About Us

Ruben E. Canedo (he/they), was born & raised in the border valleys of Coachella, Imperial, and Mexicali in Southern California, US and Baja California, MEX. Ruben had three major life experiences that shaped his trajectory. (1) He grew up in a border area within a mixed immigration status family. (2) His parents created a family culture of service to community/justice and continued pursuit of excellence. (3) He always had support programs and services that cared for and guided him through his disabilities, schooling, athletics, and professional aspirations. Today, his career allows him to facilitate, organize, and shape efforts with community that are centered on belonging, equity, and transformative justice 

Ruben is based in Oakland, CA, outside of work Ruben is always listening to music, reading or listening to books, cooking to honor his nana's legacy, exercising & exploring nature, and (un)learning how to live in healing & healthy ways.

Kyle grew up attending public schools in Winston-Salem/Forsyth County, North Carolina, where his main interests included college basketball and student government. He originally went to college with the intention of coming back home to become a civics teacher, but his interest in the history of the civil rights movement eventually led him into a career in education policy. For more than a decade, he has pursued this career in a variety of policy and research roles focused on both state and federal K-12 and higher education issues. He is a constant collaborator, because the best work almost never gets done alone. Kyle has also been involved in several political campaigns, including as a candidate for State Representative in Tennessee. 

Now based in Washington, DC, outside of work Kyle is a frequent traveler and concert attendee. If you're having a hard time finding him, he'll probably come through Nashville or New Orleans before too long, looking for a show.