Pronouns: she/her/ella
Education: BA Philosophy and History, Seattle University; Ph.D. in Anthropology of Education, Stanford University
Occupation: Associate Professor of Educational Leadership
Focus, passions, and history in education: Everything I do is about promoting equity and justice in education for marginalized communities, particularly Black, Indigenous, Pacific Islander, Latinx, Asian/Asian American, Middle Eastern, Multiracial, LGBTQ+, immigrant, and low-income youth, families, and community members. As a third-generation Mexican American and first-generation college student, I am committed to being a community-engaged scholar, whose work advances educational equity, culturally responsive education, and spaces of belonging for all.
My work has been inspired by my years as a high school teacher and work with diverse parents and community leaders of color in the Pacific Northwest. More recently, I have engaged in community organizing efforts as a parent leader and adult ally in youth organizing work in my local community and school district– walking alongside youth and family leaders causing “good trouble” for educational change and justice.
As a professor at Washington State University since 2014, I teach courses related to equity, social justice leadership, and inclusion of diverse communities, families, and students in K-12 schools, in WSU’s Administrative Credential, Masters, and Doctoral Programs. My research centers around the concept of leadership for equity and justice, and includes three lines of qualitative research: (1) diversifying the educational leadership pathways in PK-12 education, (2) developing equity-focused school and district leaders, and (3) uplifting and centering the leadership of marginalized families and communities.
Hobbies and fun facts: When not engaged in education or community organizing, I am hanging out playing golf with my 13-year-old son and husband. We love traveling and enjoying good food and music, including our annual trip to the Waterfront Blues Festival in Portland, where my husband and I met over 18 years ago!
