Erica Romero Email & Phone Number

Alexandria, Virginia, United States

I am an experienced education policy consultant passionate about transforming educational systems and policy to foster equitable and effective learning environments. I specialize in developing and implementing evidence-based policies that enhance educational outcomes for all students.🔍 Areas of Expertise:Education Policy Analysis & DevelopmentData-Driven Decision MakingStakeholder Engagement & Community PartnershipsEquity & Access InitiativesThroughout my career, I have collaborated with non-profits to craft strategies that address systemic challenges and drive meaningful reform. My work emphasizes the importance of inclusive practices and innovative approaches, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed.

Washington, District Of Columbia, United States

Represented L4E before the Administration and Congress to influence public policy and appropriations/budget to improve the educational pipeline for Latino students and the educators who serve them. Served as the point person at L4E with various stakeholder groups including the Hispanic Education Coalition, the Higher Education Equity Network, and the Committee for Education Funding, among others.Top Priorities• Created the organization's first Latino Action Agenda (LAA using research and federal landscape analysis). The LAA included: Educator Diversity, Early Childhood Education, K-12, and Higher Education issues. The launch was accompanied by several webinars drawing hundreds of participants from Congress, the Administration, and the L4E Network of teachers and parents• Established key Administration and Congressional relationships including with the White House Office of Domestic Policy, Office of Policy Engagement, various offices at the US Department of Education, and with various Congressional Offices• Cultivated key national partnerships to further advance the mission of the organization, including participating in associations/networks, and speaking engagements, including:- Represented the organization on a panel at the Hunt Institute's DEI State Officer Convening- Represented the organization on a panel at the Higher Education Equity Network Convening- Represented the organization at a convening on the Future of Assessments and Accountability• Constructed strategic opportunities for Latinos for Education to influence policy including providing legislative language and engaging over 200 times with Members of Congress and their staff• Advocated on Appropriations Priorities with both the Administration and Congress• Led L4E efforts in submitting Congressionally Directed Funding Request

Lead advocacy efforts for 150+ existing and emerging Hispanic-Serving Institutions across 5 states, formulating strategies and influencing laws, public policy, and budget frameworks for improving access to and quality of higher education for Hispanics. Coordinate internal and external stakeholders to maximize policy and budget successes, collaborating with Community College League of CA, CSU’s, UC’s, AICCU, Campaign for College Opportunity, Education Trust West and more.■ Research and analyze data and utilize evidence-based decision making to inform full revamp of federal legislative agenda and advocacy messaging while serving as Interim Chief Advocacy Officer of Washington, DC office■ Build strategy to implement regional office expansion, analyzing and utilizing data to recommend and grow 5 regional offices with 3 staff each; establish hiring and on-boarding protocols■ Enhance HACU Board effectiveness, staffing government relations committee, drafting talking points, and educating on key policy progress■ Grew Capitol Forum by 33%, recruiting and organizing 306 participants for national lobby day, advocating for HACU priorities■ Boosted member and non-member outreach by 50%, presenting to 100’s of people at 50+ events across western region■ Delivered significant progress on AB 101, collaborating with organizations to impact educational outcomes for diverse communities■ Recruited to testify before the legislature and coordinate with government agencies, achieving subject matter expert status in issues impacting equity in education for underrepresented communities■ Chaired Latino Higher Education Leadership Institute, creating vision, agenda, and recruiting speakers for annual conference with 100+ attendees

Designed engagement strategies, delivered legislative wins, led coalitions, and served as primary legislative spokesperson for association of 80 diverse, private, nonprofit colleges and universities across California.■ Defeated potential 11% cut to student financial aid, compiling impactful data to inform messaging, and establishing advocacy day attracting 100+ ■ Actively lobbied and influenced legislation related to financial aid, student athletics, immigration, Title IX, teacher preparation■ Pioneered first-ever undocumented student services event, attracting 100+ college presidents, faculty, and staff at each of 2 all-day events■ Presented to AICCU Board, testified before Assembly and Senate, staffed Board commissions, and collaborated with Governor’s policy office

Promoted to Senior Executive Director, coordinating diverse government relations needs of 150+ member organizations in western region, influencing laws, regulations, and public policy. Headed first regional office in CA, creating strategy to address advocacy, members services, and external affairs.■ Raised profile of HACU by 100%, testifying before legislature, creating strategic partnerships, and participating in lobby days■ Delivered 100+ participants to lobby day, partnering with Chicano Latino Intersegmental Council, developing talking points, and recruiting speakers■ Hired, trained, and managed team, coordinating workflow and strategy, and mentoring for professional growth ■ Authored first-ever state level briefing books, researching, and coordinating public data to support HACU mission and establish talking points and messaging; distributed to 100’s of members■ Increased funding for academic preparation programs and realized success in advocating for funds to close achievement gap■ Secured defeat of legislative bill on performance-based funding, leading

Conducted outreach campaign for Port of Oakland project; authored report on Massachusetts Children’s Trust Fund to promote more diverse applicant pool.

Facilitated national listening tour for White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanic Americans. Compiled data on educational disparities, authored website content (www.yesican.gov), and organized largest number of hearings/events.

Master Of Public Policy, Concentration In Human Resources, Labor And Education

Bachelor Of Arts, Political Science