California EPFP

CA EPFP unites K-12 and postsecondary educators, policymakers, and practitioners to advance equitable student success.

[California EPFP @EPFP_CA]

Meet the Fellows: Dadao Hou

As Director of Policy and Planning at UC Santa Cruz, Dadao advances equity through climate data, policy, and systems change. His leadership helps shape more inclusive campus environments.

Connect with Dadao.
#EducationPolicy

[California EPFP @EPFP_CA]

Meet the Fellows: Maria Gadsden, Ph.D.

Maria is a 2nd grade SANKOFA teacher in the San Bernardino City USD and a faculty member at CSU San Bernardino. She is passionate about advancing equity, literacy, and culturally responsive education from the classroom to the policy arena.

[California EPFP @EPFP_CA]

Meet the Fellows: Neftali Galarza-Toledo

Neftali serves as director of community engagement and partnerships at the Riverside County Office of Education, leading outreach, partnerships, and student engagement efforts across the county.

Say hello and connect.

#MeetTheFellows

[California EPFP @EPFP_CA]

From April 30 to May 2, CA EPFP welcomed fellows to Sacramento for a convening grounded in learning, leadership, and connection.

Fellows engaged in conversations on equity, advocacy, and systems level change while building community across education sectors.

#EducationPolicy

[California EPFP @EPFP_CA]

Meet the Fellows: Eric Flores

Eric serves as deputy director of legislative affairs for the CA Cradle-to-Career Data System, leading policy initiatives that provide actionable and secure data to policymakers, researchers, and students across California.

Say hello and connect!

[California EPFP @EPFP_CA]

Meet the Fellows: Charo Darwin

With 20+ years in K to 12 leadership, Charo brings deep experience in systems change, school safety, and instructional leadership. She is also a doctoral researcher focused on how leaders navigate complexity.

Say hello and connect!

[California EPFP @EPFP_CA]

Introducing our “Meet the Fellows” series

First up: Kayleigh Anderson-Natale, Ph.D., Director at University of California, Irvine, advancing career pathways and funding support for graduate students and postdocs.

Learn more about the 2025- 2026 cohort: https://t.co/TVqTYFk9uH

[California EPFP @EPFP_CA]

New Fellowship Insights blog by Dr. Natalie V. Nagthall, 2024 to 2025 CA EPFP Fellow

"The Hidden Costs of AI in Education: Equity, Bias, and the Environment" explores how AI can deepen inequities through bias and environmental impact.

Read more: https://t.co/4lqlEN99iX

[California EPFP @EPFP_CA]

From 2025-26 CA EPFP fellow Ashley Powers Clark:

"When Everything Falls Apart: What the California Poppy Teaches Us About Survival and Leadership"

A reflection on leading through structural deficits, community fear, and educator burnout.

Read more:
https://t.co/SIG7OwnEl2

[California EPFP @EPFP_CA]

In “By Design, Not By Chance: ‘Moments’ in an Educational Journey,” 2023‑24 CA EPFP alum Bryce Geigle, Ed.D reflects on key moments that influenced his path and the role of intentional support in shaping equitable educational experiences.

Read more:
https://t.co/oPlqcgDg63

[California EPFP @EPFP_CA]

2023‑24 CA EPFP alumni Nancy Bailey, MPP and Laura Lara‑Brady, Ph.D. explore how aligning frameworks and initiatives statewide can reduce burdens and support equity in advancing student success.

Read more:
https://t.co/hkZvzMN4l9

[California EPFP @EPFP_CA]

“Leveraging Social Capital for Collective Impact: Leading the Bay Area K‑16 Collaborative” by Agustin Cervantes explores how relationships, trust, and collaboration drive collective action to support equitable student outcomes.

Read the blog: https://t.co/PxPY2h0lSL

[California EPFP @EPFP_CA]

‘Building Cohesion to Support Student Success: A Focus on Career and Technical Education for All’ by Laura Lara‑Brady, Ph.D., and Nancy Bailey explores how CTE supports students and highlights equity‑centered opportunities.

Read more: https://t.co/yfJWZoRgFy

[California EPFP @EPFP_CA]

What does it mean to be “Black serving”?

Revisit the Fellowship Insights blog "Black-Serving Is Not New: Carrying a Legacy Forward in California Higher Education," examining how institutions can move from designation to sustained action.

Read more: https://t.co/gT49qtHWZ7

[California EPFP @EPFP_CA]

Revisit the Fellowship Insights blog "Elevating Leadership: Addressing the Needs of English Learners in California," by 2023 to 2024 fellow Elisabeth Kim, reflecting on how leadership can better support multilingual learners.

Read more: https://t.co/Xskoohr9ew

[California EPFP @EPFP_CA]

Student parents are a vital part of California’s college community.

Revisit the blog "Why Student Parent Success Matters for California," by Maya Valree, exploring why supporting parenting students strengthens families and the state’s future.

Read more: https://t.co/FXRhpgAere

[California EPFP @EPFP_CA]

Career and Technical Education can help align student success across California Community Colleges.

Revisit the blog "Building Cohesion to Support Student Success: The Role of CTE in Unifying California’s Community College Initiatives."

Read more:
https://t.co/ywKtwIcyLh

[California EPFP @EPFP_CA]

Fellowship Insights: “Beyond Syntax: The Power of Framing in the Research Process” examines how research framing influences inquiry and interpretation.

Read the blog: https://t.co/iTrUMOpmmr

[California EPFP @EPFP_CA]

Fellowship Insights: “Affirming Futures” explores why culturally affirming practices like Lavender Graduations matter for LGBTQ plus students.

Read the blog: https://t.co/iqXwxGExEm

[California EPFP @EPFP_CA]

New from Fellowship Insights

In Black Serving Is Not New, Dr. Tangela Blakely Reavis and Candace Jones examine California’s expanded Black Serving Institution designation and call for intentional, meaningful action rooted in the legacy of HBCUs.

Read: https://t.co/MD0p0LSqDw