Alyssa is a passionate and dedicated advocate for education. Alyssa started her career as a K-12 educator and taught over 150 middle schoolers. Since then, Alyssa has been employed as a college lecturer and college advisor where she helped to create a program that supported 80 first generation college students through their first years of college. Alyssa currently works for an educational nonprofit helping college students navigate the job world after graduation. Alyssa is currently a candidate for the Santa Cruz County Board of Education, Trustee Area 5.

I come from a family of immigrants and I’m the first in my family to graduate from a university. Access to quality education has given me the opportunity to earn my B.A. and M.A in Education, pursue a doctoral degree, and teach in five different countries. As a former teacher and college lecturer, I understand that teaching and learning is at the heart of our school system- our policies and programs should be adapted to fit the needs and interests of our students. I am committed to ensuring our schools provide the best education for students that can be achieved. Students need dedicated adults who understand what it takes to support them every step of the way. I’ve devoted my career to education and I wholeheartedly believe that all of our students should be able to fearlessly pursue their passions and dreams. 

As a COE trustee, I will be a part of a board that oversees district finances, training for teachers, education assessments and supports, environmental science programs, and many other programs that directly impact 40,000 students. Not only have I been a middle school teacher, my Masters degree was concentrated on Policy and Administration in Urban Education which directly aligns to this position. I believe I have the passion, experience, and educational background to be a strong trustee. 

Every student in Santa Cruz County deserves access to rigorous, culturally responsive curriculum, and nurturing, high-quality educators regardless of their zip code or skin color. It is up to us to ensure that our students have the tools they need to navigate the world around them. I am confident that I would be an equitable advocate for our children while being responsive to the values, beliefs, and priorities of our community. This November, let’s come together and show that education matters, that equity matters, that our students matter.