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LAEP Board of Directors Announces New CEO

On behalf of the Los Angeles Education Partnership Board of Directors, it is with great excitement and acknowledgment of both her past and present leadership that we announce that interim LAEP CEO Dr. Dawn A. Kurtz has been selected to serve as LAEP’s new CEO! The appointment is effective immediately. Dawn’s proven record of accomplishment of success in the role, combined with her academic, professional, and leadership experience all make her the right choice to continue to move our organization forward in the LAEP mission of advancing educational equity. 

Dawn has served the role of interim CEO since Nov. 1, 2023. Our Board of Directors conducted a formal CEO search process, with the help of a CEO search consultant, and leaned on the counsel of LAEP’s Leadership Team. The CEO search included assessment and evaluation of both internal and external candidates. In the end, Dawn proved to be the perfect choice. We are inspired by the leadership that Dawn has showcased over these past seven months, and we are eager to see what new heights she can help us reach in this permanent position. 

“I believe wholeheartedly in LAEP’s vision and mission and am humbled by the opportunity to continue earning the same trust and respect of colleagues, board members, and community partners that I’ve strived to over the past 7 months. I’m excited to continue building a positive, equity-focused culture that allows us to continue partnering with parents, students, and educators to impact systems change across the educational trajectory, from diapers to diplomas.”

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LaCora Stephens

Marketing and Communications

LaCora is a seasoned communications professional with a passion for using multimedia storytelling to empower movements for social justice and equality. For over 13 years, she has honed her skills as a versatile multimedia director, overseeing media operations across diverse organizations, including the NAACP Beverly Hills-Hollywood Branch and The Shirley Chisholm Education Foundation. Her deep understanding of the education and equity landscape fuels her creative vision, allowing her to craft impactful narratives that resonate with audiences.

With strategic communication​ and collaboration, LaCora excels in developing and executing compelling​ multimedia campaigns that not only raise​ awareness of critical issues but also​ inspire action and drive meaningful change. Her proficiency in concept​ development, production execution, and​ team leadership ensures projects are​ delivered with exceptional quality. Furthermore, LaCora fosters strong​ relationships with internal and external​ stakeholders, cultivating partnerships​ that maximize campaign reach and impact.

LaCora's educational foundation began with a Bachelor of Science in Theatre Education from Florida A&M University. She then pursued a master’s degree in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) from Alliant University of San Diego. This passion for storytelling, fueled by her background in education, translates to her belief in the power of shared narratives. Her work in this area was recognized through her selection as a Women in Film Mentee and film director for Viola Davis’ sponsored film showcase, Diversity in Cannes. Now, LaCora leverages her love of storytelling and commitment to educational equity in her role leading marketing and communications for Los Angeles Education Partnership, while also serving on the board of the Pasadena African American Film Foundation.

Eric Barela, Ph.D.

Senior Consultant, Raya Cooper Impact Consulting

Dr. Eric Barela has worked as a measurement & evaluation professional for over 2 decades, helping organizations to better understand and act on their social impact. He’s currently a Senior Consultant with Raya Cooper Impact Consulting and previously worked at Salesforce, where he led efforts to measure the social impact of the company’s work with nonprofits and educational institutions across the globe. He began his career working with the Los Angeles Unified School District and with the nonprofit, Partners in School Innovation. Eric previously served on the Board of the American Evaluation Association and currently serves on the Editorial Advisory Board of the American Journal of Evaluation.

Eric grew up in East LA and was educated in the Montebello Unified School District. He holds a Ph.D. in education from UCLA. He loves a good road trip, with his husband serving as trusty navigator.