Jessica Barajas is the Manager of the Shared Learning Initiative at the Learning Policy Institute. This initiative aims to build the capacity of grassroots organizers, along with the students and families that they work with, to advance the implementation of relationship-centered, racially just community schools across California.

Prior to joining LPI, Barajas worked as an early childhood educator, addressing the whole needs of young children through research-play-based and integrated health and education models. Before working as an educator, Barajas was a research assistant at Stanford University’s Understanding Language Initiative focused on meeting the needs of English language learners. She also managed the Hispanic Heritage Foundation’s Leaders on Fast Track Program, preparing Latino students across the nation for leadership roles across different career industries.

Barajas holds an MA from the Stanford University Graduate School of Education and a BA from Swarthmore College.