2025-2026 Election Candidates
See the results of this election.
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Candidates for Citywide Officer
Candidates for Citywide office need to win with a 50% plus 1 majority vote. If no candidate has a majority, there will be a run-off in the Second Round.
Note Candidate statements/flyers are not UTLA’s statements/flyers. UTLA does not edit, censor, or endorse any of them.
Contested
2025-2026 UTLA President
Ingrid Villeda
People everywhere in the country face oppression from the current government. Here at home, we face a district bureaucracy that doesn’t see the humanity in all of us.
My name is Ingrid Villeda, and I am asking for your vote for UTLA President.
For over 24 years, I have served UTLA at the local, state, and national level. My experience includes organizing school sites to enforce contract wins, organizing against administrators that oppress students, community, and educator rights. I’ve organized to protect our public schools against charter schools and privatizers for two decades.
As a member of the expanded bargaining team, I know that we MUST continue to demand healthcare benefits, better working and living conditions, and pay raises that actually make a difference in the quality of our lives.
UTLA can do so much more for our members and our students. The unprecedented times we are all facing will require political experience, bold solutions and swift action. I am the only candidate willing and prepared to do that.
Together we will persevere. I have hope because throughout the years I have met so many of you and I know that when we are together, standing side by side we are powerful. Our students and the families we serve are counting on us not just as educators but as the beacons of society. We are the leadership for THIS moment.
I ask that you recognize what is ahead, the needs we will face and that you vote for me and the Educator Power educators. We are the educators currently on the front lines, changing the narrative across the country, demonstrating daily that we can protect our students and communities. We have the experience and are ready to lead on day one.
As a 6th grade teacher and Community School Coordinator I know the passion and commitment that we all bring to our school sites, thank you for your support.
Let’s continue to build power and move forward! Elect the team with vision, experience and strength. Vote for EducatorPower2026!
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Q&A
Wil Page
I'm Wil Page, and I'm running for UTLA President because our union faces unprecedented challenges that demand Day One readiness—not years of learning on the job. UTLA confronts federal attacks, state budget constraints, financial mismanagement, and slow contract support. This moment requires proven, immediate expertise.
I'm the only candidate who served as NEA Director (2022-2025), representing 39,000 members with direct congressional ties. When federal attacks come, I make the calls immediately—those relationships already exist. As a CTA State Council delegate and LUAC member, I'm at the Sacramento funding table. As NCUEA Pacific Region Director, I coordinate with the nation's largest urban unions for maximum advocacy. With six years as Chapter Chair, current UTLA Board/House membership, and still teaching sixth grade, I understand what members need because I'm living it.
From Day One, I'll deploy a closed AI chatbot for Chapter Chairs with instant CBA access, provide same-day contract support, ensure trained responsive staff, and deliver quick violation resolution. I'll use state/federal leverage for aggressive bargaining on pay/benefits, coordinating with CA's largest locals via LUAC. I'll protect union dues, defend IDEA/Title funding, counter voucher schemes, and support schools facing ICE trauma. UTLA will maintain racial equity leadership, strengthening our power to fight for students/communities.
The difference is clear: When federal IDEA cuts are proposed, others start learning committees; I'm coordinating opposition with congressional staff. When Sacramento policies affect our progress, others begin building relationships; I'm using my positions to shape the agenda.
Our daily working conditions must be UTLA's top priority. UTLA needs leadership with Day One federal and state relationships.
Are you ready to turn the page?
Most candidates promise to build relationships. Mine are already built.
Together we will turn the page.
Visit wil4utla.org
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Q&A
Greg Russell
I don't believe any other candidate can claim any of these qualifications:
- Loss of 10% of income due to UTLA activities: attendance at Board of Directors meetings without reimbursement, turning down summer school work to attend NEA-RA, twice going to UTLA election arbitration and learning its severe limitations, becoming an active member of the National Association of Parliamentarians (NAP,) plus other things.
- Doing a word-by-word rewrite of the UTLA Elections Manual, which was ignored by UTLA.
- Passing a motion (#1356) which required UTLA meetings to be noticed to all members. It was ignored for 3.5 years and then rescinded.
- Been the only member punished and removed from the House of Representatives (HoR) to make the fraudulent revision of our constitution easier to pass.
- Been the reason for the creation of our Code of Conduct and House Discipline Procedure so that I could be denied a trial, which is due process in search of the truth.
- Sought help from all of our affiliates (AFT, CFT, NEA, CTA) as well as the U.S. Department of Labor to rid UTLA of corruption.
- Become a leader among parliamentarians by being twice elected as California State Association of Parliamentarians, Southern Area Director.
- Probably wrote or moved more motions than them.
- Earn less from LAUSD as an on-call, day-by-day substitute teacher.
- Earned the Eagle Scout Award.
If you believe UTLA could use an honest person that sacrifices to protect your interests, then please vote for me.
Thank you for doing independent research and analysis and not blindly following others!
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Q&A
Gloria Martinez
You are the backbone of our union.
I am grateful to have had so many conversations with you all reminding me of how we are here not only for each other but also for our union.I was raised by a garment worker and school custodian in SELA. I became a TA and have been a Local 99 member. I taught elementary and special education in East LA. I bring with me all of these experiences.
We need to get UTLA to the next level, and it will take all of us. That’s why, as I’ve always done, I am working with a team.
Educators Organizing for Power will:
- Win big on salary, healthcare, working conditions, and special education
- Fight federal attacks and ICE raids
- Enforce the contract and fight top-down mandates
- Center racial and social justice
I am the only candidate for President with the experience needed to lead now.
- Part of our transformation, beginning in 2014 as a Board of Director, as we built UTLA into a power-building union respected across the country
- Served as UTLA Elementary VP and UTLA Treasurer, I know the problems you face, how to finance solving them and how to protect our union against anti-union attacks
- Bargaining team 8 years, Bargaining Lead, 3 years, negotiated and won over 3 contracts on salary, working conditions, special education, social and racial justice and the strongest COVID agreement in the country
- Rapid Response Network lead, helped build the Summer of Resistance against ICE raids
- Leader on housing-Housing is a human right, for our members and our communities
- Connect with members across our city, staying grounded on the varying and unique needs across our sites
I appreciate you, am accountable to you and am counting on you.
Let’s keep counting on each other when the attacks and doubts are thrown our way. Let’s use our collective power to win.
Join me and former UTLA President Alex Caputo-Pearl in voting for:Gloria Martinez for President
Alex Orozco for Secondary VP
Lourdes Quevedo for Treasurer
and All EOP BOD CandidatesStatement
Q&A
2025-2026 UTLA NEA Vice President
Jessica Rodarte
I am Jessica Rodarte and am running for NEA VP for UTLA. I taught secondary Social Studies within LAUSD for the last 20 years. This path has led me to many leadership and learning experiences, but some of the most important learning experiences I have had have been within UTLA and our affiliates (CTA/NEA). Within these spaces I have learned about the legislative process, Ethnic Studies, due process of educators, Ed Code, and even my own identity as a detribalized Indigenous person with roots in Mexico and El Salvador.
I’ve had ample opportunity to practice organizing and leadership as a North Area Director for the UTLA Board of Directors, and as the Secretary for the Civil Rights in Education committee of CTA. In both of these positions I have advocated for undocumented immigrants, transnational liberation, LGBTQIA rights, and the affirming of all of our students. These positions have allowed me to understand how we can create change at both the local and state levels. As UTLA Chair and Vice Chair for Cortines School of VAPA from Fall of 2022 to Summer of 2024, I organized multiple actions, including engaging members in the SEIU solidarity strike. I was also part of the UTLA-LAUSD Ethnic Studies committee that developed the introductory Ethnic Studies course.
My organizing skills were later sharpened through Ed Defense. I organized mutual aid for the victims of the Eaton/Palisades Fire and now for DACA educators needing help with renewal fees. I am currently also helping to lead community patrols against deportations. Through this work, I’ve been connecting with students and educators across the country. I feel our UTLA leadership needs to challenge the rising authoritarianism and censorship that our country is experiencing. This is why I am running to serve as your NEA VP. I am ready to fight for you and our students!
Let’s continue to build power and move forward! Elect the team with vision, experience and strength! Vote for EducatorPower2026!
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Q&A
Georgia Flowers Lee
I initially made the decision to run for election to serve as your utla/NEA Vice President because I had lots of ideas about how I wanted to see our service center operate, how we could introduce new leaders to the affiliate spaces and how our service center could support emerging leaders. That was my goal coming into the role of UTLA/NEA Vice President and I have achieved those goals.
However, the expectation for this position is so much more. I am responsible for supporting and advocating for special education providers and programs citywide. Negotiating impact and effects of district decisions on our educators, DIS providers and the students they serve.
I am responsible for co- chairing the joint utla/LAUSD BSAP steering committee alongside the community partners whose hard work and advocacy laid the groundwork for the creation of BSAP. In that role I have fought alongside our community partners to ensure that the implementation remains faithful to the vision of the plan. We have secured enhanced funding to meet the needs of students whose needs have been ignored for far too long. As the steering committee co-chair, I have pushed to make sure that committee recommendations are part of the district's decision-making process when BSAP funds are spent.
My second term will be dedicated to continued growth, solidifying our wins and continuing the fight to ensure that as our union moves forward, we are bringing our community along with us.
I am proud to be on the Fighting Forward in Unity team with Jen McAfee, Maria Miranda and Denisha Jordan. We believe in building relationships, listening to members, and strengthening our union through collaboration. These unprecedented times demand that we move forward together because a united UTLA is a stronger UTLA.
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Q&A
2025-2026 UTLA AFT Vice President
Julie Van Winkle
I am running for re-election as AFT Vice President because I want to build on the work that the officers and I have been doing, and also to address the urgency of this time. Public institutions are in danger, and the economy is only working for the very rich -- not for us and not for our students' families. As UTLA's influence grows, we need leaders who will be bold and fight back.
I am proud of the work I have done as AFT Vice President to build relationships with other unions, the LA Labor Fed, and progressive politicians. During these volatile political times, I believe that we have an opportunity to make change on a scale that might not be possible during more "precedented" times. I see UTLA's political program as a vehicle to win Medicare for All, childcare for all, and housing affordability. I am tired of politicians telling us that such things are not possible, even as corporations and billionaires continue to increase their wealth. Much of my work involves bringing people from different organizations together, having tough conversations, and seeing how we can all work together to make life for working people better. I want to continue to do this work.
I am proud of the work I have done at the bargaining table. Specifically, I am proud to have written contract language on climate justice, LGBTQIA+ rights, more prep time for educators, and free/low-cost childcare. My ability to be bold and to think outside the box is an asset for the Bargaining Team, and I would like to continue leading in that space.
Finally, I am running for AFT Vice President because I am an independent voice who is loyal to the principles of racial, social, and economic justice -- not to individuals. I hope that you vote for leaders who will be bold and brave during these times. Experience matters, but so does grassroots activism. I will be voting for candidates individually and not limiting myself to one slate, and I invite you to join me.
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Q&A
Guadalupe Carrasco Cardona
As an experienced 25-year public school educator, I, Lupe Carrasco Cardona, am running for the position of UTLA AFT Vice-President. I am passionate about fighting for educator working conditions and ensuring that our voices are heard in the decision-making processes that affect our schools. If elected as AFT Vice-President, I will advocate for collective rights, equitable resources, fully-funded healthcare, and work tirelessly to empower educators within our ranks in solidarity with our siblings across the nation.
Throughout my career, I have been unwavering in my commitment to organizing for Ethnic Studies at the grassroots level and through our union spaces. If elected I will continue to fight alongside my local and national educator siblings to ensure that academic freedom is afforded us and we are respected as experts in our fields.
I serve as a California Teachers Association delegate and am honored to be Secretary of CTA American Indian/Alaska Native Caucus. As Chair of Association of Raza Educators Los Angeles I have organized alongside educators throughout greater LA to ensure that educators, students and families have the same rights as the district. If elected, I will vigorously advocate for Indigenous and students/educators of color, ensuring our voices are heard and needs are met.
I have developed curriculum and professional learning opportunities focused on Ethnic Studies and Community Self-defense Against ICE Terror, addressing critical issues at local, state, and national levels. My educational philosophy centers on the belief that every student and educator deserves the right to learn in a safe, nurturing environment that recognizes their identity and promotes academic freedom. I will continue to work tirelessly at local and national levels to organize educators for working conditions and respect we deserve.
Let’s continue to build power and move forward! Elect the team with vision, experience and strength! Vote for @EducatorPower2026.
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Q&A
2025-2026 UTLA Elementary Vice President
Skye Tooley
In this moment in history, we have seen our communities attacked viciously and our First Amendment rights stripped. As educators, we have seen our occupation attacked, federal funding decimated, and individual educators doxxed and targeted for teaching inclusivity. I am running for UTLA Elementary VP because we need concise, focused leadership for THIS moment!
As an educator for eleven years, I bring my experience and understanding of the multiple issues our elementary educators are facing. From over testing (iReady), to lack of support with inclusion schools, to targeting schools by calling them “priority”, I stand with fellow elementary educators with their frustration at the district's lack of care for our communities.
As an educator who is openly trans, I have faced attacks from parents, administration and far right groups on social media. Instead of caving to these attacks, I began organizing. I have organized around workers rights in UTLA and outside with grassroots organizations. As a UTLA member, I’ve worked at a national, state and local level including working collaboratively in expanded bargaining and organized as a chapter chair and steering member.
At the grassroots level, I cofounded Educator Defense Network and worked with our group to organize campaigns to help support UTLA members including overturning the non-reelect of probationary educator Henry Zahid and raising over $12,000 for UTLA members impacted by the 2025 wildfires. Independently, I've helped organize vigils, protests, mutual aid funds, social media campaigns and more in the past seven years including the Children’s Hospital protests. When we uplift the most marginalized, we uplift everyone.
I’d be honored to have your vote and support for our Educator Power Slate! We each bring a unique, strong organizing ability to UTLA and will stand firm against those that want to see public education dismantled.
Elect the team with vision, experience and strength! Vote for EducatorPower2026!
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Q&A
Maria Miranda
I, Maria Miranda, am proudly running for re-election as UTLA Elementary VP to continue to serve and organize with you, our members.
Already, I have:
- Worked with school board members to advance the Community School Initiative
- Led the Meaningful Teaching and Learning Initiative which empowers educators to transform teaching and learning, and to use alternative assessments
- Organized UTK/TK educators and parents to stop the district’s attempt to assess UTK/TK students
- Led UTLA’s LGBTQIA+ Task Force, protecting and supporting educators who have been targeted at their worksite
- Led UTLA’s Immigration Justice work that includes KYR trainings, Family Preparedness Plans, and School Sanctuary teams
- Built partnerships with community organizations to enhance and support UTLA’s citywide work
As Elementary VP, I have stayed connected to members and their schools, by leading chapter meetings, engaging in committees, and increasing member engagement and participation. Building strong chapters will be key to making our wins make a difference. More than ever, we must remain strong and focused. I have the leadership capacity, willingness, and grit needed to continue leading our union.
Our union’s response to the unprecedented horrors show us that we are on the right path. We must continue to protect our most marginalized communities. I will continue to fight for a contract that is meaningful for our members AND for the communities we serve. Together we have proven time after time that we will stand against injustice and cruelty in every classroom, in every school, and in our communities.
I am proud to be on the Fighting Forward in Unity team with Jen McAfee, Georgia Flowers-Lee, and Denisha Jordan. We believe in building relationships, listening to members, and strengthening our union through collaboration. These unprecedented times demand that we move forward together, because a united UTLA is a stronger UTLA. A vote for me is a vote for Fighting Forward in Unity!Statement
Q&A
2025-2026 UTLA Secondary Vice President
Ron Gochez
This election isn’t happening in ordinary times. Our profession, our students and communities we serve are under attack. UTLA can’t afford to have a leadership that would take us backwards. We need proven leadership with the political understanding and experience necessary for this historic moment. I’m running for UTLA Secondary Vice President and I’m the only candidate with the political & organizing experience necessary for THIS moment!
I’ve been an organizer for 25 years on issues such as worker’s rights, Black & Brown unity, police brutality, (im)migrant rights, anti-war and many others. I’ve led over a dozen successful campaigns and founded several organizations/coalitions that have improved the lives of millions of people. I’ve accomplished this while being a teacher for 20 years.
As a UTLA member, I’ve:
- Represented my campus Chapter Chair
- Served as a Member for House of Reps
- Spearheaded the removal of a bully principal (Santee HS, 2007)
- Co-lead the Ethnic Studies NOW! Campaign that implemented Ethnic Studies in LAUSD (2014)
- Organized against a charter school co-location
- Organized with LGBTQ+ students, creating the first gender-neutral restroom at LAUSD school (Santee HS, April 2016)
- Coordinated press conferences, rallies, community support for UTLA strikes (2019, 2023)
I’ll work tirelessly to train and prepare our members with the organizing skills necessary to strengthen UTLA and defend our communities from Trump and ICE. Educator Power 2026 is determined to do something that UTLA has never done before; we will unite our labor struggle with community-based struggles. Joining forces will improve working conditions and salaries for educators as well as living conditions for Angelenos.
I would be honored to have your vote and support for our Educator Power candidates. We are the leadership needed for THIS moment! Let’s continue to build power and move forward! Elect the team with vision, experience and strength! Vote for EducatorPower2026!
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Alex Orozco
Visiting schools and talking with many of you, I am both humbled and honored to seek re-election.
As an immigrant from Mexico who was brought here at 3 years old. I attended 7 elementary schools before we received aid for an apartment. I became a TA and Local 99 member. I taught middle school. I understand our struggles.
I’ve been key to UTLA’s transformation. Before 2014, we were a union with few involved, little power, and that only bargained narrow issues. Now, we have a super-majority involved, 99.9%-participation strikes, bargaining wins on workplace and social/racial justice issues, schools winning local fights, and community support, shown through over 50,000 parents and students striking in 2019.
My experience includes:
- Lead Officer on healthcare bargaining since 2017, protecting and expanding our care through 4 cycles
- Chapter chair, Steering, BOD, PACE
- Preserving school calendar, and winning prep days
- Current UTLA Secondary VP, supporting schools’ fights to build discipline plans, improve conditions for special educators and itinerants, and remove co-locations and bad principals
- UTLA Treasurer, 2017-2023, invested in organizing, contract enforcement, media, community coalitions, and releases for trainings and expanded bargaining; financed 2 strikes; expanded member density during Janus and COVID
- Strike leader 2019 & 2023, winning on salary, working conditions, special education, social/racial justice
- Lead on substitutes insuring pay during COVID
- Active in CFT
To get UTLA to the next level, I am working with Educators Organizing for Power. We will:
- Win big on salary, healthcare, working conditions, and special education
- Fight federal attacks and ICE raids
- Enforce the contract and fight mandates and bad principals
- Center racial and social justice
Join me, Gloria Martinez, and former UTLA president Alex Caputo-Pearl in supporting:
Gloria Martinez for President
Alex Orozco for Secondary VP
Lourdes Quevedo for Treasurer
All EOP candidatesStatement
Q&A
2025-2026 UTLA Treasurer
Lourdes Quevedo
I’m the candidate for Treasurer. I know first-hand super-majority organizing wins.During the pandemic, we were told that we’d be starting a new program schoolwide.A program none of us selected & none of us wanted to implement because we knew it wasn’t what our students needed.I spoke out against it & used our contract to prevent the egregious overstep.The proposal was retracted & I won my first contract enforcement.
We have a robust contract that we continue to build & refine as our working conditions evolve.Our contract is only as good as its enforcement.Everything I’ve done as chapter chair, steering committee member & VW BOD to enforce our contract:
- Developed trainings for Chapter Chairs on major sections of our contract;eventually offered citywide
- Grieved & won PD purview at Community Schools with a collective group across UTLA
- Presented at the 2024 Leadership Conference on LSLC
- Fought back & won on budget development advocating for transparency,protecting faculty review & LSLC approval
- Fighting as Immigrant Justice Lead & community patrols for VW
- Led School Board Delegations
- Helped lead an area budget that funded trainings for chapter chairs & CATs, empowering members to fight at schools
As your next UTLA Treasurer,I’ll work to ensure our union remains financially stable, prepared for financial emergencies & has the resources to fight off any attacks headed our way,protects membership data from cyberattacks,maintains our biggest investment (the UTLA building),& fights back against anti-union organizations.
I’m with Educators Organizing for Power. We’ll:
- Win big on salary,healthcare,working conditions,& SPED
- Fight federal attacks & ICE raids
- Enforce the contract,fight mandates & bad principals
- Center racial & social justice
- Include all of you by talking with every member
Join me & former UTLA president Alex Caputo-Pearl in voting for:
Gloria Martinez for President
Alex Orozco for Secondary VP
Lourdes Quevedo for Treasurer
All EOP Board candidatesStatement
Q&A
Denisha Jordan
Denisha Jordan, M.Ed
I have been leading and supporting members as a secondary teacher for 23 years. I’m running for the office of Treasurer because, as an active UTLA member and leader, I believe I can make an even greater difference in supporting our members, which has been one of the most rewarding parts of my current work. I take great pride in my ability to relate to all members, my passion for student advocacy, and my integrity.
My experience within UTLA and CTA has prepared me to serve as your next UTLA Treasurer. As a member of the CTA Budget Committee, I use direct member input to help shape our annual budget. My goal is to create more opportunities for members to engage in decision-making and to better understand UTLA’s internal structures. As Service Center Treasurer, I actively recruited members to attend conferences and conventions, deepening our union’s involvement at both local and affiliate levels. As UTLA Treasurer, I will keep our union financially strong by increasing revenue through member recruitment while ensuring that UTLA’s racial and social justice values are reflected in our budget priorities.
In my current role as UTLA Statewide Organizer for the We Can’t Wait campaign, I’ve visited members across all eight UTLA areas, so I understand that each area has unique needs and challenges. Additionally, this role has also allowed me to build relationships with neighboring teacher unions, community organizations, and elected officials—connections that strengthen our collective advocacy and ensure UTLA’s priorities are supported beyond our membership.
I am proud to be on the Fighting Forward in Unity team with Jen McAfee, Georgia Flowers-Lee, and Maria Miranda. We believe in building relationships, listening to members, and strengthening our union through collaboration. These unprecedented times demand that we move forward together, because a united UTLA is a stronger UTLA.
A vote for me is a vote for Fighting Forward in Unity!
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Clemen Avalos
I lead a citywide chapter supporting over 200 psychologists in Region North where I have been a school psychologist for over 10 years.
As UTLA treasurer, I will ensure our dues are used for members’ needs, with transparency. Including fighting for stronger contracts, providing professional development, supporting members in times of crisis, or amplifying our collective voice in policy and advocacy.
I am a grassroots organizer. I patrol my community against ICE terror and have trained over 2,000 educators and community members to similarly defend our schools and communities. As a founding member of Educator Defense Network, I helped raise $12,000+ for UTLA members impacted by the 2025 wildfires and we are currently fundraising to help DACA members pay renewal fees. We also led the successful campaign to overturn the non-reelect of probationary educator Henry Zahid.
Additionally, as an itinerant chapter chair, I know the unique difficulties that educators face on two fronts, against the district’s bullying and intimidation tactics and our union’s lack of support. As an officer, I will facilitate trainings to help members learn the structures of our union. Not just to mobilize but to achieve effective results that impact our working conditions directly. Our union should be member driven where decisions are made for us-by us.
As an HOR member, CTA rep, and NEA delegate, I’ve strengthened my leadership by deepening my understanding of union structures and organizing members for meaningful change. I’m a leader in Educators for Justice in Palestine where I have worked to change policy in our union.My goal is to serve all members, put my training and knowledge into practice and help others organize at their school sites. I have experience and I am ready to lead.
This year, let’s recognize the need for change in our union’s leadership. Let’s continue to build power and move forward! Elect the team with vision, experience and strength! Vote for EducatorPower2026!
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2025-2026 UTLA Secretary
Jennifer McAfee
I am running for re-election as UTLA Secretary with the Fighting Forward in Unity team. I taught for 24 years as a middle school English teacher and leadership advisor before being elected to my current role.
When I ran for UTLA Secretary, I wanted to ensure the voices of members were heard and valued and to promote members’ collaboration and voice throughout our organization’s structures. I wanted to use my organizational and communication skills to provide transparent, timely, and thorough communications to members about our union’s policies and procedures. I wanted members to be informed and understand the structures and policies of our union and how they could become involved in ways meaningful to them.
Now in my third year as Secretary, I believe I have achieved my initial goals but also know there is more ahead as we take on the challenges facing public education. As Secretary, we have experienced more efficient and productive House of Representatives’ meetings while ensuring HOR members are better informed regarding the process and purview of HOR. We have also been able to successfully hold 2 in person HOR meetings.
As a bargaining lead, I work collaboratively with 150 bargaining team members.Together, we have committed to fight for what educators and students deserve including better working conditions and pay to keep up with the growing cost of living.
As a CTA state delegate, I serve on the Negotiations Committee and was recently elected and honored to serve as Vice-Chair for the CTA American Indian/Alaskan Native Caucus. At the national level, I was appointed to represent UTLA on the AFT Native American Indigenous Taskforce.
I am proud to be on the Fighting Forward in Unity team with Georgia Flowers-Lee, Denisha Jordan, and Maria Miranda. We believe in building relationships, listening to members, and strengthening our union through collaboration.These unprecedented times demand we move forward together because a united UTLA is a stronger UTLA.
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Chris Wenell
I’m Chris Wenell, and I want to earn your vote for UTLA Secretary. I will bring precision and collaboration to the office of Secretary. Before teaching I was a payroll specialist at a global law firm, routinely handling confidential records and processing multimillion-dollar transactions weekly. As a chapter chair and co-chair, my professional collaboration yielded sustained increases in enrollment and attendance at two different schools. My school has ranked highest in school board district campaign door knocking. I successfully proposed via UTLA-LAUSD Grading Taskforce permissive language (instead of prohibitive) for teachers in LAUSD’s revised Bulletin on Secondary Grading.
As Secretary, I want to see all UTLA members treated fairly and respectfully. I want every member’s ballot to count. I want our Area Meetings to be opportunities for members to discuss, strategize, and act collectively on issues they face.
I’m ready to move UTLA and LAUSD in collaboration to improve enrollment. It’s time to start innovating and expanding school options, like afternoon programs and independent study. We must strategically coordinate policies for a new era of public education, according to the needs of workers and families in our communities.
We want to see UTLA as the force of harmony driving a broad worker-centered movement. It’s time to unite all workers, to unify and combine for national mass action. It’s time to harmonize against worker terror and to move toward worker justice. Public school funding must be prioritized on all the legislative agendas.
With over a decade of experience as an educator, English teacher and Special Education coordinator, I’m ready to represent our members. I serve currently on the UTLA Board of Directors and as a Delegate to the NEA Representative Assembly. I hope to meet and learn from you.
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Candidates for Area Board of Director
For Board of Director positions, the three NEA candidates and the one AFT candidate with the most votes are elected. There are no run-offs. Elections for Area Chairs, if needed, will be held during the Second Round.
Note Candidate statements/flyers are not UTLA’s statements/flyers. UTLA does not edit, censor, or endorse any of them.
Contested
2025-2026 South Area
NEA UTLA Board of Director
Gina Gray
Gina Gray, M.Ed
As a passionate, purpose-driven high school English teacher with 9 years of experience in the South Area, I am running for the UTLA Board of Directors. My leadership roles include serving as Chapter Chair - 3 years, Steering Committee 5 years, and South Area representative on the Bargaining Team for two cycles. Currently serving as PACE Chair and a delegate for our state and national affiliates—CTA, CFT, NEA, and AFT. I am committed to advocating for equity, consistent contract enforcement, and policies that help both students and members thrive. I believe in unity, community, and effective, reflective leadership. Vote Gina Gray, Claudia Silva, and April Thomas - South Area Directors.I'm with Fighting Forward in Unity. We believe in building relationships with members to meet their needs and strengthen our union. We are facing unprecedented times, it will require UTLA members to move forward together in Unity. We understand and believe a united UTLA is a stronger UTLA
Olga Calacuayo
As an educator, advocate, and proud South Area union member, I have served UTLA as Vice Chair, Steering Member, Cluster Leader, House of Representatives, and Bargaining Team Member. I have also served at the state and national levels. These experiences have strengthened my understanding of the power of collective action and the importance of inclusive, collaborative leadership. I have learned that true leadership is about listening carefully, advocating for members, and taking meaningful action.
My commitment to South Area is guided by our shared vision for social justice, community empowerment, and member-driven voices. I am an organizer with experience, determination, and contract knowledge. I am dedicated to organizing South Area schools so that all members feel heard, academic freedom is respected, and our work as educators is valued.
Let’s continue to build power and move forward! Elect the team with vision, experience and strength! Vote for EducatorPower2026!
Ofelia Sofia Ryan
I’m running for UTLA NEA South Area Board of Directors because our educators deserve courageous action-driven leadership that delivers.
I’ve spent my career uniting educators, turning voices into power, and strengthening our schools. From teaching in the classroom to supporting students as a PSA Counselor, I’ve seen the challenges and potential within our communities.
As UTLA Chapter Chair, Secretary of Health and Human Services, Cluster Leader, and Bargaining Member, I’ve helped PSA Counselors find their voice and fight for equity. Together we’ve won recognition, respect and resources for our colleagues, students and families. I fight relentlessly at the bargaining table and never back down for a fair contract.
I am ready to lead for this moment with action, courage and heart. Vote Ofelia “Sofi” Ryan for UTLA NEA South Area Board of Director.Let’s continue to build power and move forward! Elect the team with vision, experience and strength! Vote for EducatorPower2026!
Claudia Silva
REAL CHANGE DOESN’T HAPPEN WHEN WE WAIT FOR IT - REAL CHANGE HAPPENS WHEN WE FIGHT FOR IT! My name is Claudia Silva, your BOARD OF DIRECTOR for South Area. For over a decade, I have proudly served as a strong union activist—standing up for members rights, organizing, and dedicating my life to supporting students and educators in our South Area community.
I stand proudly for educators’ rights, immigrant rights, LGBTQ+ justice, and speaking out against police violence targeting marginalized communities. My activism extends far beyond the local level, but to the state and national level, where I’ve worked in legislative advocacy to fight for equity and social justice.
If re-elected, I will continue to use my experience, dedication, and leadership skills to amplify the voices of ALL members. Teaching is a challenging job and I appreciate the work you do for our children every day! Vote to RE-ELECT Claudia Silva for UTLA South Area BOD! Together, we can build power in our union.
April Thomas
I’m April Thomas, your current South Area Director, and I’m asking for your vote in the upcoming UTLA Elections. I lead with patience and purpose. I don’t make noise for the sake of it. I have been a reliable voice in decisions that impact every corner of our profession.
I’ve engaged thoughtfully with leaders across UTLA, NEA, CTA, AFL-CIO, CFT/AFT, and key community organizations. Through collaboration, conversations, and navigating challenges, I’ve sharpened the focus of my advocacy. I show up and I do the work.
My advocacy didn’t begin with titles or positions. It started back in elementary school, where my leadership roots took hold. Even then, I believed in service, and stepping up when others needed support.
As a grounded fighter for justice, I will continue to stand firm against the inequities our schools and communities face. Continuing in this role would be the fulfillment of a lifelong commitment to purposeful leadership. ELECT: GINA GRAY(#1) CLAUDIA SILVA(#4) APRIL THOMAS(#52025-2026 Valley East Area
NEA UTLA Board of Director
Daniel H. Acuna
I supported the 1989 UTLA strike at San Fernando High as a student. I returned to my alma mater to teach and coach football, now having taught for 21 years. I bring this experience to UTLA:
- Current Bargaining team member
- Valley East steering
- VE Hate Speech Taskforce
- Leader in 2019 and 2023 strikes
- PACE member
- Credentials in SpEd, Multiple Subject, and Single Subject
- Masters in Public Administration, specialized in labor law
Join current officers, Gloria Martinez, Alex Orozco and former UTLA president Alex Caputo-Pearl and me in voting for Educators Organizing for Power. EOP will:
- Win big on salary, healthcare, working conditions, and special education
- Fight federal attacks and ICE raids
- Enforce the contract and fight top-down mandates and bad principals
- Center racial and social justice
Gloria Martinez for President
Alex Orozco for Secondary VP
Lourdes Quevedo for Treasurer
Victoria Casas, Oralia Reyes, Roger Whiting, for VE Board
Cheryl Ortega for Bilingual BODRoger Whiting
I know when our union is strong, students thrive, educators rise, communities win, and we defend and expand on what is ours – rights, healthcare, and the power to shape public education. I bring decades of frontline educational experience to the Board:
- SpEd department chair, San Fernando MS
- Resource Specialist
- Bargaining Team
- Valley East steering
- Chapter chair
- VE Hate Speech Taskforce
- LSLC & SSC leader
- Strike leader 2019 & 2023
- PACE member
Join officers Gloria Martinez and Alex Orozco, former UTLA president Alex Caputo-Pearl and me in voting for Educators Organizing for Power.
EOP will:
- Win big on salary, healthcare, working conditions, and special education
- Fight federal attacks and ICE raids
- Enforce the contract and fight top down mandates and bad principals
- Center racial and social justice
Gloria Martinez for President
Alex Orozco for Secondary VP
Lourdes Quevedo for Treasurer
Victoria Casas, Oralia Reyes, Dan Acuna, for VE Board
Cheryl Ortega, Bilingual BODOralia Reyes
I am a proud 20-year teacher, an alumna of Valley East schools teaching in the community that shaped me. As I have fought relentlessly for dignity, and for concrete results, I’ve held these key roles:
- Chapter chair
- Valley East steering
- Bargaining team
- Board of Directors
- Hate Speech Task Force
- Re-instated LSLC
- Strike leader 2019 & 2023
- Led actions at School Board protecting calendar
- Led site protests against Carvalho about healthcare
Join current officers, Gloria Martinez and Alex Orozco, former UTLA president Alex Caputo-Pearl and me in voting for Educators Organizing for Power. EOP will:
- Win big on salary, healthcare, working conditions, and special education
- Fight federal attacks and ICE raids
- Enforce the contract and fight top-down mandates and bad principals
- Center racial and social justice
Gloria Martinez for President
Alex Orozco for Secondary VP
Lourdes Quevedo for Treasurer
Victoria Casas, Roger Whiting, Dan Acuna, for VE Board
Cheryl Ortega for Bilingual BODChelsea Hinton
- 28 years teacher
- 13 years Chapter Chair/Vice-Chair
I have been a proud Valley East UTLA member for 28 years serving as Chapter Chair and Vice Chair. I have fought against layoffs, over-testing, bully principals, and mandates that don’t serve our students or over-burden our members. As Chapter Chair, I achieved 100% participation in the 2019 and the 2023 strikes. I also established a strong LSLC, knocked on doors in school board elections, organized school site pickets, established a CAT team and increased our PACE participation to 90%. As Director, I will continue to advocate for our students and communities, address the needs and concerns of our rank and file members, help school sites establish strong LSLCs, support new chapter chairs, continue our union’s fight for racial and social justice, eradicate hate speech on our campuses and in our union, and fight for fair pay, benefits, and safe schools.
Please vote for my team of Scott Mandel, Leonard Newsome and Marianne Quintero
Scott Mandel *Area Chair Candidate
41 years teacher with LAUSD and UTLA
18 years Valley East Board of Director member
12 years Valley East Area ChairI’m running on my record of servicing the members of Valley East over the past 12 years as Area Chair. I have a history of addressing members’ problems within hours, and with my connections with the local district, I get them solved. I have had a hand in, or directly influenced, the removal of THIRTY-THREE BULLY ADMINISTRATORS over the past 12 years. My primary goal has always been to serve the members of Valley East and solve their problems immediately.
I believe that our union is about service and accountability concerns. I believe that our union is about enforcing the contract at all times. I believe that our union is about unity and diversity.
If you like the work that I have done as your Valley East Area Chair, please vote for my reelection, and vote for my team of Chelsea Hinton, Leonard Newsome and Marianne Quintero.
Dr. Marianne Quintero
- 19 years teacher
- 8 years Chapter Chair/Vice-Chair
I have been with LAUSD for 19 years as a Special Education Teacher and NBCT. As a former immigrant student raised by a single mother, a person with a disability, and mother of six LAUSD grad boys, I know the barriers our students, families, and educators face. I bring proven expertise and passion to our cause. I organized precinct walking teams, led the strike at my school, created a functional LSLC and a CAT team, and served on SSC. I have served as Chapter Chair, Vice-Chair, UTLA House of Representatives, and joined UTLA committees. As an author and union activist, I enforce our UTLA contract, stand up to toxic administrators, and organize for respect and better working conditions. Our credentials, knowledge, and dedication demand nothing less than dignity and respect.
Please vote for my team of Scott Mandel, Leonard Newsome and Chelsea Hinton
AFT UTLA Board of Director
Victoria Casas *Area Chair Candidate
Served over a decade as a Director, on Bargaining, HOR and PACE. My work has helped transform UTLA and win over 40% in raises, lower class sizes, improved working conditions, and the transformation to a powerhouse social justice union that provides service to all members through systematic and structural organizing.
- Started Hate Speech & IT Taskforces
- Used LSLC to directly challenge Carvalho on health benefits
- Led members to fight for calendar at School Board
- Fought for LSLC & CAT Trainings in VE
Join officers Gloria Martinez and Alex Orozco, former UTLA president Alex Caputo-Pearl in voting for Educators Organizing for Power. EOP will:
Win big on salary, healthcare, working conditions, and special education
Fight federal attacks and ICE raids
Enforce the contract and fight top-down mandates and bad principals
Center racial and social justiceGloria Martinez for President
Alex Orozco for Sec V.P.
Lourdes Quevedo-Treasurer
Oralia Reyes, Roger Whiting, Daniel Acuna for BODLeonard Newsome
- 35 years teacher
- 10 years Chapter Chair
- 4 years Valley East Director
As a Chapter Leader and UTLA Director, rare excellence was achieved at my school with 100% strike member participation in 2019 and 2023. The East San Fernando Valley immigrant community is being protected and defended by the Valley East Rapid Response Network, where I serve as the Immigration Justice Team (IJT) Lead. I’ve been teaching for 35 years, and National Board Certified for 23 years. I’m active within UTLA serving in the following capacities: Bargaining Team, House of Representatives, and Steering Committee. In addition, I’m a delegate for both CFT and AFT serving on the Early Childhood Education Committee. I will continue to serve the members of Valley East in fighting for contract enforcement, protecting our immigrant community, and supporting UTLA contract negotiations.
Please vote for my team of Scott Mandel, Chelsea Hinton and Marianne Quintero
2025-2026 Central Area
NEA UTLA Board of Director
Lupe Torres
I am committed to ensure that Central Area has the conditions needed so teaching, learning, and servicing families can take place. We deserve authentic support so that schools can thrive. I bring both passion for education justice and a strong background in organizing. My experience includes 28 years in the classroom in elementary and secondary, a Chapter Chair at two sites, work in several committees, and in steering I lead the work for several campaigns. I continuously support, guide, and represent members, enforce our contract, block violations, fight for a strong LSLC, fight bully admin, run campus campaigns, filed/won numerous grievances, and school budget audits.
In Central Area Steering I led in stopping five charter co-locations, support co-located sites, joined the Immigration Justice Team, helping w/ an investigation on BSAP mismanagement, joined Bargaining Team and House/Reps. I did work w/ TAPP 39 and the Human Rights Committee. Most recently I was appointed to the PAR Pro
David Feldman *Area Chair Candidate
Hello Central Area UTLA! My name is David Feldman and I would be honored to serve as your Central Area Chair. I’ve been an activist/organizer inside and outside of UTLA. I have marched against war, for immigrant rights, LGBTQ issues, against police attacks on the Black community and many progressive causes. I have been active at all levels of UTLA; from the school site level, Area level, and citywide. I have participated in statewide/national work with AFT/NEA. I want to bring the activist, grassroots approach that UTLA badly needs. We need experienced leadership that will advocate for issues that are important to our members, and be unafraid to fight against rightwing forces that threaten public education. We need fighters for our schools and communities; bold leadership to advocate for academic freedom and to protect our students from ICE.
Let’s continue to build power and move forward! Elect the team with vision, experience and strength! Vote for EducatorPower2026!
Claudia Rodriguez *Area Chair Candidate
I am Claudia and have taught in LAUSD for 32 years in K-5 grades. I became a Board of Director to support my Central and learn all about organizing school leaders. During each year I was able to learn and grow in multiple capacities outside of my BOD position.
I am now ready to lead Central and help new leaders learn how organize their school site.
Central Area... we are a powerhouse and cannot let our power diminish. We know that experience is important; we must continue growing our strength with current and new chapter leaders.
We are ready to:
- Fight for lower class sizes, health care, a well-deserved pay raise, Special Ed, Early Ed
- Call for accountability by the district
- Represent and defend the interests of all union members
- Empower and support chapter chairs/members through one-on-one contract discussions, problem solving school sites issues, and organizing against charter colocations and abusive principals.
Estela Rios
I am Estela Rios and I have taught for 28 years in Central Area.
I have spent the past years fighting for our students, communities, against charter & co-located schools and unjust working conditions. With my experience, I’m ready to continue the fight on pressing issues to our members.As Central area BOD, I will work diligently to train and organize chapter chairs around site issues and contract enforcement. I will also be responsive to the needs of all teachers and be the voice of all union members.
Vote for Claudia Rodriguez, Zulma Tobar, Estela Rios, Melissa Naponelli for Central Area BOD
We are ready to:
- Fight for lower class sizes, health care, a well-deserved pay raise, Special Ed, Early Ed
- Call for accountability by the district
- Represent and defend the interests of all union members
- Empower and support chapter chairs/members through one-on-one contract discussions, problem solving school sites issues, and organizing against charter colocations & abusive principals
Alex Gomez
I am a proud product of the LAUSD educational system and have dedicated 24 years serving students, parents, and teachers as an educator. We must go beyond the call of duty to defend our rights, benefits, and the well-being of our schools. I have served as UTLA Chapter Chair at two school sites. I co-wrote the BSAP grant to secure additional resources for our Black students, and I have worked to hold administrations accountable through my service on the School Site Council, Local School Leadership Council, and as Math Department Chair.
I have organized alongside parents in the Pico-Union community to twice defeat co-location attempts at my school, including organizing out school’s Sanctuary Team to protect the rights of our immigrant community. In the past two years, I have filed grievances to protect chapter chair release time --because I know our contractual rights must be defended vigorously. This year, I am asking for greater transparency--itemized budgets of BSAP and LSLC.
With these experiences, I am ready to continue serving, organizing, and advocating for the Central Area. I ask for your support-
AlexEva Dunn *Area Chair Candidate
I vividly recall the day nearly 30 years ago when, as a new teacher, I was approached by our UTLA rep. In minutes, I was a union member, something I had always wanted to be, and I proudly remain today.
Since 1996, I’ve walked picket lines rain or shine – just like you. I’ve worn red every Tuesday – just like you. I’ve supported workers’ rights and a quality education for our students – just like you.
I’m running because I believe our union activities should first and foremost be focused on the rights, salaries, and working conditions of union members. These are the issues that directly impact our ability to serve our students and allow teaching to remain a viable profession in the city of Los Angeles.
UTLA is a huge family with a multitude of opinions on the world we live in, but our superpower is unity. All members deserve a safe and equitable working environment.
I will listen to you. I will work to make sure our contract is a good one and that it is upheld.
Melissa Naponelli
I am a teacher in South LA, having taught in the same neighborhood for over 22 years, now at Maya Angelou Community Senior High. My father was a Teamster, raising me with union values. I struck with my educators when I was in junior high in 1989. I bring a wealth of experience:
- Chapter Chair
- Strike captain 2019 & 2023
- House of Reps
- LSLC & SSC
- Parent/Community coalition-builder
- Led campaign getting rid of bad principal
Join former UTLA president Alex Caputo-Pearl and me in voting for Educators Organized for Power. EOP will:
- Win big on salary, healthcare, working conditions, and special education
- Fight federal attacks and ICE raids
- Enforce the contract and fight mandates and bad principles
- Center racial and social justice
Gloria Martinez for President
Alex Orozco for Secondary VP
Lourdes Quevedo for Treasurer
Cheryl Ortega for Bilingual BoardVote for Claudia Rodriguez, Zulma Tobar, Estela Rios, Melissa Naponelli for Central Area BOD
www.eop4utla.com
AFT UTLA Board of Director
Zulma Tobar
My name is Zulma Tobar and I have taught in Central Area for 23 years. As a former Board of Director, I recruited, empowered and supported new leaders at every site. I fought alongside every member for better salaries, benefits; increase funding for our schools, among other issues.
It will be an honor to be re-elected to serve through this current contract fight! My priority as a BOD will be to ensure all UTLA members’ voices are heard and to advocate on your behalf!
Vote for Claudia Rodriguez, Zulma Tobar, Estela Rios, Melissa Naponelli for Central Area BOD
We are ready to:
- Fight for lower class sizes, health care, a well-deserved pay raise, Special
Ed, Early Ed
- Call for accountability by the district
- Represent and defend the interests of all union members, ALL Members matter!
- Empower and support chapter chairs/members through one-on-one contract discussions, problem solving school sites issues, and organizing against charter colocations and abusive principals
Iris Mendoza
My name is Iris Mendoza. I’m running for Central Area AFT Board of Directors. I believe UTLA has the power/courage to fight back against the attacks on our students, schools, and community. I began organizing as a high school student around im/migrant justice. Currently I serve as the UTLA Vice Chair at Frida Kahlo Continuation H.S., House of Reps, Central Area Steering, and a cluster leader.
I have successfully organized to remove the harmful principal at our school. I have helped mobilize members to pass motions in Central Area to protect academic freedom and to call for an end to the genocide in Gaza. This summer, I trained thousands of people to defend LA from I.C.E. terror.
As attacks on our community/educators escalate, so does my commitment to fight back! I’m committed to fight for the Central Area we deserve!
Let’s continue to build power and move forward! Elect the team with vision, experience and strength! Vote for EducatorPower2026!
2025-2026 East Area
NEA UTLA Board of Director
Vicky Montes *Area Chair Candidate
I’m running for re-election as East Board and for Area Chair because East is a powerhouse, but the power needs to be felt by all. I will help us use our powerful cluster structures more and lead in a way that improves connections. I am guided by my experience.
- 20-year educator (teacher and college advisor)
- Secondary Committee Chair
- East Steering
- Bargaining Team
- Active in CFT and AFT
- Proud parent of 3 current/former LAUSD students in Lincoln Heights
Join officers Gloria Martinez and Alex Orozco, former UTLA president Alex Caputo--Pearl in voting for my team, Educators Organizing for Power.
EOP will:
- Win big on salary, healthcare, working conditions, and special education
- Fight federal attacks and ICE raids
- Enforce the contract and fight mandates and bad principals
- Center racial and social justice
Gloria Martinez for President
Alex Orozco for Secondary VP
Lourdes Quevedo for Treasurer
William Chavez and Rafael Rodriguez for East Board
Cheryl Ortega for Bilingual BODRafael Rodriguez
For 27 years, I’ve proudly served as a K-6 teacher and grassroots community leader. This has shaped the many roles I’ve played in UTLA:
- Chapter chair for over a decade
- East steering
- Bargaining team
- Strike leader in 2019 and 2023
- House of Representatives
- NEA RA delegate
We need deep listening and collective power now in our fights to defend and expand democracy, and win safe schools, a fair contract, healthcare, and a just public education system.
Join current officers, Gloria Martinez, Alex Orozco, and former UTLA president Alex Caputo-Pearl and me in voting for Educators Organizing for Power. EOP will:
- Win big on salary, healthcare, working conditions, and special education
- Fight federal attacks and ICE raids
- Enforce the contract and fight top down mandates and bad principals
- Center racial and social justice
Gloria Martinez for President
Alex Orozco for Secondary VP
Lourdes Quevedo for Treasurer
Vicky Montes and Will Chavez, for East Board
Cheryl Ortega BODThalia Cataño
Parent of 2 LAUSD students, Resident of Lincoln Heights
12 Year Social Studies Teacher, NBCT
3 Year East Area Steering
3 Year PACE Committee Member representing East Area / PACE Expanded Endorsement Team
3 Year CAT member for Roosevelt High School
Immigrant Justice Team Representative for East Area
Bargaining Team - East Area
CFT Representative on the RDI-TPA Statewide Workgroup 2024-2025 with CTC
Former Chapter Chair 2020-2022 / Former Vice Chair, 2015 - 2019 / Former Immigrant Rights OrganizerI am committed to standing alongside students, caregivers, and community. I know that the fight for strong public schools and union rights is far from over and I'm ready to lead with courage, experience, and an unwavering belief in the power of collective action.
I am running with Marcela Chagoya, Jennifer Marquez, and Jacqueline Dang - all amazing educators and union leaders!
Please also vote for citywide officers:
Georgia Flowers Lee
Jen McAfee
Maria Miranda
Denisha JordanJacquelin Dang
Hi, my name is Jacquelin Dang, and I am a Special Education teacher entering my sixth year in the classroom. I have a proven record of leadership and advocacy at every level of our union.
For the past three years as Chapter Chair, I’ve worked tirelessly to uplift educator voices, protect the rights of teachers and students, and strengthen our school community.
Beyond the classroom, I’m honored to serve as a 2025–2026 NEA Global Learning Fellow, bringing an international perspective to the fight for equity in education. I’ve represented educators as a UTLA House of Representatives member for three years, an NEA Representative Assembly Delegate for two years, and a CTA State Council Delegate.
My leadership extends across multiple union bodies, including the PACE Committee, the LGBTQ+ Task Force, and the East Area Steering Committee. In 2025, I was proud to receive the UTLA Local WHO Award in recognition of my unwavering commitment to our members and the fight for public education.
William Chavez
I am an Ethnic Studies teacher at Wilson High shaped by organizing with families for affordable housing. I bring this experience to UTLA:
- 9-year chapter chair
- Strike leader with 100% participation in 2019 and 2023
- East steering
- Bargaining team
- Housing Task Force
- House of Representatives
I support Wilson as a Community School, and fight for appropriate teaching schedules, PD autonomy, and curriculum on how working-class communities win.
Join current officers, Gloria Martinez, Alex Orozco and former UTLA president Alex Caputo-Pearl and me in voting for Educators Organizing for Power. EOP will:
- Win big on salary, healthcare, working conditions, and special education
- Fight federal attacks and ICE raids
- Enforce the contract and fight top-down mandates and bad principals
- Center racial and social justice
Gloria Martinez for President
Alex Orozco for Secondary VP
Lourdes Quevedo for Treasurer
Vicky Montes and Rafael Rodriguez, for East Board
Cheryl Ortega, Bilingual BODNoemi (Mimi) Guzman
Dear East Area, My name is Mimi (Noemi) Guzmán and I am running for UTLA Board of Directors to represent you.
My union work began when my school fought off a charter co-location. I worked with UTLA staff to rally my coworkers, partnered with parent and community groups, and used innovative strategies to defend our school.
As Chapter Chair, I was the Strike Captain in 2019. I helped unite our SEIU and UTLA staff in 2023. I have served as a Cluster Leader, on East Area Steering, and House of Reps. I have served as a CTA State Council – Alternate Delegate, and as a Delegate to the NEA Representative Assembly.
As Board Member, I will protect vulnerable communities - Immigrants, LGBTQ+, Special Education Students, and Foster Youth. I am a fierce defender of our students, our schools, and our contract. I will fight for the contract, benefits, and working conditions that our members deserve.
Vote for Noemi *Mimi* Guzmán, for East Area BOD.
Vote for a Union that works for you!Jennifer Marquez
I am an Eastside educator, artist, and advocate committed to defending public education for our students and our profession. For over a decade, I’ve championed arts education, multilingual access, and culturally responsive teaching. This year, I led my school’s largest AP Art & Design portfolio submission class — proof that when students are supported, they rise. As a Chapter Chair of 6 years and a CTA State Council Representative, I know the work begins at our school sites: upholding our contract, strengthening our voice, and organizing together. I fight for immigrant families, LGBTQIA+ students, and equitable resources in every classroom. As NEA Representative, I will bring Eastside voices to every decision-making table and advocate for the schools our communities deserve. Eastside Strong. Committed for All. I am running alongside Marcela Chagoya, Thalia Cataño, and Jacquelin Dang — three educators ready to fight forward. We are proudly endorsed by Cecily Myart-Cruz and the Tamayo's.
2025-2026 Harbor Area
NEA UTLA Board of Director
Maya Suzuki Daniels
My name is Maya Suzuki Daniels, and I’m running for UTLA Board of Directors to represent the Harbor Area. I teach English at San Pedro High School, where I’ve worked and organized since 2018. As Chapter Chair, I led my site through virtual teaching and school reopenings during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, I serve on the Harbor Area Steering Committee, CTA State Council, PACE Committee, and the UTLA Bargaining Team.
Beyond formal positions of leadership, I’ve organized campaigns winning districtwide childcare accommodations, overturning the non-reelect of probationary educator Henry Zahid, and raising over $12,000 for UTLA members impacted by the 2025 wildfires. I also co-founded Educator Defense Network and the Harbor Area Peace Patrols. An LAUSD parent and partner to an LAUSD teacher, I’m in this for life. This is more than a campaign -- it is a commitment.
Vote Maya for Harbor BOD -- for courageous, strategic, community-rooted leadership.
maya4utla.com
Angela Chavez
I am running for Harbor NEA Area Board of Directors to advocate for the voices that make up UTLA and that members are reflected in decision-making. I will bring site-based concerns forward and create space for members to feel seen, supported, and empowered. It’s about building trust--knowing your union has your back, your contract is protected, and your experiences matter!
Building power starts at our school sites, with members leading the way. Our strength comes from Chapter Chairs who organize, members who stand on contract, and our shared belief in improving working and learning conditions. I will keep strengthening this work by helping members navigate structures, deepening connections, and ensuring support reaches every site.
I remain committed to organizing for systemic change. Our collective power--built by past and present leaders, members, and allies—has secured strong raises, rights, protections, and community partnerships. I look forward to continuing the work alongside you.Phylis Hoffman
I am honored to seek your support for NEA Harbor Board of Director. As a proud second-generation NEA & AFL-CIO union member & LAUSD teacher since 1997. Our union's strength comes from engaged members having a real voice. I serve as Teacher Librarian at Harry Bridges Span School. I don't just talk about union democracy--I fight for it every day. As the Area Chair since 2023, I increased member site allotments from $6 to $8 & am pushing for $10. As a BOD member since 2020, I've fought for transparency & organized for more Area Representatives for co-location battles. I've fought charter expansions, authored successful House motions, & mobilized members for union-friendly Board candidates as PACE E-Board Vice Chair. I believe teachers must have a voice in ALL educational decisions. Please vote for me & Monica Caballero & the Fighting Forward in Unity team: Georgia Flowers Lee for NEA VP, Jen McAfee for Secretary, Maria Miranda for Elementary VP, & Denisha Jordan for Treasurer.
Monica Caballero *Area Chair
Hello, Harbor Area! I am Monica Caballero and it would be my honor to serve as Harbor Area Chair. As a special education teacher of 9 years, my greatest joy is witnessing students succeed because of my labor of love. This is the same love I pour into union activism. As a current Board Director and Immigrant Justice Team Lead, I am an experienced leader who is not afraid to enforce our contract, protect our communities, or defend our profession at the local, state, & national levels. If elected Harbor Area Chair, I will continue to fight for the dignity and respect we all deserve as educators, fight to protect all vulnerable populations, & organize with members to enforce our contract and support site fights. I am running with PHYLIS & CRYSTAL as Board Directors on the FIGHTING FORWARD IN UNITY team. Please also vote for: GEORGIA FLOWERS LEE=NEA VP, JEN MCAFEE=Secretary, MARIA MIRANDA=Elem VP, DENISHA JORDAN=Treasure. Together, we can strengthen our union to fight for what we deserve!
2025-2026 North Area
NEA UTLA Board of Director
John U. Aquino
Hello! I am John U. Aquino, a leader for this moment, a moment that demands courage, creativity, and compassion.
I am running for NEA North Area Board of Directors to bring the voice and perspective of a school counselor, ensuring every educator and student is represented in our fight for equity, justice, and dignity. I currently serve as a North Area Steering Committee Cluster Leader, and member of the Expanded Bargaining Team, working to ensure our next contract reflects the real needs of our members and students. As a former Co-Chapter Chair at RFK NOW Academy and Chairperson of UTLA’s School Counselor Standing Committee, I inspired colleagues to lead and build change, across the district amplifying members' voices.
I am ready to lead with purpose, serve with integrity, and deliver the results our union and students deserve.
Let’s continue to build power and move forward! Elect the team with vision, experience and strength! Vote for EducatorPower2026!
Marie Germaine
Experienced fighter, ready to take UTLA to the next level:
- 29-years teacher & 17-years chapter chair & 6-years West Area BOD
- Pilot School design team, co-author of Community Schools proposal, removal of
lemon principal & 7-year charter co-location at Baldwin Hills El.
- Co-founded Neighbors in Action for BHES, with parents & community
- Autonomous Schools Coach, supporting members across LA with contract, MOU &
EWA rights
Join Gloria Martinez, Alex Orozco, former UTLA president Alex Caputo-Pearl, North Area Chair Mark Ramos, and me in voting for Educators Organizing for Power. EOP will:
- Win big on salary, healthcare, working conditions, and special education
- Fight federal attacks and ICE raids
- Enforce contract and top-down fight mandates and bad principals
- Center racial and social justice
Gloria Martinez for President
Alex Orozco for Secondary VP
Lourdes Quevedo for Treasurer
Guen Alapag-Spiller and Marie Germaine for North BOD
Cheryl Ortega, Bilingual BODChantile Emerick
Is UTLA meeting your needs?
I'm Chantile Emerick, running for UTLA Board of Directors. I have 20+ years in the classroom with 20+ years of union leadership. I’ve seen too many colleagues left without real union support at times when it mattered most.
I'm running to change that.
I Will:
- Be responsive: Build internal systems that are timely & give you results.
- Be transparent: Demand greater accountability of our union dues.
- Be inclusive: Problem-solve for ALL union members, especially those long underserved by union leadership.
- Be revolutionary: Fix what’s broken--contract enforcement, grievance response, member feedback, and leadership accountability.
Ignored grievances, lack of action--our union can and MUST do better. Your grievances must be resolved. I’m ready to lead that change. Let’s build a union that WORKS for members.
Let’s continue to build power and move forward! Elect the team with vision, experience and strength! Vote for EducatorPower2026!
Guenevere Alapag-Spiller
My name is Guenevere “Guen” Alapag-Spiller, a 27+years LAUSD elementary educator / National Board Certified Mentor, who believes in empowering educators through building and organizing the union, giving space to collective concerns and challenges, and advocating for our students' learning environment and well-being.
I have experience in:
- organizing against co-location (2020)
- organizing escalation and strikes (2019, 2023)
- Steering Committee (since 2020)
- an active participant of the Bargaining Team (2022, 2025).
I’ve seen UTLA build their power over the last 15 years, coming up as a younger educator, and witnessing how organizing collectively and strategically have positioned UTLA to be the most influential union in our city, state, and country. We build power through strong coalitions and a slate of members and officers that see the vision and possibilities of a robust union, like Educators Organizing for Power, which is crucial, especially among this political climate.
David De La Cruz Rosales
My name is David De La Cruz Rosales, candidate for NEA North Area Board of Directors. My journey as a former undocumented student and DACAmented educator fuels my commitment to our Union members and communities, whose collective strength has shaped the organizer I am today.
As a Chapter Chair in North Area, member of the North Area steering committee, Lead for the UTLA immigration Justice Team, and member of the Bargaining Team and House of Representatives I’ve gained deep insights about the need for leadership that advocates for the essential support our North Area schools deserve. I proudly stood on the strike lines and will continue to champion our bread-and-butter issues and broader worker justice vision. I’m rooted in activism that drives real change. This moment demands bold, unafraid leadership and that is my commitment to you.
Let’s continue to build power and move forward! Elect the team with vision, experience and strength! Vote for EducatorPower2026!
2025-2026 West Area
NEA UTLA Board of Director
Beth Devakul Clark
Over 22 years as a long-term K-8 substitute and full-time K-5 teacher, I have raised a family and helped build UTLA in many roles:
- Chapter chair
- West steering
- Bargaining team
- House of Representatives
- House Rules Committee
- Westminster leader on LSLC, year-round music, greening, and EEC partnership
I am a responsive racial and social justice leader, creating safe spaces and school community protections.
Join current officers, Gloria Martinez and Alex Orozco, former UTLA president Alex Caputo-Pearl, West Board member Marie Germaine, and me in voting for Educators Organizing for Power.EOP will:
- Win big on salary, healthcare, working conditions, and special education
- Fight federal attacks and ICE raids
- Enforce the contract and fight top-down mandates and bad principals
- Center racial and social justice
Gloria Martinez for President
Alex Orozco--Secondary VP
Lourdes Quevedo--Treasurer
Jennifer Anderson, Ryan Andrews, Wade Kyle, for West BOD
Cheryl Ortega Bilingual BODAndrea Shaloo
My name is Andrea Shaloo, a proud educator of 21 years and active UTLA member. I currently serve as a Bargaining Team Member, Cluster Leader, Steering Committee Representative, and House of Representatives Delegate. I have also served as Chapter Chair, leading my site through two strikes.
Like you, I want a union focused on improving working conditions for educators and learning conditions for students. I believe in fair pay, strong health benefits, and a contract that is enforced. Our union must stay centered on these core goals--not divided by complex geopolitical issues outside our scope with LAUSD. Unity and respect for our diverse membership make us stronger. I am committed to building collaboration, strengthening solidarity, and ensuring UTLA remains focused on what matters most to members.
Please vote for Larry Shoham & Renee Senigram for BOD.Noriko Nakada
I’m Noriko Nakada, teacher in west for 25 years, parent of 2 west area students, & long-time chapter chair at Emerson Middle School.
My UTLA activism includes initiating a testing boycott, participating in civil disobedience to protest teacher layoffs, organizing my site for both strikes, & serving on West Steering Committee. I will fight for a fair contract that protects health benefits and restructures the pay scale to recruit & retain teachers.
Our chapter chairs are engaged in important work, & I will prioritize supporting these leaders.
I stand against the unjust attacks on our vulnerable colleagues, students & families and will fight for these educators, students, & families.
Endorsed by UTLA President Cecily Myart-Cruz, vote for Noah Lippe-Klein, Maria Lopez, and Noriko Nakada. We bring organizing & lived experience needed in this moment to lead West.
Support Team Unity!
Georgia Flowers Lee, NEA VP
Jen Mcafee, Secretary
Maria Miranda, Elem VP
Denisha Jordan, TreasurerJustin Cohen
I’m running for West Area Board of Directors because our region deserves leadership that is strong, experienced, and real. I have 21 years of teaching experience and have served on the UTLA Bargaining Team twice. For eight years, I’ve served as UTLA Chapter Chair and on West Area Steering, fighting for educator voice, school-site power, and transparency grounded in honesty—not politics. I am a two-term UTLA House of Representatives member, NEA RA Delegate, and one of the district’s first—and longest serving—UTLA Co-Location Coordinators. As a Community Schools Coordinator, I work to unite educators, families, and community partners to build meaningful conditions for student success. I’ve spoken at School Board meetings to champion our priorities, and I’m committed to authentic, member-driven leadership that puts students and educators first so we can achieve excellence together.
Breaking patterns. Restoring power. Leading West Area with purpose.
JustinCohen77.wixsite.com/WestWade Kyle
I am a proud SpEd educator and political organizer with experience at local and state levels:
- 22-year teacher, Marlton School, middle school
- PACE chair 4 years—helped elect Rocío Rivas and Karla Griego
- Helped win legislation on affordable housing, fossil fuel divestment, and teacher salaries
- Chair, CTA Political Involvement Committee
- Elected UTLA representative, CTA political action committee
Join officers Gloria Martinez and Alex Orozco, former UTLA president Alex Caputo-Pearl, West Area Board member Marie Germaine, and me in voting for Educators Organizing for Power.
EOP will:
- Win big on salary, healthcare, working conditions, and special education
- Fight federal attacks and ICE raids
- Enforce the contract and fight top down mandates and bad principals
- Center racial and social justice
Gloria Martinez for President
Alex Orozco for Secondary VP
Lourdes Quevedo for Treasurer
Jennifer Anderson, Beth Clark, Ryan Andrews, for West Board
Cheryl Ortega for Bilingual BODMaria Lopez
My name is Maria Lopez and I’m a teacher at Venice HS. I am running to bring a new perspective to the West Area Board of Directors centering ways to make our profession more sustainable for the long term.
I do this by strategizing & pushing to win health benefits, salary, & support services for our students.
I started teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, I have served as:
- Local School Leadership Council representative
- UTLA Vice Chair
- West Area Steering Committee member
As a newer leader, I bring my experience & passion as:
- a fearless advocate for our immigrant students, staff, families and communities
- a bilingual educator
- a special needs supporter
I am running with 2 of the most experienced leaders in UTLA, Noah Lippe-Klein and Noriko Nakada. We are endorsed by UTLA President Cecily Myart Cruz to lead West Area. Please vote for all 3 of us as a team.
Join us in also voting for:
Georgia Flowers Lee
Jen Mcafee
Maria Miranda
Denisha JordanJennifer Anderson *Area Chair Candidate
I am a 21-year educator in elementary and adult schools. As West Area Chair, I have helped us win in bargaining, against bad principals, and for positive school climate. As we build further, I bring experience:
- Chapter chair
- Board of Directors,11 years
- Bargaining team
- Steering committee
- House of Representatives
- CTA, NEA, CFT, AFT work
I am currently a UTLA salary point advisor helping educators get paid what they deserve.
Join officers, Gloria Martinez and Alex Orozco, former UTLA president Alex Caputo Pearl, West BOD member Marie Germaine, and me in voting for Educators Organizing for Power.EOP will:
- Win big on salary, healthcare, working conditions, and special education
- Fight federal attacks and ICE raids
- Enforce the contract and fight top down mandates and bad principals
- Center racial and social justice
Gloria Martinez for President
Alex Orozco for Sec. VP
Lourdes Quevedo for Treasurer
Beth Clark, Ryan Andrews, Wade Kyle, for West BOD
Cheryl Ortega, BilingualLarry Shoham
Hi, my name is Larry, and I am a former member of the BOD, former chapter chair of Hamilton High, and recipient of West Area’s “Unsung Hero” Award in 2015.
Regardless of our personal politics, all of us want UTLA to deliver on its core mission to improve working conditions for educators and learning conditions for students (which includes the safety of all students under our care). We want fair pay, strong benefits, and a good contract that is actively enforced.
We won our strike in 2019 by expanding our tent, not making it smaller. It is not helpful or appropriate for our union to take institutional positions on visceral and complex geopolitical matters that extend far beyond the scope of our bargaining with LAUSD. As your representative, I will focus on the betterment of our dues paying members along with the flourishing of our students. We need to build unity, not division, if we are to face the many challenges before us.
Please vote for Andrea Shaloo & Renee Senigram for BO
Renee Senigram
Hello, my name is Renee Senigram. I’ve been a teacher for 28 years—nine at El Sereno Middle School and the past ten at John Burroughs. I’m in my seventh year as Chapter Chair and fifth year in the House of Representatives. In that time, I helped guide our school through virtual learning, the return to in-person instruction, and participated in the past two UTLA strikes.
Our organizing must stay focused on enforcing our contract and protecting what matters most: our health benefits, fair pay, smaller class sizes, mental health supports, fully funded special education and arts programs, and strong job security. UTLA is strongest when we honor our unity and diversity, not divide ourselves. I am committed to strengthening that unity.
I’m running with Andrea Shaloo and Larry Shoham—please vote for all three of us for UTLA Board of Directors.AFT UTLA Board of Director
* indicates that the candidate is also running for Area Chairperson
Noah Lippe-Klein *Area Chair Candidate
I have been a teacher at Dorsey for 27 years.
I also bring experience as:
- a chapter chair for 10 years
- a Bargaining Team member
- a key strategist in UTLA’s fights for BSAP and marginalized students
This country is becoming more oppressive and authoritarian. Our movements and unions play a vital role in fighting back.
As a union, we must:
- defend our health benefits
- win the pay raise and contract we deserve
- continue to lead on racial justice; defend our immigrant and Black communities
- fight to expand mental health supports
- protect LGBTQ+ youth & educators
- cultivate leadership from newer teachers
- prepare for statewide actions in 2026 and 2028
I am running with Maria Lopez & Noriko Nakada—2 visionary teachers & organizers.
Cecily Myart-Cruz has endorsed the 3 of us.
Julie Van Winkle (AFT VP) has endorsed our team & me for this West Area AFT position.
Please also vote for:
Georgia Flowers Lee, NEA VP
Jen Mcafee, Secretary
Maria Miranda, Elem VP
Denisha Jordan, TreasurerRyan Andrews
I am a proud teacher, and a proven union and political organizer. I can help scale up our wins at local, state and national levels:
- 5-year English Teacher, High School & Middle School
- Delegate, 2025 CFT Convention
- UTLA Emerging Leader award
- West Steering
- Bargaining Team
- PACE
- House of Representatives
- Co-chair, DSA National Labor Commission
- Regional Field Director, Bernie 2020, won 4 of 4 CA congressional districts
Join officers Gloria Martinez and Alex Orozco, former UTLA president Alex Caputo--Pearl, West BOD member Marie Germaine in voting for Educators Organizing for Power.
EOP will:
Win big on salary, healthcare, working conditions, and special education
Fight federal attacks and ICE raids
Enforce the contract and fight top down mandates and bad principals
Center racial and social justiceGloria Martinez for President
Alex Orozco for Secondary VP
Lourdes Quevedo for Treasurer
Beth Clark, Wade Kyle, Jennifer Anderson, for West Board
Cheryl Ortega, Bilingual BOD
Uncontested
These candidates were unopposed and therefore elected by acclamation.
2025-2026 Valley West Area
NEA UTLA Board of Director
Brian SimilyElected
I appreciate your confidence in electing me and I look forward to continuing to build power with you.
As your Area Director, I am committed to continue the organizing and momentum that has led us to winning over these past years on salary, working conditions, healthcare, school site fights, and social/racial justice. We must win much more.
We need a team to take UTLA to the next level. That is why I am asking that you join me, current officers Gloria Martinez and Alex Orozco, former UTLA president Alex Caputo-Pearl, and all of our Valley West directors in voting for the Educators Organizing for Power candidates.
EOP will:
- Win big on salary, healthcare, working conditions, and special education
- Fight federal attacks and ICE raids
- Enforce the contract and fight top down mandates and bad principals
- Center racial and social justice
Gloria Martinez for President
Alex Orozco for Secondary VP
Lourdes Quevedo for Treasurer
Cheryl Ortega, Bilingual and all EOP Board CandidatesCarmen EstermanElected
I appreciate your confidence in electing me and I look forward to continuing to build power with you.
As your Area Director, I am committed to continue the organizing and momentum that has led us to winning over these past years on salary, working conditions, healthcare, school site fights, and social/racial justice. We must win much more.
We need a team to take UTLA to the next level. That is why I am asking that you join me, current officers Gloria Martinez and Alex Orozco, former UTLA president Alex Caputo-Pearl, and the Valley West leaders in voting for the Educators Organizing for Power candidates.
EOP will:
- Win big on salary, healthcare, working conditions, and special education
- Fight federal attacks and ICE raids
- Enforce the contract and fight top down mandates and bad principals
- Center racial and social justice
Gloria Martinez for President
Alex Orozco for Secondary VP
Lourdes Quevedo for TreasurerIvannia NolascoElected
I appreciate your confidence in re-electing me and I look forward to continuing to build power with you.
As your Area Director, I am committed to continue the organizing and momentum that has led us to winning over these past years on salary, working conditions, healthcare, school site fights, and social/racial justice. We must win much more.
We need a team to take UTLA to the next level. That is why I am asking that you join me, current officers Gloria Martinez and Alex Orozco, former UTLA president Alex Caputo-Pearl, and all of our Valley West directors in voting for the Educators Organizing for Power candidates.
EOP will:
- Win big on salary, healthcare, working conditions, and special education
- Fight federal attacks and ICE raids
- Enforce the contract and fight top down mandates and bad principals
- Center racial and social justice
Gloria Martinez for President
Alex Orozco for Secondary VP
Lourdes Quevedo for Treasurer
Cheryl Ortega and all EOP Board candidatesAFT UTLA Board of Director
Wendy Lucia Lozano *Area ChairElected
I’m excited to be re-elected for a second term and I look forward to continuing to build power with you.
As your Area Chair, I am committed to continue the organizing and momentum that has led us to winning over these past years on salary, working conditions, healthcare, school site fights, and social/racial justice. We must win much more.
We need a team to take UTLA to the next level. That is why I am asking that you join me, current officers Gloria Martinez and Alex Orozco, former UTLA president Alex Caputo-Pearl, and all of our Valley West directors in voting for the Educators Organizing for Power candidates.
EOP will:
- Win big on salary, healthcare, working conditions, and special education
- Fight federal attacks and ICE raids
- Enforce the contract and fight top down mandates and bad principals
- Center racial and social justice
Gloria Martinez for President
Alex Orozco for Secondary VP
Lourdes Quevedo for Treasurer
Cheryl Ortega and all EOP Board candidates2025-2026 South Area
AFT UTLA Board of Director
L. Cynthia Matthews *Area ChairElected
L Cynthia Matthews AFT South Area Chair
Thanks South Area for your support. Looking forward to serving South Area.
Join me in voting for the South Area Strong Directors: Gina Gray #1 on the ballot, Claudia Silva #4 and April Thomas #5.
Join me in voting for Fighting Forward In Unity City Wide Officers: Maria Miranda Elementary Vice President, Denisha Jordan Treasurer, Jennifer McAfee Secretary and Georgia Flowers Lee NEA Vice President.
2025-2026 East Area
AFT UTLA Board of Director
Marcela Chagoya *Area Chair CandidateElected
EXPERIENCE:
Parent - 3 LAUSD Students
Successfully Bargained and WON before LAUSD our PAID Prep Days
10 Years - National Education Association (NEA), Representative Assembly Elected Delegate
9 Years - California Federation of Teachers (CFT), Elected State Delegate
9 Years - California Teachers Association (CTA), State Council Elected Delegate
8 Years - CFT, Special Education Services Committee, Chair
7 Years - UTLA Facebook Page Administrator
6 Years - CTA, Civil Rights in Education Committee Member
5 Years - AFT-Civil, Human and Women’s Rights Committee Appointed Member
5 Years - UTLA, Board Director ~ East
4 Years - AFT, National Convention Elected Delegate
3 Years - UTLA Special Education Committee Member
3 Years -CFT, EC/TK12 Division Council, So CA Region, Vice President
2 Years - UTLA, American Federation of Teachers (AFT)1021 VP
2 Years - UTLA PACE Committee Member
2X - UTLA Bargaining Team Member, (currently serving)
2 Years - CTA, Special Education Committee
2025-2026 Harbor Area
AFT UTLA Board of Director
Crystal MurrayElected
Passion for supporting all students through providing quality, equitable educational experiences and empowering members to understand their rights. I am currently a Special Education Teacher at Barton Hill since Elementary since 2015. I currently work in the CSPP/PCC inclusion program supporting students ages 3-5 years old. I became a NBCT ENS-ECYA in 2022.
I am the current Harbor Area Board of Directors, AFT. I am the Chapter Chair, Barton Hill Elementary since 2021. I was the Co-chair 2019-20, 2020-21 SYs. I organized members to enforce the contract language against an unreasonable administrator in 2021.
Successfully organized members to participate in Strikes in 2019 and 2023. In 2023 I attended AFT TEACH Conference, became a
PACE member in 2024. Elected in
2025 as CFT State Council Delegate and 2025 CFT Convention Delegate.
I have successfully enforced contract language to ensure members’ rights are protected.2025-2026 North Area
AFT UTLA Board of Director
* indicates that the candidate is also running for Area Chairperson
Mark Ramos *Area ChairElected
I appreciate your confidence in re-electing me and I look forward to continuing to build power with you.
As your Area Chair, I am committed to continue the organizing and momentum that has led us to winning over these past years on salary, working conditions, healthcare, school site fights, and social/racial justice. We must win much more.
We need a team to take UTLA to the next level. That is why I am asking that you join me, current officers Gloria Martinez and Alex Orozco, former UTLA president Alex Caputo-Pearl in voting for the Educators Organizing for Power candidates.
EOP will:
- Win big on salary, healthcare, working conditions, and special education
- Fight federal attacks and ICE raids
- Enforce the contract and fight top-down mandates and bad principals
- Center racial and social justice
Gloria Martinez for President
Alex Orozco for Secondary VP
Lourdes Quevedo for Treasurer
Guen Alapag-Spiller for North BOD
Marie Germaine for North BOD
Cheryl Ortega, Bilingual BO
Candidates for Special Categories Director
Board of Directors (Special Category) includes Adult and Occupational Education, Bilingual Education, Early Childhood Education Centers, Health and Human Services, Special Education and Substitutes.
Note Candidate statements/flyers are not UTLA’s statements/flyers. UTLA does not edit, censor, or endorse any of them.
Contested
2025-2026 UTLA Board of Director – Bilingual Education
Cheryl Ortega
In 38 years as an LAUSD bilingual educator and 20 years as UTLA Director of Bilingual Education, I have fought for multilingual students and educators:
- Began teaching in the first bilingual program in CA
- Recruited and mentored bilingual teachers
- Helped author Prop 58 to restore bilingual ed and won
- Helped develop the 1st LAUSD Master Plan for ELs
- Organized to win across-the-board compensation for dual language educators
- Now on Bargaining Team fighting to compensate bilingual HHS and DIS providers
Join officers Gloria Martinez and Alex Orozco, former UTLA president Alex Caputo-Pearl and me in voting for Educators Organizing for Power.
EOP will:
- Win big on salary, healthcare, working conditions, special education, and bilingual issues
- Fight federal attacks and ICE raids
- Enforce the contract and fight mandates and bad principals
- Center racial and social justice
Gloria Martinez for President
Alex Orozco for Secondary VP
Lourdes Quevedo for Treasurer
All EOP candidatesStatement
Q&A
Uncontested
These candidates were unopposed and therefore elected by acclamation.
2025-2026 UTLA Board of Director – Early Education Center (EEC) Director
Brenda BrownElected
I am running for a third term on the Early Childhood Education Center (EEC) Board of Directors. With three decades of experience teaching preschool, including 20 years as a head teacher, and as the current chapter chair, I remain committed to elevating the voices of EEC teachers and driving meaningful outcomes. My focus continues to be advocating for our resilience, our unique needs, and the essential role we play in early childhood education. I believe strongly in representing and supporting EEC teachers through stronger advocacy, clear communication, and a platform that ensures our contributions are fully recognized. Teachers deserve equitable wages, expanded pathways to PK–3 credentials, and an updated salary table that reflects true professional growth without leaving members stuck. I will continue to champion improved working conditions, retirement security so that all teachers will thrive. Let’s continue building together - working in unity for respect, inclusion, and the fair,
2025-2026 UTLA Board of Director – Substitute Teachers
Francisco MartinezElected
I appreciate your confidence in re-electing me and I look forward to continuing to build power with you.
As your Substitute Director, I am committed to continue the organizing and momentum that has led us to winning over these past years on salary, working conditions, healthcare, school site fights, and social/racial justice. We must win much more.
We need a team to take UTLA to the next level. That is why I am asking that you join me, current officers Gloria Martinez and Alex Orozco, former UTLA president Alex Caputo-Pearl in voting for the Educators Organizing for Power candidates.
EOP will:
Win big on salary, healthcare, working conditions, special education, and substitute educator issues
Fight federal attacks and ICE raids
Enforce the contract and top-down fight mandates and bad principals
Center racial and social justiceGloria Martinez for President
Alex Orozco for Secondary VP
Lourdes Quevedo for Treasurer
Cheryl Ortega, Bilingual BOD and all EOP Board CandidatesStatement
Q&A
2025-2026 UTLA Board of Director – Health & Human Services
Kyoko BristowElected
Hi, I’m Kyoko Bristow, speech language pathologist (SLP) in the East area and parent of three LAUSD students. I have served as a chapter chair for SLPs, on the East area steering committee, and on the current bargaining team.
I am grateful for this opportunity to represent Heath and Human Services members on UTLA’s Board of Directors. I have learned so much from HHS members and look forward to continuing to fight and win together.
2025-2026 UTLA Board of Director – Adult Education
Kevin JordanElected
I appreciate your confidence in re-electing me and I look forward to continuing to build power with you.
As your Adult Ed Director, I am committed to continue the organizing and momentum that has led us to winning over these past years on salary, working conditions, healthcare, school site fights, and social/racial justice. We must win much more.
We need a team to take UTLA to the next level. That is why I am asking that you join me, current officers Gloria Martinez and Alex Orozco, former UTLA president Alex Caputo-Pearl in voting for the Educators Organizing for Power candidates.
EOP will:
- Win big on salary, healthcare, working conditions, special education, and adult education issues
- Fight federal attacks and ICE raids
- Enforce the contract and fight top-down mandates and bad principals
- Center racial and social justice
Gloria Martinez for President
Alex Orozco for Secondary VP
Lourdes Quevedo for Treasurer
Cheryl Ortega, Bilingual BODand all EOP Board Candidates
Statement
Q&A
2025-2026 UTLA Board of Director – Special Education