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.

Dahlia Schilling (she/her/ella) is a first-year Liberal Studies major at San Diego State University
with an emphasis in Elementary Education and the 2025-26 Secretary-Treasurer of the CTA-AE
Board. A member since 2025, she hopes to support and foster community among aspiring
educators while advocating for equity in education.

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.

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.

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.

Helena Aredo (she/her) is a first-year doctoral candidate in the Educational Leadership program at California State University, East Bay. She currently serves as a REAC Director and is actively establishing a CTA-AE club at her school site to foster educator engagement and advocacy. Her professional focus for the year centers on empowering aspiring educators from underrepresented backgrounds to pursue leadership roles within the education sector. Beyond her academic and professional pursuits, Helena enjoys immersing herself in the cinematic arts and embraces the adventure and relaxation of cruise travel.

My name is Andrea Guevara, and I am currently pursuing my teaching credential at California State University, Stanislaus, participating in a year-long residency student teaching program. In May 2025, I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Bilingual Cross-Cultural Spanish, an achievement I hold in high regard.

I served as President of the Stanislaus chapter of California Aspiring Educators (CAE) for the 2024–2025 academic year, an amazing experience that allowed me to significantly grow my leadership skills. I have been a committed member of CTA-AE for three years, representing the Aspiring Educators chapter at Stanislaus State. After attending the recent spring conference, I was honored to join the CTA-AE board, where I now serve as Communications Editor. I am dedicated to supporting and engaging with fellow aspiring educators throughout this important journey.

Hi! My name is Lauren Winkel. I am a transfer student at UC Berkeley, studying History and Geography. I am hoping to pursue a career in education in the future as a high school history teacher. This year, as CTA-AE’s 2025-2026 CCTC Liaison, I am hoping to represent the interests of students, serving as a connection between CTA-AE and the CCTC!

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 2 Director
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Region 3 Director
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REAC Director 2
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Communications Editor (2/3)
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Communications Editor (3/3)
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State Council Representatives (Alternate)
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