Systemic barriers result in an uneven playing field for learning and achievement in Los Angeles and nationwide. In fact, 18% of children under 18 live in poverty nationwide—in Los Angeles County, where LAEP is headquartered, this statistic jumps to 25%. At LAEP, we believe that data is not destiny. We remove barriers by promoting agency, building capacity, and focusing on systems change with a community-led and culturally responsive approach in partnership with parents, educators, and students. Recognizing that parents are their child’s first educator, our support begins with pregnant moms and infants, and continues through high-school graduation.
LAEP envisions a world where empowered learning communities foster access and liberation for all.
Los Angeles Education Partnership (LAEP) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that advances educational equity. Together with families, schools and the community, LAEP facilitates access to and opportunities for quality educational and wellness practices so that children thrive from diapers to diplomas.
Our organization’s values drive our work, our team, and our impact forward.
LAEP is proud to spur transformation by utilizing and bolstering the local resources, skills, and experiences within the communities we serve. This is not about pointing out deficits. Rather, we tailor our support to the family or school we serve and build upon strengths and assets. We celebrate and incorporate the diverse perspectives and histories of our staff and communities into our work.
Click to view or download.
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.
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.
