It Takes All Of Us: Expanded Learning Workforce Summit

Adria de Stefano, Training and Development Manager, Bay Area Community Resources
Workshop: Stay Power: The Power of Acknowledgment

Adria de Stefano is the Manager of Training and Development at Bay Area Community Resources (BACR), where she helps lead professional development efforts for expanded learning staff across over 100 school sites in the Bay Area. With nearly 13 years of experience in the field, Adria brings deep knowledge and a hands-on background in both classroom and after-school program coordination.

Passionate about supporting staff growth and retention, Adria focuses on helping employees identify their strengths and build meaningful career pathways. Her work is rooted in a commitment to creating supportive, empowering environments for both staff and the communities they serve. A Bay Area native, she enjoys outdoor adventures, travel, and lifelong learning.

AJ Frigillana, Workforce Development Program Manager, San Francisco Beacon Initiative

Workshops: Creating Pathways for High School Students Through Service and Workforce Experience and Professional Development in Action: Learnings from the Field

AJ Frigillana is a Workforce Development Program Manager with the San Francisco Beacon Initiative. Her work is dedicated to creating partnerships and pathways that lead to a dynamic and sustainable expanded learning workforce. She is incredibly passionate about supporting the staff of such a vital field, advocating for job quality, and putting mission-driven vision into practice. In her many years as a youth development practitioner and now workforce development professional, she has shared her work on several regional and national panels. Her work has also been recognized by the National Afterschool Association as a Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders honoree and the California School Aged Consortium through their Leadership Development Institute for Emerging Leaders of Color.

Aleah Rosario, Co-CEO, Partnership for Children & Youth

Activating the Collective Power of Expanded Learning

Aleah Rosario brings over 15 years of dedication to advancing equity in youth development and nonprofit sectors, spearheading statewide advocacy and capacity-building efforts. As a champion for policies that uplift, advance and bring dignity to the youth worker workforce, Aleah's work is deeply personal. Born and raised in rural central California, Aleah is descended from five generations of women of color activists in the Central Valley. She is an alum of CalSAC’s Leadership Development Institute and the White-Riley-Peterson Policy Fellowship. She serves as a Board Member of the California School-Age Consortium and an Advisory Board member of Prosperity Initiative and Scaling Student Success. 

Allison Lyon, Director of Talent Acquisition, Think Together

Workshop: Sourcing and Partnership for Retention

Allison Lyon, Director of Talent Acquisition, has been in the talent acquisition field for over 10 years, with a variety of experience in volume and executive recruiting for both corporate and regional teams. Allison has staffed and led teams for multimillion dollar organizations in the Education and Consumer Goods industries, and since joining Think Together in 2023 has built a team of over 20 Recruiters and leaders, staffing more than 5,000 positions throughout California.

Anita Velasquez, Program Specialist, Extended Learning, Santa Clara Unified School District

Workshop: Workplace Culture Guides: Aligning Staff, Mission, And Values

Anita Velasquez is a Program Specialist for Extended Learning programs at Santa Clara Unified School District (SCUSD) in Santa Clara, CA. In her role, Anita provides supervisory, coaching, and mentoring support to site leaders and staff across the district’s expanded learning programs. As a key member of the SCUSD Early Learning and Extended Learning Leadership Team, she contributes to the development, growth, and success of programs serving infants, preschoolers, and school-age children in afterschool settings. Anita holds a Bachelor’s degree in Child and Family Studies from California State University, Long Beach, and a Master’s in Organizational Management from the University of Phoenix. With over 35 years of experience in the Early Education and Youth Development field, she has had the opportunity to lead infant, preschool, and after-school programs in both for-profit and non-profit sectors. Anita is deeply committed to developing programs that support young children and their families, while fostering leadership growth and professional development among frontline staff and site leaders.

Dr. Anne Larson, Professor, California State University Los Angeles

Workshop: From Intentional Professional Development to Intentional Youth Development: The What, Why, and Way of Upskilling the Expanded Learning Workforce

Dr. Anne Larson is a Professor in the School of Kinesiology at Cal State LA and the founder of Activating Intentional Youth Development Approach (AIYDA) and Activating Intentional Moments (AIMs), tools to develop and deliver intentional PYD programming to young people.  Dr Larson directs AIYDA and AIMs programming and professional development in school, community-based, and juvenile justice settings. She also directs an undergraduate degree program that prepares candidates to lead intentional PYD programming. Prior to higher education, Dr. Larson directed PYD programming for general population, system-involved, and opportunity youth in schools, community-based organizations, juvenile halls, and residential treatment facilities. She holds an EdD from Teachers College/Columbia University.

Anthony Chavez, Policy Manager, Partnership with Children & Youth

Workshop: Claim the Mic: Advocacy Skills for the Expanded Learning Workforce

As a Policy Manager, Anthony Chavez supports the California Afterschool Advocacy Alliance (CA3) and helps coordinate PCY’s policy, budget, and outreach efforts. He brings more than a decade of experience in education equity, public affairs, and advocacy campaigns. Before joining PCY, Anthony worked with The Education Trust–West and XQ Institute, championing initiatives to improve outcomes for underserved students and reimagine America's high schools. He spent years promoting service-learning and character education with the Alameda County Office of Education and Cesar Chavez Foundation. A Coro Fellow in Public Affairs, Anthony's B.A. is in Religious Studies from California State University, Bakersfield, and he remains active in community initiatives, including serving on nonprofit boards and advisory councils.

Bessie Natareno, Beacon Director, Roosevelt Middle School, The Richmond Neighborhood Center

Workshop: Professional Development in Action: Learnings from the Field

Bessie Natareno has over 20 years of experience in youth development, including 13 years at Roosevelt Middle School's Beacon Program, where she has served in roles ranging from Activity Leader to Program Manager. She is deeply committed to creating equitable programs that support student identity exploration, academic success, and social-emotional well-being. Bessie is pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Ethnic Studies and holds four Associate Degrees from San Francisco City College, including Social Justice Studies and Latino-American Studies. She has also completed a Technical Assistance Fellowship with ASAP Connect through The Neighborhood Center, further expanding her skills in program development and capacity building. Throughout her career, Bessie has prioritized initiatives that promote youth leadership, equity, and cultural heritage. She has worked to establish spaces that enhance belonging and empower students, particularly those from BIPOC communities, to succeed both academically and personally. Her leadership continues to focus on fostering opportunities that make a meaningful impact on young people and their communities.

Brandon Acuna Embriz, Youth Workforce Development Program Manager, The Richmond Neighborhood Center

Workshop: Creating Pathways for High School Students Through Service and Workforce Experience

Born and raised in San Francisco, I’ve had the privilege of growing up in a city deeply rooted in diverse cultures, vibrant communities, and resilient histories. This unique environment has shaped both my identity and my passion for community-centered work. From an early age, I found myself drawn to supporting youth—my first informal “job” being the older cousin responsible for looking after the younger ones. That sense of responsibility and care quickly evolved into a genuine calling. Throughout high school, I remained involved in various youth-support clubs and initiatives, where I found joy and purpose in mentorship and community engagement. In 2018, I took a significant step toward turning that passion into a career when I joined the Richmond Neighborhood Center (TRNC) as part of its Beacon program. From 2018 to 2021, I had the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally, supporting students and programs that centered youth empowerment and educational equity. After earning my degree in business, I transitioned into a Human Resources role within TRNC, believing that my academic background should dictate a more traditional career path. However, over time, I realized that although the work was important, it didn’t ignite the same sense of fulfillment that I felt when directly working with young people. I missed the energy, the inspiration, and the impact that came from witnessing students overcome obstacles and achieve personal growth. With that realization, I made a purposeful shift back to the work that grounds me most—youth development. I joined the Youth Workforce Development Program, where I now have the privilege of equipping young people with the tools, knowledge, and support they need to define and pursue their own visions of success. I remain committed to uplifting youth voices and fostering pathways that empower the next generation to thrive.

Brandon Fries, Director of Learning & Development, The California Teaching Fellows Foundation

Workshop: Why the Expanded Learning Workforce Should Be the #1 Strategy to Build and Diversify Your Teacher Pipeline

Brandon Fries is a passionate husband, father, and learning leader committed to developing the next generation of educators and youth workers. He serves as the Director of Learning and Development for the California Teaching Fellows Foundation, where he leads strategic training initiatives for over 3,500 expanded learning professionals across six counties. Brandon holds a Master of Arts in Strategic and Organizational Leadership from Fresno Pacific University and brings over 15 years of experience in talent development, organizational development, and operational leadership. Passionate about transforming systems through learning, he brings a unique blend of operational insight and educational expertise to help elevate the expanded learning workforce statewide. His work centers on creating equitable, scalable learning systems that improve retention, foster leadership, and drive impact in expanded learning. He is driven by a belief that lasting change in education happens when we invest deeply in the people closest to students.

Brandon Steppe, Founder and Executive Director, David’s Harp Foundation

The Power of Storytelling: Honoring Voice, Respecting Growth, and Creating Safe Spaces for Youth to Thrive

Brandon Steppe is a transformative force in the lives of opportunity youth in his hometown of San Diego, California. After obtaining his Bachelor of Science degree in International Business from the University of San Francisco, Brandon began a career in Corporate Management. After rising quickly though the corporate ranks, he made a decisive career change, stepping out on faith to convert his father’s garage in Southeast San Diego, into a recording studio where he eventually allowed local youth to trade their good grades for studio time. When he saw the academic success that resulted, Brandon Founded The David’s Harp Foundation in 2009.

As DHF Founder and Executive Director, Brandon has overseen the organization’s growth from his father’s garage in Southeast San Diego to a state-of-the-art studio facility located in Downtown San Diego’s East Village community. He has developed numerous corporate and community partnerships, leveraging the power of music/media production to foster an environment of academic accountability where his students thrive.

Daniel Monterroso, Director of Workforce Development, LA’s Best

Workshop: Creating Pathways for High School Students Through Service and Workforce Experience and Stay Power: The Power of Acknowledgment

With over 15 years of experience in expanded learning, Daniel Monterroso has built a dynamic career at LA's BEST, where he has held a variety of roles, including 6 years as a Frontline Staff, and Site Coordinator then moving on to Learning Facilitator, Staff Development Coordinator, and Director of Staff Development. Currently, Daniel serves as the Director of Workforce Development, focusing on supporting staff as they balance life, work and education. Choosing a non-conventional path, Daniel did not attend college but instead embraced hands-on experience and continuous learning as the foundation of his career. This unique journey has shaped his approach to leadership and innovation in expanded learning. A strong advocate for youth development, Daniel is dedicated to creating enriching environments that inspire young people to thrive. He’s as equally passionate about supporting staff in their professional growth, believing that a well-developed and supported workforce is essential for fostering meaningful learning experiences for the students and communities we serve.

Derrick Smith, Workforce Development Coordinator, LA’s Best

Workshop: Creating Pathways for High School Students Through Service and Workforce Experience

Derrick began his journey with LA's BEST in February 2018. Starting as a Program Worker SUB, he worked his way up to currently serving as the Workforce Development Coordinator, managing the student workers and recruitment efforts. He is passionate about providing help and support to staff and students from all regions. One aspect of LA's BEST that resonates with him is the organizational values. He is drawn to the organization's commitment to empower the students and staff to expand their horizons and is eager to contribute to these efforts. Derrick has made meaningful connections and multiple supportive relationships with a variety of LA’s BEST staff and partners.

Eduardo A. Caballero, Executive Director, EDMO

Workshop: From EXL to Educator: Supportive Pathways to Teaching

Eduardo Caballero is the Executive Director and Co-Founder of EDMO®, an award-winning CA nonprofit engaging 10,000 kids annually in STEAM & SEL after-school & summer programs through school district partnerships. He has led workshops and panels at the National Summer Learning Association, BOOST, and SXSWedu national conferences. He is an active CA Afterschool Advocacy Alliance steering committee member, and a Leadership for Equity & Opportunity alumni and former coach practitioner. Eduardo is passionate about creating programs and partnerships to ensure ALL children and staff have the opportunity to pursue their passions in life.

Gabe Ogilvie, Co-Founder, !Mpact Players

Workshop: Culture, Content, and Connections: A Human-Centered Approach to Expanded Learning Workforce Development

Gabe has worked in education and expanded learning for 13 years with both the YMCA and K-8 public charter schools as an after-school director, student government advisor, yearbook advisor, athletic director, activities director, student travel coordinator, teacher and summer camp director. In addition to his core job duties, he also organized school assemblies, class competitions, staff bowling tournaments and school-wide Olympics. Gabe Ogilvie has always loved creating, organizing and finding the best way to create memories through games and activities. On top of education, Gabe runs a small video production company where he films, edits and produces educational content.

Guillermo Castillo, Senior Director, Butte County Office of Education

Workshop: From EXL to Educator: Supportive Pathways to Teaching

Guillermo Castillo is the first in his family to attend college and has worked wiht Butte County for over 21 years, now serving as Senior Director of Future Educator Support. He has over 20 years of teaching experience from K-12 to college. He is passionate about expanding educational access.

Irania Cespedes, Director of Employee Relations, Woodcraft Rangers

Workshop: Stay Power: The Power of Acknowledgment

As the Director of Employee Relations at Woodcraft Rangers, Irania specializes in resolving workplace challenges and creating environments where employees thrive. With a Master’s degree in Human Resource Management from the University of Southern California, Irania combines advanced expertise with a people-first approach to address complex organizational needs. Passionate about fostering positive workplace cultures, Irania emphasizes prioritizing the employee experience as a cornerstone for organizational success. Her work at Woodcraft Rangers, a nonprofit dedicated to expanded learning opportunities, reflects a deep commitment to giving back to the community the organization serves. Through innovative solutions and empathetic leadership, Irania champions practices that empower individuals and contribute to the greater mission and vision of Woodcraft Rangers. Her dedication to aligning organizational goals with employee well-being contributes to the greater goal of expanded learning.

Jana Luft, Consultant, Partnership for Children & Youth

Workshop: From EXL to Educator: Supportive Pathways to Teaching

Jana Luft (she/her) partners with education leaders, educators, nonprofits, districts, and philanthropy to create the conditions and equitable learning environments young people need to thrive. She supports Partnership for Children & Youth to elevate and expand access to pathways for expanded learning staff to become credentialed teachers. Jana brings more than 20 years of experience working in education as a teacher, funder, researcher, policy advocate, and consultant. Jana has an M.A. in Special Education from University of San Francisco and a B.A. in Sociology from Wesleyan University.

Jessica Baker, Director of Learning and Expanded Day Programs, Saratoga Union School District

Workshop: Professional Development in Action: Learnings from the Field

Jessica Baker is a strategic and passionate leader with over a decade of experience in extended learning, dedicated to creating impactful programs that empower students. Currently, Jessica serves as the Director of Learning and Extended Day Programs at the Saratoga Union School District, where she leads a team of over 40 staff members and manages a multi-million-dollar budget, spearheading the development and implementation of innovative after-school and summer enrichment programs. Her leadership is characterized by a focus on collaboration, innovation, and aligning program goals with organizational objectives. Before her current role, Jessica gained valuable experience in program management and staff development at Think Together and honed her instructional skills as an AmeriCorps Teaching Fellow with Citizen Schools. She holds a Master's in Leadership from Carolina University and a Bachelor of Arts in Biology and Psychology from Scripps College. When she's not focused on enriching students' lives, Jessica enjoys traveling to new destinations, trying new foods, curling up with a good book, and spending quality time with her family and cats.

Jessie Galvan, Workforce Development Coordinator, LA’s BEST

Workshop: Creating Pathways for High School Students Through Service and Workforce Experience

I love the work we do at LA's Best to provide students a safe space and opportunities to grow as learners and individuals." Jessie has dedicated his professional career to helping underserved communities in both San Francisco and Los Angeles. After graduating from San Francisco State University with a degree in Economics, he began working in the non-profit sector helping create pathways for folks from all walks of life to break into the finance sector. Since moving to LA during the pandemic he has shifted his focus to student programming that helps students further their development as members of society. Yet, his commitment to community and passion for helping others has remained unchanged.

Jonathan Williams

Story Showcase: Art as a Means for Expressing, Healing, and Connecting

Jonathan Williams is a contemporary poet and the Co-Founder of East Los Soul, a spoken word and multidisciplinary art organization. As a poet, Jonathan's work explores the intersections of identity, culture, and social justice, weaving together diverse voices and experiences into evocative verse. Through his leadership at East Los Soul, he champions the transformative Influence of spoken word and the arts, combining community engagement and artistic expression in the vibrant cultural landscape of Los Angeles.

Josh Newman, Former California Senate Education Chair, Candidate for State Superintendent of Public Instruction

Activating the Collective Power of Expanded Learning

Josh Newman is a United States Army veteran, community activist, non-profit founder, and former State Senator for the 29th Senate district of California. A graduate of Yale, Newman has been motivated by public service his whole life. Every career choice he has made and every community group or organization he has been involved with has been driven by his desire to give back to his community.

Prior to being elected to the California State Senate, Newman served as founder and Executive Director of ArmedForce2Workforce, a non-profit initiative founded in 2012 to assist young veterans in the Orange County/Greater Los Angeles area in the pursuit of rewarding, career-oriented employment.  At the core of Af2wf’s approach was the fundamental belief that no single group has as much to offer to employers as young veterans.

During his time in office, Josh advanced over 20 pieces of legislation related to veteran services, mental health, education, economic development, and environmental preservation.

He lives in Fullerton with his wife Darcy, their daughter, and four rescue Chihuahuas.

Kim Cabais, Program Manager, CalSAC California School Age Consortium

Workshop: Leveraging Counter-Dominant Leadership for Effective and Empathetic Supervision

As a child, Kim was a latchkey kid and had very few experiences with out-of-school time programs but still feels like she grew up in after-school -- it just happened as an adult. In 2010, Kim applied for a job as an after-school leader because it sounded fun and easy (oh, the naivety!). At the time, she had a second job delivering pizzas, but after a few months working in the before/after-school program, she left the pizza life behind so she could focus her time and energy on the youth and families in her program. Kim found her purpose in after-school. She never would have imagined that a job she took for fun would become her profession.

Prior to CalSAC, Kim worked in expanded learning programs for the YMCA of San Diego for over 13 years, holding various roles from a Youth Leader working directly with students to a Coordinator supporting multiple expanded learning school sites. Most recently, she was the Quality Programs Trainer and created intentional, standardized training content and learning opportunities for YMCA ASES program staff across San Diego County.

Kim is a music lover, pretend chef, occasional bookworm, and a very recreational hooper. She’s also a level-one half-elf monk looking to join a (Dungeons & Dragons) party and/or campaign

kourtney andrada, Senior Program Director of School-Based Programs, Girls Inc. of Alameda County

Workshop: Apprenticeship in Action: Driving Recruitment and Building Long-Term Commitment

kourtney, a Southern California native, moved to the Bay Area after graduating from the University of California, Santa Cruz. In 2006, she came to Girls Inc., where she is currently Senior Director of School Based Programs. kourtney’s passion for working with youth is demonstrated through her diligence and commitment to the youth, families, community members, and youth workers specifically throughout the East Bay.

Lupe Sandoval, Recruitment Coordinator, YMCA San Diego County

Workshop: Stay Power: The Power of Acknowledgment

Lupe is the Recruitment Coordinator for the YMCA of San Diego County with a background in workforce development and community engagement. She is responsible for recruiting talent for after school programs across the region and committed to building a diverse talent pipelines by cultivating partnerships with educational institutions and workforce agencies. Beyond her role at the Y, Lupe is an active community leader serving on the Board of Directors for the San Diego City College Foundation In this role she contributes to initiatives that expand educational opportunities for students.

Lupine Reppert, Executive Director, California School-Age Consortium

Activating the Collective Power of Expanded Learning

Lupine Reppert has been working in the out-of-school time field for nearly twenty years.  She started as a summer camp counselor while in college – it seemed like a “fun and easy” summer gig.  She quickly discovered that the work was not at all easy - and that she was hooked!  As a young person, camp had been the only place where Lupine felt accepted for who she was and where she truly belonged – it was incredibly rewarding as an adult to create this same environment for youth and staff. Lupine went on to serve in many roles in a range of youth development organizations including staff development and training for LA’s BEST After School Enrichment afterschool program, and as the Director of Education for the American Camp Association, Southern CA/HI.  She later strengthened her fundraising and organizational management capacity as the Vice President of Client Services for Arrowhead Management Company, a fundraising consulting firm responsible for raising hundreds of thousands of dollars in partnership with non-profit organizations each year.

Growing up in Wasco, a small town in California’s Central Valley, significantly shaped Lupine’s life and perspective.  She holds a deep love and affinity for the small town experience – walking barefoot around town, seeing the entire community at Friday night football games and meeting up with friends in the almond fields.  Lupine also walked away with a deep commitment to educational equity and justice, having experienced the first-hand impact of attending an underfunded, and under-resourced public school.

Lupine has been involved with CalSAC since 2009, serving in various leadership roles such as Los Angeles County Chapter President, Board of Directors External Vice President, and Director of Development. She has a Bachelor of Arts in English and Music from UCLA, and a Master of Public Administration from USC. In her free time, you'll find Lupine outdoors - running, hiking, camping and kayaking or indoors - swing dancing.

Madison Holland, Executive Director, Prosperity Initiative

Workshop: Claim the Mic: Advocacy Skills for the Expanded Learning Workforce

Madison holds dual bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Political Studies, with emphasis in Childhood Development and Social Justice. She also earned a master’s degree in Urban and Public Affairs, where she focused on public policy and juvenile justice reform. She has over a decade of experience working directly with youth and has held leadership roles in nonprofit administration, managing grants, overseeing advocacy efforts, and leading citywide coalitions. Madison is passionate about building a more sustainable youth-serving nonprofit workforce. She believes that service-driven careers shouldn’t come at the cost of personal well-being and was instrumental in securing grant funds that launched Prosperity Initiative.

Dr. Mike Snell, Chief Executive Officer, The California Teaching Fellows Foundation

Workshop: Why the Expanded Learning Workforce Should Be the #1 Strategy to Build and Diversify Your Teacher Pipeline

Dr. Snell is a dedicated husband, father, and lifelong Fresno State Bulldog who is passionate about advocating for youth workers and expanding access to quality learning programs. Since 2007, he has served as the Chief Executive Officer of the California Teaching Fellows Foundation, supporting over 3,500 Teaching Fellows who reach more than 50,000 students daily across six counties. He holds both a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and an MBA from Fresno State. His dissertation focused on prototyping expanded learning programs and youth workers to diversify teacher education in California. Dr. Snell also serves as Vice Chair of the Fresno Compact and is a Steering Club Member of the Fresno Madera K-16 Collaborative. In 2023, he was recognized as a Graduate Student Honoree and received the Top Dog Award. His national conference presentations and community involvement reflect his ongoing commitment to leadership development and educational equity.

Mirna Torres, S2S Project Manager, Los Angeles Mayor's Office

Workshop: Creating Pathways for High School Students Through Service and Workforce Experience

Mirna Torres is the Project Coordinator for the Student to Student Success (S2S) Program within the Los Angeles Mayor’s Office of Economic Opportunity. In this role, she oversees program implementation and partnerships that support high school students in gaining real-world work experience and professional skills. Her work is part of the city’s broader efforts to expand access to economic opportunity for young Angelenos.

Monica "Miss Monie" Harris

Fireside Chat: Bringing Data to Life Through Field Voices

Monica Harris, known affectionately as "Miss Monie" is a veteran dance artist and creator from Brooklyn, New York. In 1989, she forged her own performing arts production company and dance studio, Diva Works Dance. Since then, she has taught, performed, and toured throughout the continental United States, Europe, and Africa. Thousands of students and 36 years later, Miss Monie continues to train, choreograph, produce, direct, and bring her love to the community.

Natalie Dodson, Director of Community Development, The California Teaching Fellows Foundation

Workshop: Why the Expanded Learning Workforce Should Be the #1 Strategy to Build and Diversify Your Teacher Pipeline

Natalie Dodson is a dedicated leader in Community Development with a strong passion for expanding education pathways. She is committed to empowering youth and building meaningful relationships across the Central Valley. Natalie holds a Master’s in Social Work and a Pupil Personnel Services Credential from the University of Southern California (USC). As the Director of Community Development at the California Teaching Fellows Foundation, she oversees public relations, education pathways, fundraising, and community engagement. She serves on advisory committees for multiple school districts and college education pathway groups, and she is Vice President of the Focus Forward Board and a member of the Fresno Regional Workforce Development Board Youth Council. Natalie’s work centers on creating strategic partnerships and bridging gaps in access to resources. Her efforts reflect a deep commitment to educational equity and uplifting marginalized communities.

Nieka Bright,PhD, Registered Apprenticeship Programs Coach, Partnership for Children & Youth

Workshop: Apprenticeship in Action: Driving Recruitment and Building Long-Term Commitment

Dr. Nieka Bright is a workforce development facilitator and apprenticeship coach who brings over a decade of experience in teaching, program leadership, and learning design to her work in the expanded learning field. In her role with the Partnership for Children & Youth, she supports organizations across California in building and implementing high-quality apprenticeship programs that promote equity, access, and long-term career growth. Nieka is known for her strengths in strategic thinking, facilitation, and connecting diverse partners to drive collaborative solutions. With a focus on recruitment pipelines, mentorship, and retention strategies, she brings a practical, systems-level perspective to the workforce challenges facing the field. As a moderator, she creates engaging, solutions-oriented conversations grounded in the lived experiences of educators and practitioners.

Ray Trinidad, CEO !Mpact People, Co-Founder !Mpact Players, !Mpact People & !Mpact Players

Workshop: Culture, Content, and Connections: A Human-Centered Approach to Expanded Learning Workforce Development

Ray has worked in youth development and education for over 30 years with different municipalities, non-profits, school districts and charter schools as a youth counselor, principal, dean and CEO. Though his organizations and titles have changed over the years, his core beliefs have not. Ray strongly believes that people at play create a higher quality of life. Whether strategizing with sixth grade campers in Capture the Flag, coaching high school seniors in advisory Olympics, or teaching middle school gang members how to use chopsticks, Ray Trinidad has always felt blessed and thankful for the joy of playing with others and making an impact.

Rebecca Goldberg, Impact Group Facilitator, Grantmakers for Education

Workshop: Funders’ Role in Supporting the Expanded Learning Workforce

Rebecca Goldberg is a non-profit and philanthropic advisor who is passionate about uplifting the youth development sector and creating equitable learning environments for all young people. She co-facilitates the Out-of-School Time Impact Group for Grantmakers for Education and works with other clients on grantmaking strategy, partnership development, and research. She spent seven years in philanthropy leading a national youth development portfolio at the S.D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation working with large, national youth organizations and intermediaries in California to bolster social-emotional learning, improve program quality, develop organizational capacity and sustainability, and infuse equitable policies and practices within the organizations.

Richard Barrera, San Diego Unified School District Board Vice President, Candidate for State Superintendent of Public Instruction

Opening Remarks and Summit Welcome

A first-generation San Diegan whose father immigrated to the United States from Colombia and who’s grandparents immigrated through Ellis Island, Barrera has spent nearly three decades striving to improve the lives of working families in San Diego and throughout the United States.  As a community organizer, he has worked with residents of high poverty neighborhoods to improve quality, affordable housing, access to living wage jobs, and to increase civic participation.  As a labor organizer, he has worked with homecare workers, healthcare workers, nurses, teachers, construction and grocery store workers and thousands of others to fight for economic and social justice.  As Secretary-Treasurer of the San Diego and Imperial Counties Labor Council, he led the effort to increase the minimum wage and provide paid sick days to over 200,000 San Diego workers. As Deputy Superintendent/Senior Policy Adviser at the California Department of Education, Barrera leads initiatives to provide affordable housing to educators, to reduce chronic absenteeism, to protect our immigrant students, and to support student wellness and mental health.

Ryan Hazelton, Executive Director, Mariposa Kids

Workshop: Workplace Culture Guides: Aligning Staff, Mission, And Values

Ryan Hazelton has led Mariposa Kids for the last four years as Executive Director with nearly 15 years of non-profit experience centered around children, families, and education having served in fundraising capacities at San Francisco non-profits that include Gateway Public Schools, Holy Family Day Home, and Safe & Sound. Actively involved in SF community initiatives, Ryan is a current member of the San Francisco Child Care & Planning Advisory Council (CPAC) and the SF Children & Youth Fund's Service Providers Working Group. He also sits on the Board of Directors of 18 Reasons and Safe & Sound. Ryan is an Emeritus Board Member of both Tandem - Partners in Early Learning and the Thomas Edison Charter Academy, after chairing each organization's board. Ryan is a 2023 alumnus of Leadership San Francisco and a 2019 alumnus of New Leaders Council, San Francisco.

Sarah Cusey, MBA, Scaling Project Manager and Lead Trainer, Monarch School Project Nexus

Workshop: Appreciative Inquiry: A Staff-Centered Approach to Problem-Solving

Sarah Cusey has over 15 years of experience in education as a 5th-grade teacher, K-12 teaching artist, instructional coach, community of practice facilitator, curriculum designer, and trainer. Sarah leverages her MBA and experience as a social practice artist to engage a wide range of stakeholders in projects that advance the missions of nonprofits and benefit the broader community. Sarah’s work is rooted in asset-based practices– her mantra is, “everyone has something to teach and something to learn.”

Saraí Vasquez, Apprentice Success Manager, Together Rising LA, Woodcraft Rangers

Workshop: Apprenticeship in Action: Driving Recruitment and Building Long-Term Commitment

Saraí Vasquez is an experienced professional in Early Childhood Education and Expanded Learning Programs. With an expansive background in working directly with youth and managing initiatives from TK through 12th grade, Saraí brings a deep understanding of child development to her role. As the Apprentice Success Manager for Woodcraft Rangers, in collaboration with ECEPTS and ELAC, Saraí is dedicated to supporting and developing Early Childhood educators. She focuses on creating inclusive environments that ensure all learners succeed. With a foundation in Child Development and Early Childhood Education, Saraí is committed to building a passionate and skilled workforce. Her work aims to drive meaningful change in youth development and promote equity in educational settings.

Dr. Sera Hernández, Department Chair and Associate Professor of Dual Language and English Learner Education, San Diego State University

Workshop: From EXL to Educator: Supportive Pathways to Teaching

Sera J. Hernández, Ph.D., is the Department Chair and an Associate Professor of Dual Language and English Learner Education at San Diego State University where she teaches graduate courses on language policy, multilingual education, and biliteracy. She earned her Ph.D. in Education from the University of California, Berkeley and has worked in public K-12 schools and universities for over 20 years. With an interdisciplinary academic background, her research bridges the fields of educational linguistics and the anthropology of education to examine the sociocultural, linguistic and political contexts surrounding educational language policies, bilingual teacher preparation, and bilingualism and biliteracy practices, particularly in border regions around the world. She is currently investigating the professional development experiences of binational educators working and living near the Mexico-U.S. border.

Stephanie Ramirez, Employment Navigation Programs Manager, Los Angeles Mayor's Office

Workshop: Creating Pathways for High School Students Through Service and Workforce Experience

Stephanie Ramirez is a San Fernando Valley native and currently serves as a Program Director for the Mayor’s Office of Economic Opportunity. Stephanie currently supports the City of LA’s Angeleno Corps, Employment Navigator, and the Student 2 Student Success Program. She also serves as the Mayor’s Office liaison to the Community Investment for Families Department. Prior to joining the Mayor’s Office, Stephanie served as the Assistant Program Manager with New Economics for Women at one of the city’s FamilySource centers providing essential community services for youth and families in the West San Fernando Valley. Stephanie has also worked for the Mayor’s Gang Reduction Youth Development team and LAUSD where she coordinated enrichment programs, community events and professional development opportunities for youth and young adults. Stephanie has also worked in Washington DC supporting legislative policy for former CA Senator, Kamala Harris. Stephanie holds a Bachelor‘s degree in Political Science and Government from the University of California, Riverside and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from California State University, Northridge.

Uriel Serrano, ERI Community Power Postdoctoral Scholar, USC

Fireside Chat: Bringing Data to Life Through Field Voices

Dr. Uriel Serrano is a Community Power Postdoctoral Scholar at ERI. In his research, he employs interviews, ethnographic, archival, and survey analysis to study the social conditions facing racially minoritized youth in Los Angeles, including how they resist policing and racial inequality. Dr. Serrano was born and raised in the Baldwin Hills neighborhood, known colloquially as The Jungles. He brings over ten years of experience as a youth worker and educator to his research and teaching. Dr. Serrano is also a proud Cal State alumnus, avid wrestling fan, a self-proclaimed quesadilla expert, and Duke’s favorite human.

Victoria Wodarczyk, EdD, Senior Director of Research and Evaluation, Monarch School Project

Workshop: Appreciative Inquiry: A Staff-Centered Approach to Problem-Solving

Vicki Wodarczyk established an organization-wide evaluation system at Monarch School Project, building a data collection culture that celebrates impact and encourages growth. Vicki directs Monarch’s collaboration with the Jacobs Institute of Innovation and Education at USD, measuring the Social and Emotional Skills of unhoused students in grades 3-12. She also directs Nexus, a project providing training and coaching support for other organizations working with unhoused children, caregivers, and families. Vicki holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, a Master’s degree in Teaching, and a Doctorate in Education.