum in San Francisco. She has a teaching and research background in curriculum and instruction focused on elementary science education. Her research interests center on supporting diverse instructional shifts to cultivate knowledge building communities in K-3 multilingual classrooms. Within her research, she specializes in elementary scientific modeling, expansive pedagogical approaches, and engaging classroom discussions. She focuses on co-designing equitable learning environments with districts, schools, teachers, and families. She works as an educational consultant, a science curriculum developer, professional development provider, and instructional coach. Dr. Salgado completed her post-doctoral research fellowship at the University of Michigan. She holds a Ph.D. in Curriculum & Instruction with a focus on elementary science education, a Master’s degree in Teaching K-8, a double Bachelor’s Degree in Education and Geography with an emphasis on Geographic information systems, and a minor in modern American and European History from the University of Washington. She is a double National Board Certified Teacher, taught elementary school for almost a decade, and has a PreK to graduate school instructional range. Her recent adventures include authoring children’s books that focus on the everyday ways we engage with science such as bacteria, trees, and collisions. Dr. Salgado is compelled by the institutional challenges and rewards of supporting multilingual learners, schools, families, and communities to build mutualistic relationships with the natural world and with the discipline of science.
Alpha Public Schools
MJ Fúnez Castro
MaríaJosé Fúnez Castro is an Assistant Principal at Alpha: Jose Hernandez School. Born and raised in Honduras, MaríaJosé immigrated to the United States to pursue her dream career of becoming a teacher. In 2017, she began her teaching career as a Teach for America corps member. During her time in the corps, MaríaJosé demonstrated a strong commitment to educational equity, more specifically working in a dual immersion school as a TK/Kindergarten teacher.
After her commitment in the corps, MaríaJosé joined Alpha Blanca Alvarado School as their founding Kindergarten teacher. Deeply committed to creating safe learning spaces for students, families and staff, she transitioned into a school leadership role as a School Operations Manager. Her passion for educational equity then led her to serve as a Program Manager at Catholic Charities, this work significantly broadened her perspective on educational equity and community engagement.
MaríaJosé pursued her bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Teaching English as Second Language from the Master’s University. She holds a master’s degree in Urban Education with an emphasis in Literacy from Loyola Marymount University. Most recently she graduated from the Aspiring Latinx Leadership Institute, as well as completed a Policy and Advocacy Equity Leader Certification through Leadership for Educational Equity. MariaJose’s experiences over the years have shown her that fostering strong community ties is essential for creating an equitable and supportive learning environment for students.
Milpitas Unified School District
Monica Montoya
My name is Monica Montoya and I am currently serving preschool-6th grade students as an Inclusion TOSA. In my role, I provide support to general education teachers, education specialists, and paraprofessionals in order to create classrooms and communities designed to serve students with a wider variety of needs through intentional design and universal supports.
I have a MA in Special Education and Early Childhood Special Education teaching credential. I taught special education preschool for 15 years in Milpitas, California and Portland, Oregon. My classroom benefitted from two years of coaching from the Diagnostic Center of Northern California and modeling embedding Evidence Based Practices for students with Autism.
My history in my current district placed me in the perfect position to push practice in embedding supports that make more students successful. I am passionate about my role in creating communities designed for all of its members.
Rivet School
Natalie Ruiz
Bio coming soon
Aspire Public Schools
Stephanie Alejandre
Stephanie Alejandre currently serves as the Academic Program Manager of Humanities for the Aspire Bay Area Regional Instructional Team. Previously, Stephanie spent the past seven years as Middle School Humanities educator at her alma mater, Aspire Richmond California Preparatory Academy (2011). Throughout those years, she has held different roles such as Grade Level Lead, Alder Teacher Mentor, Instructional Coach, and Interim Dean of Instruction.
Being the first in her family to have graduated from college, Stephanie was committed to giving back not only to her family, but also to her community. She is excited to be able to continue to support school leaders and deeply believes in fostering students’ critical consciousness and agency in order to further their understanding of the world they live in and create change.
Alpha Public Schools
Tony De La Torre
Bio coming soon
Rocketship Public Schools
Uriel Rafael
Uriel is an Associate Director, Extended Learning at Rocketship Public Schools, with over a decade of experience working in education. In his current role, Uriel is focused on building and optimizing operational systems to support student success. Uriel also worked as a school leader at Summit Public Schools, where he created and facilitated systems of support, preparing young people for a concrete next step after graduation.
Prior to his work in the Bay Area, he completed a two time Fulbright grant, where he had the opportunity to learn about Mexico’s education system, and worked as a middle school teacher in Los Angeles. He holds a Human Biology and Psychology Bachelors’ of Arts degree from Pitzer College. Uriel deeply believes in the potential of all young people and is passionate about designing systems to support their growth and success.
San Mateo Union High School District
Wendy Avina
My name is Wendy Avina and I am a high school counselor at Aragon High School in San Mateo Union High School District. I was a college advisor fellow for UC Berkeley Destination College Advising Corp in 2017-2019. I was placed at Vacaville High School for two years.
Prior to that I was a Student Advisor for the Early Academic Outreach Program 2014-2017 at UC Davis where I got my bachelor’s in Human Development and Psychology in 2017.
In high school I was part of the Puente Program which is a college prep program for first-generation with a focus on Latino literature. I was the first in my family to graduate from a four-year university and master’s program. I hope to provide students with equitable services, counseling, and assistance to overcome barriers and achieve success.
San Mateo Union High School District
Wendy Daniels
Wendy Daniels is a Wellness Counselor at Burlingame High school and has been at BHS for 8 years. Prior to working in an educational setting, she worked in the nonprofit sector for 13 years with various roles such as a clinical case manager, therapeutic after school specialist and case manager. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and obtained her Master of Social work from California State University, East Bay. She has a BA in Sociology and minor in Criminal Justice. She offers mental health services to students that need support navigating grief, anxiety, depression and life adjustments/transitions.
Wendy is invested in making sure that students have access to services who would otherwise not be able to receive the support they need due to lack of resources in their community or financial hardship.
