FAMILY AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT TEAM
DR. DAVID CALVO
Director, Family & Community Engagement
Dr. David Calvo
Committed to improving the human experience, David Calvo is a person-centered leader with 25+ years of serving predominantly minority student populations. Entering education as a teacher’s assistant, he has since led four school campuses, and as a consultant collaborated with countless schools and education partners. David’s work has spanned school districts nationwide, state and federal agencies, and education institutions abroad. He has also extensively volunteered in the government, public health, and education sectors. David possesses nursing licenses in California and Florida, as well as educator credentials in California, Nevada, and previously Florida. Moreover, David possesses a global executive doctoral degree from the University of Southern California, a master’s degree in educational leadership from Nova Southeastern University, and a bachelor’s degree in public administration from Florida International University.
YAZMIN BASTIDA
Family & Community Engagement Specialist
LAURA DÍAZ
Family & Community Engagement Specialist
Laura Diaz
Laura Díaz is a dedicated and compassionate professional driven by a lifelong passion for learning and achievement. With over 18 years of experience as a Family and Community Engagement Specialist, Laura has been instrumental in training parents on family involvement and supporting districts and schools in enhancing bilingual programs to foster academic success among students.
A graduate of Universidad Iberoamericana with a Law Degree, Laura’s educational foundation complements her extensive practical experience in the field. Her role extends beyond her legal qualifications, as she has actively engaged in curriculum design and development programs and is an integral part of the Multilingual California Alliance Project (MCAP) and English Learner Legacy and Leadership Institute (ELLLI). Laura has honed her expertise through specialized training in Bilingual GLAD Strategies, Migrant Education, EL Roadmap, LCFF/LCAP, Parent Involvement, and Technology Programs, equipping her to offer comprehensive support to Districts and Parents.
Laura’s influence extends beyond the local level, having worked with the San Bernardino City School District (SBCSS) and participated in their Family Engagement Network (FEN) meetings, LEAD Summit team, and Call to Action Stakeholder efforts. Her reach is vast, with presentations developed for prominent organizations throughout California, including the State Parent Advisory Committee (SPAC), Parents Anonymous Conferences, State Migrant Parent Conferences, CABE, Binational Parent Institute, Reading Rally at California State San Bernardino, California Parent Leadership Conference, Multilingual Recognition, California Technology Assistance Program, Technology Leadership Network, Loyola Marymount University, San Diego University, the Multilingual California Alliance Project (MCAP) and more.
BRENDA FROYA
Translator/Interpreter, MLS & Family & Community Engagement
Brenda Froya
Brenda Froya is a dedicated professional, with a unique journey that has led to a career in education, community engagement, and language access. She embarked on her educational journey as a parent volunteer, then initially intended to return to college and take only two classes to meet the minimum requirements for a position as a teacher assistant. However, her newfound passion led her to pursue additional classes, eventually culminating in the acquisition of her Child Development Teacher Permit from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
Throughout her career as an Early Childhood Educator, a significant portion of her work involved fostering communication with parents in both English and Spanish, ensuring that language barriers did not hinder the exchange of vital information and support. This invaluable work eventually led her to assume the role of a School Community Liaison where she continued to build the home, school, and community partnerships, with a mission to recognize and remove barriers in learning to enable access and participation in learning for students and families of all backgrounds. Her dedication extended to attending San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools Family Engagement Leadership Academies and Dual Capacity Framework training by Dr. Mapp from Harvard University. She attended Dr. Epstein’s National Network of Partnership Schools Leadership Institute at John Hopkins School of Education. She also participated in the California Community Engagement initiative’s, Peer Leading and Learning Network and took on the role of Peer Leading and Learning Expert.
Throughout her career in education, she discovered a central role and function that became her calling—providing language access for families. She recognized that language access is essential to delivering equity, inclusion, and opportunities for informed decision-making. In 2022, she embarked on a new venture, as an interpreter and translator. She’s completed the 40-hour Community Training for Interpreters and Translators in the education field, and actively contributed as part of the steering committee for Orange County Department of Education’s Interpreter and Translator Conference. She is dedicated and committed to advocating for language access and community engagement to create inclusive, equitable educational and community environments to increase student success.
TONI HERNÁNDEZ
Family & Community Engagement Coach and Partnership Coordinator
Toni Hernandez
Antoinette Hernandez is an unwavering advocate for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, dedicating her career spanning over 42 years to the advancement of education and community building. For the past 13 years, she has served as a full-time Parent and Family Engagement employee at the California Association for Bilingual Education (CABE), where she has been a steadfast advocate for multi-language learners and their families. She believes that emotions and learning are closely connected and that they work together to achieve desired outcomes. Understanding and managing emotions in the context of education can be essential for optimizing the learning process and achieving desired results.
Within her role as a coach and mentor in Project 2INSPIRE, Antoinette has been a witness to the transformative power of an asset-based perspective in community development. She aligns her vision with the California Department of Education’s EL Roadmap policy, emphasizing support for diverse students and the celebration of multicultural richness, shared experiences, and the contributions of every individual, regardless of their role in supporting students. Antoinette possesses a diverse skill set ideal for her current role as Family and Community Engagement Partnership Coordinator. Her extensive background includes curriculum development, dynamic presentations to diverse audiences, advanced leadership facilitation, contract management, strategic planning, and collaborative problem-solving with district leaders, families, and staff. She excels in leading and collaborating with diverse teams and has a track record of successfully planning and executing parent center conferences and workshops. Notably, Antoinette has played a pivotal role in forging partnerships and building relationships with other agencies through her active involvement in the California Department of Education’s Ad Hoc Community Engagement Committee and The Community Engagement Initiative. Her work on the LCAP Reflection Tool reflects her commitment to ensuring that all educational partners are well-informed and included in the continuous improvement process of educational and systems transformation.
In her role as the Lead Coach/Mentor Family and Community Engagement Partnership Coordinator for CABE’s Project 2INSPIRE, Antoinette has conducted parent leadership workshops across various school districts, universities, and organizations throughout California. Her responsibilities also extend to coaching and mentoring facilitators in the CABE Project 2INSPIRE program, furthering the impact of CABE’s family engagement initiatives. With multiple years of experience in the field of bilingual education, her teaching legacy extends to teaching at diverse levels, as well as high schools and secondary schools in various bilingual settings at the Tecnologico de Monterey Campus Leon, Universidad Iberoamericana, Instituto Cumbres Anahuac and providing professional development for teachers, curriculum design, and editing for English development textbook companies. Antoinette offers a unique and insightful perspective on educational matters. Her extensive and multifaceted experiences make her a well-rounded and effective leader in the field of family and community engagement. Antoinette Hernandez is poised to make a profound impact on the future of education and community development, leveraging her skills, dedication, and passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion. These varying experiences enable her to offer a unique and valuable perspective for parents, staff and the community in education.
MARÍA MANRÍQUEZ
Family & Community Engagement Specialist
Maria Manriquez
Maria Manriquez: A Catalyst for Educational Equity and Community Empowerment
Maria Manriquez’s journey as an advocate for educational equity and community empowerment is deeply rooted in her upbringing in Mexicali, Mexico. Her bilingual and multicultural background has ignited her passion for ensuring a brighter future for students and communities worldwide.
With a background in executive secretarial studies, Maria has dedicated her life to championing educational causes that benefit our communities. Her commitment to these values has led her to actively support CABE’s vision of biliteracy, multicultural competency, and educational equity for all.
Maria’s extensive involvement in education and community organizations is a testament to her unwavering dedication. She has served on boards, organized community events, and played a pivotal role in the implementation of critical initiatives like LCFF and LCAP. Her tireless efforts as part of CEI , ICUC and ELLLI further showcase her commitment to advancing educational equity in
California. She is also actively initiating CABE Chapters in California and Mexico. Beyond her professional contributions, Maria has been a passionate advocate for immigrant rights and English learners in her community. She actively engages in ongoing professional development and leadership workshops, ensuring she stays at the forefront of her field. As a dedicated volunteer in her school district, Maria has taken on numerous roles, from the School Site Council to parent groups like ELAC and DELAC. Her ability to motivate and support other parents in developing their potential has earned her the distinction of being named “Parent of the Year” in Riverside County.
Ten years ago, Maria’s journey began as a volunteer, providing vital training to parents within her school district, seizing the opportunity presented by her district’s collaboration with CABE through Project 2INSPIRE statewide support. This experience played a pivotal role in her personal and professional growth, inspiring her to share her educational journey with other families.
Today, Maria is honored to work full-time with CABE as a Family Engagement Specialist throughout the state of California. With a decade of experience under her belt, she focuses on training parents to navigate the California education system, fostering parent groups to develop their leadership skills and citizen participation. Her ultimate goal is to drive innovation and improvement in our communities and schools. Maria Manriquez firmly believes that effective collaboration and communication between parents, students, teachers, communities, and school districts are vital for securing a brighter future for the state of California. Her unwavering dedication to educational equity and community empowerment makes her a driving force for positive change.
IMELDA MARTIN
Family & Community Engagement Specialist
Imelda Martin
Imelda Martin, a native of Jalisco, Mexico, has dedicated her life to empowering families and improving education in her community. With a strong commitment to bilingualism and multiculturalism, she embarked on a journey to the United States, seeking better opportunities for her children and her community. Having completed her secondary education in Mexico, Imelda recognized the significance of understanding the American education system when she moved to California. She realized the importance of being well-informed about the education system, not only for her own children but also to support her broader community.
Since 2014, Imelda has been a driving force in Project 2INSPIRE leadership workshops, which aim to support families statewide. Her work involves mentoring families and helping them engage more actively in their children’s education. She serves as a model for good parenting and well-informed advocacy, promoting a reduction in crime and a brighter future for all. Her journey in educational professional development began 20 years ago, with the Corona-Norco Unified School District, where she participated in various parent and administrator groups, including ELAC, DELAC, SSC, EL TASK FORCE, LCAP, and Inspire. She represented her district at the Mexican Consulate as part of the Binational Parent Leadership Institute (BPLI) Committee. Imelda’s commitment to education extends to ongoing participation in various educational programs, including Parent Symposium Institutes, PIQE, Project2INSPIRE, Upward Bound, and workshops at Norco Community College. She also received Leadership Development training from the Parent Center College of Education at San Diego State University, collaborating with parents, teachers, and administrators.
In her tireless pursuit of education, Imelda has continued to enhance her skills by participating in Citizenship Preparation and English as a Second Language classes at Corona-Norco Adult School. Her passion for education led her to present at UC Riverside in 2008 during the “Educando al Estudiante Bilingue” conference. Imelda extends her knowledge through workshops and presentations at high schools, community colleges, private universities, and conferences.
Throughout her remarkable journey, Imelda Martin has received numerous awards and recognitions for her dedication to education and community involvement. Some of these accolades include the Mother of the Year for San Bernardino County in 2006, Parent Symposium Awards (SBSS), B.E.S.T. Award, Tribute to Education (2007, 2008, 2013), College of Education, San Diego State University Award, KAPPA DELTA PI International Honor Society in Education Award, Mother of the Year, and Tree of Life Award from the Parent Institute of Quality Education (PIQE) in 2013. She also received the Principal/Administration for a Day Award (2013, 2014) and a Certificate of Recognition from the California State Assembly in 2014.
Imelda Martin’s unwavering commitment to education and community involvement has left an indelible mark, making her a beacon of hope and inspiration for all. She believes in every child’s potential and continues to work tirelessly to create a better world through education, giving hope to the younger generation. giving hope to the younger generation.
CENTEOTL MERINO ÁVILA
Family & Community Engagement Specialist
Centeotl Merino-Avila
For 25 years, she has been in the area of education, absolutely convinced that academic knowledge must be linked to the integral development of people. Thus, she uses strategies provided by pedagogy and andragogy to support each student in increasing the personal and social awareness in the different roles they play. She is a facilitator in the Project 2INSPIRE Program promoted by California Association for Bilingual Education (CABE) and has been President of ELAC and DELAC at Gilroy Unified School District. She has also been a founding member of the parent support committee at Gilroy. Cente has taught at the master’s and bachelor’s degree level at the Universidad del Valle de México, San Luis Potosí, and participated in the accreditation team for their Bachelor of Medicine and the Bachelor of Mechatronic Engineering programs. She has also been a teacher at the bachelor level at the University of Central Mexico, and at different secondary schools of the state government of San Luis Potosí, Mexico.
Cente has been trained in different national and international companies in the private sector in human resources topics in Mexico. She was the director of human resources in a company in the financial sector in Mexico for 15 years, during which time she combined teaching with practice in said sector. She was head of the recruitment and selection area and head of the training department in a company in the manufacturing sector in Mexico.
Cente posseses a Master’s degree in Organizational Development from the University of Guanajuato, Mexico and a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Relations (Human Resources Administration) from the Technological Institute of San Luis Potosí, Mexico. She is accredited as a trainer by the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare in Mexico and has accreditation as a trainer in Public Relations by the Mexican Association of Banks.
ELOISA NUÑEZ
Administrative Assistant, Family & Community Engagement & MLS
Eloisa Nuñez
Eloisa Núñez is an administrative assistant with an extensive seven-year professional background in education. As a dedicated administrative assistant at CABE, she plays a pivotal role in overseeing office operations for the Multilingual Services and Family and Community Engagement departments at CABE. Eloisa is a trained cross-cultural community interpreter and translator in the fields of education and human services, reflecting her commitment to ensuring language access and promoting family and cultural awareness.
In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Eloisa was honored in 2022 as a grant recipient for the California Classified School Employee Teacher Credentialing Program (CCSETCP) by the Los Angeles County of Education. This facilitated her return to school, where she is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Educational Studies, further enhancing her knowledge and skills to make a lasting impact in the education sector.
During her free time Eloisa enjoys volunteer work in her community, cooking, and cherishes moments spent with her family.
ELIZABETH OROZCO
Family & Community Engagement Specialist
Elizabeth Orozco
Elizabeth Orozco (Debernardi) a native of Cordoba, Veracruz, Mexico, stands as a testament to the vibrant culture and nurturing community that shaped her journey.
Her parents understood that knowledge is the greatest gift one can offer a child. Their presence and involvement in her school life were more than just supportive; they were transformative. Elizabeth embarked on an academic adventure, earning her Bachelor’s degree in Administration at Universidad del Valle de Orizaba. In addition to her academic pursuits, her heart found its calling through a decade-long journey of community service working hand in hand with low-income communities in her hometown, bringing hope, support, and resources to those in need. Elizabeth’s impact wasn’t confined to education alone. Her professional path in Mexico saw her rise through different positions, as Assistant Administrator, Sales Manager, Legal Representative, and General Manager in diverse companies in Cordoba.
For the past 8 years, she has been honored to serve our communities through the California Association for Bilingual Education (CABE) as a FACE Specialist, through our transformative workshop Project 2INSPIRE, empowering families, bridging language and cultural gaps to promote inclusivity and success. In partnership with the State of California, she is now part of the Community Engagement Initiative (CEI). This work is not just a job; it’s a mission that echoes the values instilled in her from Cordoba to California.
DALIA PADILLA
Family & Community Engagement Specialist
Dalia Padilla
Dalia Padilla was born in Sinaloa, Mexico and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in International Studies from the Autonomous University of Sinaloa, which provided her with a solid foundation to understand and address international issues and challenges faced by migrant communities. She began her professional journey at the Mexican Consulate in Phoenix, Arizona where she worked to help many families obtain essential Mexican documents.
One of the most notable facets of Dalia’s life, is her volunteer work. For more than nine years, she has been an active volunteer at the district, county, and state level, advocating for initiatives that encourage parent involvement and support students’ academic and personal success. Her tireless dedication to this cause led her to be recognized as “Parent of the Year” in 2017, an award given at the state level in the Migrant Program.
In 2019, Dalia became a facilitator for the Project 2INSPIRE program, where she promotes leadership development among parents at the state level. This program empowers parents to understand the United States education system and become actively involved in scholastic committees. Her work at Project 2INSPIRE has helped create a strong community of support that benefits both schools and families, contributing to students’ academic success. Dalia Padilla is an inspiring example of how a committed person can make a difference in the lives of others through her dedication, passion, and empowerment in the communities she serves.
GRICELDA PÉREZ
Family & Community Engagement Specialist & International Partner Liaison
Gricelda Perez
Gricelda Pérez, attended the Universidad del Valle de Atemajac, Plantel La Piedad, in Michoacán, Mexico, and received her Bachelor of Business Administration degree. She has a diploma in Accompaniment and Family Counseling from the same University; in addition to other varied courses and training. She worked as a teacher, giving classes to high school-age youth at the Colegio de Bachilleres del Estado de Michoacán, Ecuandureo Campus. Prior to this, she served as comptroller of the aforementioned Campus. She also served as Administrative Director in the H. Ayuntamiento de Ecuandureo, Michoacán.
For 16 years, she has coordinated the educational programs offered to the Spanish-speaking community through CABE’s (California Association for Bilingual Education) Plazas Comunitarias Program. Gris has given informative workshops for the community on adult education and others focused on issues of great importance to immigrant students and families in schools and school districts in California. Her current work focuses on educational training and community leadership serving and liaising with CABE’s international partners.
VERÓNICA TAFOYA
Family & Community Engagement Specialist
Veronica Tafoya
As an early childhood educator with more than 15 years of experience, Veronica Tafoya has been dedicated to the growth and development of children and their families. Veronica started her education career as a paraeducator while working her way through college at California State University San Marcos, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in human development with an emphasis in counseling. After college, she entered the field of early childhood education as a state funded preschool teacher for the Cajon Valley Unified School District. Once Veronica transitioned out of the classroom, she used her knowledge of human development and passion for teaching to become an early education coach and trainer at the San Diego County Office of Education. In this role she used her abilities to identify and cultivate the strengths and potential of others to build capacity in adult learners to improve outcomes for children and families. Over the span of her career, Veronica has had the unique opportunity to educate, collaborate, and learn from children and their educators. In her current role as a Family and Community Engagement Specialist with the California Association for Bilingual Education (CABE), Veronica has the honor to facilitate families as they build community, knowledge, and partnerships with each other and the school system.
VERÓNICA TORRES
Family & Community Engagement Specialist
Veronica Torres
Originally from Mexico, Veronica Torres graduated as a psychologist and later emigrated to the United States. In 2013, she underwent training as a health promoter at the Tiburcio Vasquez Health Center, where she initially volunteered. She later became a part of the team as an employee, playing a pivotal role in the Promoter Academy. Her responsibilities included curriculum design, training new promoters, and coordinating community outreach and health education. She has helped in developing nearly two hundred Community Promotores.
Furthermore, for the last seven years, she has volunteered within the Newark Unified School District, actively participating in various committees. Her dedication to the community is evident through her continued involvement in the Hispanic Parents Unity Group, where she has conducted workshops and informative talks for parents. Additionally, she played a significant role in the organizing committee of the inaugural Latinex Educational Summit in 2019, which led to her recognition as a Volunteer Hero by Assemblymember Kansen Chu of the 25th District.
In 2015, she contributed as a co-author to the book “You Are Not Alone, Recipes for Parents by Parents,” which received the prestigious International Latino Book Award in 2018. She also played a critical role in establishing and overseeing the Parent Reading Club associated with the book.
In 2016, she began her role as a Parent Specialist for the California Association for Bilingual Education (CABE), conducting valuable workshops for parents in different school districts.
In 2020, with the support of a First5 grant, she was hired as a Special Assistant for the City of Newark, where she provides support and programs tailored to Latino families with children aged 0 to 5. Despite the conclusion of the First5 grant, she remains an integral part of the city team, offering unwavering support, services, and resources to the community. Her community engagement efforts are further bolstered by the collaboration of health promoters and community education advocates, who have received training over the past three years.
ISABEL TORRES-MONTERO
Family & Community Engagement Specialist
Isabel Torres-Montero
Isabel Torres holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Engineering from the Instituto Tecnologico of Tijuana, B.C., Mexico. She is the co-founder and CEO of a non-profit organization that provides training and resources to Latino families with special needs individuals. With a history of leadership, Isabel has served as the past president of a Binational Parent Leadership Institute.
For the past 8 years, Isabel has been a dedicated parent specialist, offering invaluable support to families of English learners and children with special needs. She has shared her expertise as a presenter at conferences like CABE, shedding light on the education system, special education laws, and the resources available within the community.
Isabel Torres has demonstrated her commitment by developing specific educational programs for Spanish-speaking families. In addition, she has organized two successful conferences for immigrant parents of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. These initiatives reflect her dedication to providing resources and support tailored to the unique needs of these communities.
Isabel’s commitment is further evident through her 18 years of participation in committees such as DELAC, ELAC, SSC, and CLASE, where she actively advocates for families and children with special needs and English learners, promoting equity and inclusiveness.
KAREN UMERES
Family & Community Engagement Lead Administrative Assistant
AMÉRICA URIARTE
Family & Community Engagement Specialist
MARIÁ VALENCIA
Coordinator, Family & Community Engagement Contract Services and MLS
Maria Valencia
Maria Valencia hails from Michoacan, Mexico, and spent her early years growing up between Mexico and Arizona. She takes immense pride in being a bilingual, biliterate, and bicultural mother to her four sons, all of whom have successfully graduated from dual language school programs.
Ms. Valencia’s academic journey led her to Cal Poly Pomona University, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in International Business Administration, with minors in both Spanish and Human Resources. Her extensive background in the field of interpreting and translation is further enhanced by her successful completion of the 40-hour Community Training for Interpreters and Translators for healthcare providers and community workers.
Over the past three years, Ms. Valencia has served as the Family and Community Engagement Contract Coordinator for CABE and Multilingual Language Solution, overseeing the contracts of the FACE and the interpreting and translation department within the organization. Prior to assuming this role, she dedicated over fifteen (15) years as a Parent Specialist, offering invaluable support to families and communities. During this time, she took the lead in organizing a series of workshops under initiatives such as Project 2INSPIRE, Support for Immigrant and Refugee Students (SIRS), and Newcomers. These workshops are designed to empower individuals and immigrant communities, emphasizing Ms. Valencia’s steadfast commitment to the cause of bilingual education.
In addition to her primary occupation, Ms. Valencia has embraced a leadership role within her community, leading impactful Capacity and Community Building leadership training sessions across various school districts and communities. These sessions cover a diverse range of topics, including health, women empowerment, and children/youth classes. Her dedication to nurturing the development of future leaders has been a wellspring of inspiration for many.