Gabriel Mendoza Jr (he/him/él) is a proud first-generation Chicano and recent UC Berkeley graduate. He currently serves as the 2025-2026 President of the CTA-AE Board, after two years as the CTA State Council Representative. Gabriel’s goal this year is to strengthen CTA-AE’s organizing power and ensure every CA aspiring educator feels seen, supported, and equipped to lead the fight for educational justice.

Queen Udofia (she/her/hers) is a student at Irvine Valley College, where she is pursuing degrees in Education and Law. A proud member of the Irvine Valley College Aspiring Educators Chapter since 2024, she currently serves as Fundraising and Community Outreach Coordinator.

She has earned consecutive Dean’s List honors and was recently inducted into The National Society of Leadership and Success in recognition of her academic excellence and leadership.

In 2025, she was elected Executive Vice President of the CTA-AE State Board, where she is committed to expanding access, fostering authentic leadership, and ensuring all members across California feel seen, valued, and supported in their educational journey.

Her leadership is grounded in service, driven by equity, and anchored in purpose.

Luis Tovar (he/him/él) is a third-year student at the University of California, Berkeley, pursuing his B.A. in History. He has been serving with his local CTA chapter since 2024, and with the Napa County Office of Education since 2022. His goal for this year is to empower the membership experience.

Tiffany Richey is a recent graduate from California State University, Stanislaus, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Art. She is currently serving in the Stanislaus State Teacher Residency Program, where she works hands-on in a 4th-grade classroom, gaining valuable experience as she works toward becoming a credentialed educator. Tiffany is passionate about fostering creativity, inclusion, and student engagement through her teaching practice.

In addition to her academic and classroom experience, Tiffany has demonstrated strong leadership and communication skills through her involvement with the California Teachers Association Aspiring Educators (CTA-AE). She has served two years on the CTA-AE board as a Communications Editor and was recently appointed Regional Director 2. This role is especially significant, as regional leadership helps ensure future educators across districts have a strong voice, consistent support, and representation in decisions that impact their profession and students.

Tiffany’s combined experience in education, leadership, and the arts reflects her commitment to empowering both students and fellow educators, and to making a positive impact in the field of education.

Giselle Reyes (Ella/Her/She) is currently a sophomore completing her undergraduate work at Santa Ana College and one of the four Regional Directors for Region 4 of the 2025-26 CTA-AE Board. Her goal for this year is to mobilize and organize our members to take action in their own communities to address social injustices and understand the power their existence has in education.

Elias Antunez (he/him) is an Undergraduate student at the University of California, Berkeley, pursuing a BA in English and a BS in Educational Sciences. He is a new member of the Racial Equity Affairs Committee of the CTA-AE Board in Region 1. As his first year serving the CTA-AE Board, he aspires to bring more opportunities for diverse members to share their experiences and advice with other educators looking to make an impact in their fields.

Sara Estrella Huerta Aguilar (she/her/ella) is a student at Santa Ana College and the 2025-2026 Racial Equity Affairs Committee (REAC) of the CTA-AE Board. She proudly serves as the president of her local CTA-AE chapter. And she is focused on creating better opportunities for students, both current and future—who are pursuing careers in the school settings. She is truly committed to empowering the next generation of educators and strengthening the communities.

Jennifer Kay (JK) Garcia (she/they) is a student at Los Angeles Pacific University, where they are pursuing a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. They are one of the 2025-26 REAC Directors for the CTA-AE Statewide Board, having served as a Communications Editor for the past 2 years. This year they hope to teach others, as well as themself, how to organize and mobilize.

Bio coming soon.

My name is Lauren Winkel. I’m a student at UC Berkeley, studying History and Geography, hoping to pursue a career as an educator in the future. I’m from San Mateo, California and studying history and geography at UC Berkeley. I love painting, crochet, and rock climbing!

Sofia Reynoso Sandoval (she/her/ella) is a fourth-year undergraduate student at UC Berkeley and a State Council Representative for the 2025-26 year. This is Sofia’s first time serving on the CTA-AE board. Her goal for this year is to actively advocate for educators and students within her State Council committee!

Hi! My name is Madison Saldana, my pronouns are She/Her. I am in my second year at UC Berkeley, studying Education Sciences and Legal Studies. I have been serving the Berkeley CTA chapter since 2025. My goal is to advocate for education for those unable. So excited to see what this year holds!

Daniel Smothers is a second-year EECS major and CalTeach minor at UC Berkeley, and a 2025–26 State Council Representative for CTA-AE. Originally from Fresno, he is passionate about expanding STEM education in the Central Valley and supporting educators through advocacy and union work. His goal this year is to elevate the voices of Aspiring Educators at State Council while advancing AE’s mission of educational opportunity.

Jonathan Oyaga graduated from UCLA in 2023 with a B.A. in Education and Social Transformation and a minor in Central American Studies. He is a first-generation transfer student from Pasadena, CA, and the son of Guatemalan and Colombian immigrants. He has worked in public education spaces for 5 years and is an active member of the California Teachers Association. He also has served on the Board of Directors of the National Education Association, representing aspiring educators. As a research associate with the UCLA Center for Community Schooling, he supports the Research Practice Partnership at the UCLA Community School. His primary focus has been on developing a College and Careers Transition course to support first-generation students of color at the school. He now begins the Teacher Education Program at UCLA, pursuing a Master’s of Education with a Social Studies Teaching Credential, alongside an Ethnic Studies specialization.

Region 3 Director
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REAC Director 4
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Communications Editor (2/3)
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Communications Editor (3/3)
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Secretary-Treasurer
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State Council Representatives (Alternate)
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