Dr. Linda Delgado is an educator with a passion for learning, education, and community. Linda has taught in and lead schools from Kindergarten through High School and finds great hope in working with youth and their families. She has lived in Richmond for over thirty years and continues to appreciate her vibrant, engaged and productively…
Dilan A. Pedraza (he/him/el) is the Teach Plus National Policy Specialist. In this role, Dilan supports teachers from across the country to advance equity-driven federal policy change. Dilan served as Legislative Staff for U.S. Senator Jeffrey A. Merkley (D-OR), advising the Senator on immigration, labor, early childhood, and housing policy. Dilan was a Teach For America…
Bertha Romo, MA, is a proud WCCUSD graduate, who has worked in the Richmond and San Pablo community for eight years, doing direct service work to support local youth, and coordinating the City of San Pablo’s school-based grant program. Bertha has experience in data collection & analysis, program design & evaluation, budget management, and partnership…
Dr. Mara Lockowandt is the Director of School Partnerships at East Bay Center where she oversees the strategic development of a nationally recognized teacher professional development program, school and community youth programs, and early childhood education programs. She is dedicated to improving outcomes for diverse and marginalized youth including asylum seekers/refugees, low income, trauma-sensitive, and…
Marcus Walton is a longtime West Contra Costa resident who graduated from WCCUSD schools and worked for the district for several years as the Communications Director, where he advocated for students and worked with community groups to support public education. He is a communications professional with more than 25 years of experience in journalism, public…
Leticia Vaca, MSW, LCSW is a Trauma Therapist and experienced social worker. She has aligned her healthcare experience and therapeutic knowledge to assist BIPOC in navigating the complex healthcare and behavioral health maze. Leticia has 17 years of experience in the field of human services, health, and mental health; but her personal experience of loss informs her gentle approach. Additionally, she is…
Luna helps philanthropists develop and implement impactful philanthropic strategies aligned with their interests and passions. Prior to joining Hirsch & Associates, Luna worked as a Program Associate at the S.H. Cowell Foundation, where she developed a keen understanding of best practices that empower children and their families to thrive. She worked across the public, private…
Kathleen’s advocacy for children, youth and their families has spanned over 20 years and she brings a deep understanding of nonprofit management and philanthropy to her work at San Mateo County Community Colleges Foundation. In her current work, she partners with donors to bring essential educational programs and services to 40,000 students who aspire to…