Dr. Elizabeth J. Blanco was appointed Interim Superintendent of PUSD on July 1, 2023, bringing over 30 years of public education experience. She has served in various leadership roles within the district, including Deputy Superintendent, Chief Academic Officer, and Executive Director of SELPA. A passionate advocate for inclusive and dynamic learning environments, Dr. Blanco also held leadership positions in the San Francisco Unified School District and began her career as a classroom teacher. She holds a Doctorate in Urban Educational Leadership from USC, along with advanced degrees in Educational Administration and Special Education.

Dr. Kitty Cahalan brings extensive experience in connecting K-12 students with STEM resources and volunteers. A dedicated advocate for public schools, she has held leadership roles in organizations such as the Longfellow PTA, Blair PTSA, and the Pasadena Unified School District PTA Council, while also chairing Longfellow’s Science Night for six years. Kitty has actively supported hands-on STEM learning in classrooms and served on governance councils like the Longfellow School Site Council and PUSD Advisory Council. She earned her bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Bryn Mawr College and a Ph.D. in bioinorganic chemistry from Caltech.

Lidia Carlton (she/her) has dedicated 15 years to advancing sexual health education in California. Since 2019, she has served as the Director of Community Education at Planned Parenthood Pasadena and San Gabriel Valley. Previously, Lidia spent 11 years at the California Department of Public Health’s STD Control Branch, where she led curriculum reviews for compliance with the CA Healthy Youth Act and contributed to the California Department of Education's Health Education Framework writing committee.

A strong advocate for comprehensive sexual health education, Lidia has been instrumental in statewide efforts to implement new standards. Outside of work, she enjoys rollerskating, rockhounding, and exploring eclectic hobbies.

Carla Hegwood, coordinator of Pasadena’s Office of the Young Child, brings over a decade of domestic and global public health experience to her role. Previously, she served as the state maternal and child health director at the Virginia Department of Health, managing a $23 million portfolio to enhance health outcomes for families and individuals with special needs. Hegwood has also led initiatives addressing health inequities as regional director of multicultural initiatives at the American Heart Association. With a Master’s in Public Health from UCLA and a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Virginia Tech, her career includes roles at Save the Children, the American Red Cross, and the World Health Organization, among others.

Dr. Sonja Johnson (she/her) is an educational and equity leader with over 18 years of experience in the greater Los Angeles area's charter and district school sectors. She has served as Health Programs District Coordinator for Pasadena Unified School District, where she focused on equity and access in the district’s health programs. She has also served as a mentor and principal at Green Dot Public Schools, and coached leaders at Los Angeles Education Partnership. She is Vice Chair of the board for Soleil Academy Charter School and holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership from USC.

Ms. Kenne has been a dedicated parent leader at the school, district, and state levels since her children started kindergarten at Burbank Elementary. A systems integration expert, she combines her passion for parent engagement in education with a strong commitment to compliance with state and federal law. She has served in various leadership roles, including PTA president, Chair of the District Advisory Council, and founding member of the Parent Education Network. Ms. Kenne has also been a member of the California Practitioners Advisory Group and chaired the Altadena Education Focus Group. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Georgetown University and lives in Altadena with her husband and two children.

Born and raised in Southern California, Natasha Mahone graduated from California State University, Northridge, with a double major in Psychology and Pan African Studies. With over 20 years of experience in youth leadership and community programs, she is committed to preparing students and families for college. Natasha has served in various roles, including Director of Programs and academic counselor, and was recognized as Volunteer of the Year by the Pasadena Unified School District in 2016. She currently serves as the Manager of Middle School & Family Engagement at College Access Plan, supporting parents and middle school students in HLPUSD and PUSD.

Allegra Cira Fischer (she/her) is a policy attorney with the Youth Practice Group at Disability Rights California, where she advocates for education equity for students with disabilities through public policy and legislative efforts. She also represents youth and families in special education legal processes, including IEPs and due process hearings, and partners with grassroots organizations to drive systemic change. Her career has spanned issues like housing, community development, and child welfare family defense.

Allegra resides in Altadena, actively volunteers in Pasadena schools, and enjoys hiking and writing poetry and essays.

Ashley Carrasco, a Pasadena native, is deeply committed to her community and enjoys spending time in nature with her family and dog. She works with Day One, creating safe spaces for young people to build life skills like effective communication and emotional management while educating the community about substance abuse and promoting substance-free activities.

Ashley also founded Hood Liberation, a nonprofit celebrating the cultures of Pasadena and Altadena. In partnership with Pasadena CLSC, Hood Liberation hosts the annual Dena Day, showcasing local Black and brown businesses, community resources, and creative talent. In her free time, Ashley loves being an aunt, exploring nature, and taking long walks with her dog, Mookie.

Vannia De La Cuba is the Deputy to Pasadena Mayor Victor M. Gordo and has been a passionate advocate for her community since 2003 when she first joined his team as a Field Representative. A Pasadena resident since childhood and a graduate of PUSD schools, she holds a Bachelor’s in Communications from USC. Vannia has played a key role in community building, civic engagement, and developing strategic relationships. She was instrumental in crafting Pasadena's first Early Child Development Policy and establishing the City’s Office of the Young Child.

Mo, a co-founder of College Access Plan (CAP), is driven by her passion for educational equity and access. With nearly two decades of experience teaching community college English, she draws inspiration from the students she works with daily. Mo holds a BA in English from Michigan State University, an MA in English from the University of New Mexico, and a Master of Public Administration from USC. CAP allows her to blend her love for education and advocacy while collaborating with a vibrant community of students, staff, and board members. Beyond CAP, Mo serves on the board of Action Kivu, supporting vocational training and education initiatives in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Eric Johnson is the Director of Partnerships & Collaborations for the nonprofit, Stars, and the Care & Justice Pastor at New Abbey Church in Pasadena, CA. He has served urban youth and families dealing with trauma for over 40 years as a pastor/director/educator/advocate by building support and advocacy within the Pasadena Unified School District community around systemic issues impacting vulnerable students and families by leveraging relationships within the faith, non-profit, and business communities.

Eric is married to Ana Maria and has one daughter, Daniella, completing her Master's degree in Urban Education at USC. Eric loves all things pop culture, cooking, fitness, and screenwriting.

Angela Lee, a native East Coast kid, now calls Pasadena, California home with her husband Paul and children: 14-year-old Lizzie, 5-year-old Justise, and 4-year-old Ayla. She earned a degree in human services from the University of Delaware and has worked in youth services and ministry for over 14 years, including roles at Saddleback Church, Fellowship Monrovia, and Harambee Ministries. Angela is deeply passionate about racial justice, reconciliation, and raising her daughters in today’s cultural climate. She is committed to Jesus, people, mental health, justice, and enjoys good food.

Brian Stanley has worked in the Pasadena Unified School District since 2003, starting as a 5th grade teacher at McKinley School before serving as Dean, Assistant Principal, and Principal at Rose City High School for 17 years. He now oversees the district’s Child Welfare and Attendance and Youth in Foster Care departments, as well as Twilight Adult School. As a product of the foster care system, Stanley values supportive adults and community, believing in growing the "whole student" by meeting both their academic and emotional needs. Under his leadership, Rose City High School shifted from a school of last chances to one of best opportunities.