“Kathleen is the consummate communicator and  an exceptional synthesizer of information. Her ability to unpack complex programmatic issues and processes and distill them in bite-sized ways to deliver an outcome is unmatched. We value her ability to move through different programmatic spaces and interaction with diverse funders!”

- Priscilla Enriquez, CEO, James B. McClatchy Foundation

“Kathleen is a skilled facilitator and project manager. Her decade of experience in education policy, research, and instruction enables her to address complex issues in diverse contexts. She has been instrumental in driving impact for the Emerging Bilingual Collaborative, which to date, has fundraised and will disburse $12 million in grants to ensure all young multilingual learners receive a high-quality education in California. She convenes six statewide and regional foundations monthly to implement strategic, and responsive grants collectively, supports the group in defining success, while simultaneously centering the needs of students that have historically faced discrimination in our education system. We are very grateful to have Kathleen on our team!” 

-Alba Bautista, Program Officer, Early Care and Education, California Community Foundation


"We had the pleasure of engaging Kathleen to assist us with two distinct research projects. She has strong project management skills as well as both qualitative and quantitative research chops. She is driven by a passion to improve academic outcomes for students and a deep curiosity about how public education systems work. We look forward to partnering with her again in the future."

-Lauren Morando Rhim, Executive Director, Center for Learner Equity

Kathleen has taken our collaborative work in the service of multilingual learners to another level.  She has a rare and wonderful combination of deep content knowledge, stellar project management skills, and responsiveness.   Her leadership is visible in content-rich and productive meetings, efficient and inclusive processes for making decisions, and an enhanced ability to learn from the activities of our funded partners.  Our Foundation works with many consultants and project managers.  Kathleen is in the top tier, and I feel really fortunate to have her advancing our shared work.”

- Malia Ramler, Program Officer, Hesing Simons Foundation 

“Kathleen has been a tremendous asset to the Emerging Bilingual Collaborative. In her role, she strategically guides and supports the collective in making impactful grants in support of multilingual learners. She has the ability to build strong systems and processes that allow for each funder stakeholder to engage in the way that best suits them and yet fulfills the mission of the whole. She is mindful of surfacing the learning throughout and bringing the lessons back to inform the current work and design of future strategies. She also is intentional about building strong relationships with the Collaborative members so that they remain invested and informed on the work. Overall, she brings well rounded skills being able to analyze at higher strategic levels while implementing at the practical level when needed. She also has a strong positive approach to work, is committed to making an impact in the field, and is a pleasure to work with.

-Doua Thor, Vice President, Strategy and Influence, Sobrato Philanthropies

“Kathleen brings significant experience in education systems and project management.  She is a careful communicator, an excellent project manager and facilitator, and our funder collaborative would not be able to run without her!”

- Macy Parker, Program Director, Silver Giving Foundation 

Kathleen brings analytical rigor, thoughtful work planning, and a collaborative spirit to all of her projects. It’s an absolute joy to work with her!”

- Robert Medina, Senior Program Officer, Sobrato Philanthopies