Sasha Ritzie-Hernandez is a passionate advocate for equitable education and family engagement in Oakland schools. With a strong background in community organizing, Sasha has been a driving force behind policies that address the diverse needs of students and ensure every child has access to quality education. Her campaign for the Oakland School Board is focused on responsible budgeting, providing comprehensive wrap-around supports for students and school personnel, and ensuring that all students are college-ready and workforce-ready. Sasha's work emphasizes the importance of creating an inclusive and supportive educational environment for all.

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As an Afro-Indigenous Mexican immigrant and a former English Language Learner, Sasha brings a unique perspective to the board, advocating for language access and the inclusion of all students. Sasha Ritzie-Hernandez has been actively engaged in a wide range of local and statewide education initiatives. Her advocacy work includes pushing for revisions to the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) template, participating in the Alameda County Early Care and Education Planning Council (ACECPC), and contributing to School Site Councils at International Community School, Oakland High, and Madison Park Academy.

 

Sasha has supported monolingual Spanish, Arabic, and Guatemalan Mom families, even providing interpretation in Spanish for hundreds of families in the district. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she actively supported families organizing for a Safe Return to School. Sasha is also a strong advocate for Measure QQ and Measure S, which aim to expand voting access in school board elections to students aged 16 and up, as well as undocumented families. Additionally, she has facilitated leadership development workshops and "Know Your Rights" training for families within the district. Sasha's work is consistently focused on promoting equity and dismantling systemic barriers, providing targeted support to historically underserved communities.

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Sasha's leadership is characterized by her commitment to transparency, community collaboration, and accountable governance. She believes in empowering families and students to be active participants in the educational process, fostering a school environment where everyone feels valued and heard. Sasha's campaign is a call to action for those who want to co-create an Oakland Unified School District that not only meets today's challenges but also builds a hopeful and thriving future for all its students.​