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.

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.

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.

Natalie K Villalobos (she/her/ella) is a third year undergraduate student at UC Berkeley studying Sociology and Education Sciences. She is one of the 2026 State Council Representatives of the CTA-AE Board. Her goal is to advocate and share the voices for those who have been underrepresented in the education system. She is excited to serve her community and work with the CTA – Aspiring Educators to raise the voices for those who go unheard!

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.

Jacob Trindade-Dutra is the CTC Liaison for the CTA-AE Board. A CSU Stanislaus student teacher, Jacob holds a Bachelor’s in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Child Development. Inspired by his aunt, he has volunteered in Atwater schools for a decade. Jacob is dedicated to helping new educators thrive and fostering an inclusive, supportive community throughout California’s credentialing process.

Daniella (Dani) Averill (she/they/ella) is a second-year undergraduate student at the University of California, Berkeley, pursuing a simultaneous degree in Mathematics and Educational Sciences. This is their first year serving on the board as a 2025-2026 Communications Editor. As an aspiring K-12 math educator, Dani is deeply committed to advocating for equity and justice in education at every level. This year she hopes to contribute to expanding CTA-AE’s community interconnectedness through engaging, meaningful, and accessible content.

Region 2 Director
Vacant

Region 3 Director
Vacant

REAC Director 2
Vacant

REAC Director 4
Vacant

Communications Editor (2/3)
Vacant

Communications Editor (3/3)
Vacant

State Council Representatives (Alternate)
Vacant