Archives: Staff & Board
Sam Finn
Director, Newcomer Policy and Practice
Sam Finn has worked as an elementary teacher, academic researcher, and strategic consultant to state agencies. He is dedicated to supporting the field of newcomer (immigrant student) education through research, resource creation, professional development, and national organizing. Sam is a native of Oakland, California, where he lives, and remains closely connected with Oakland Unified School District. He is descended from immigrants from Hungary, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, and Ukraine.
Shelly Spiegel-Coleman
Strategic Advisor
Since the day she became a teacher in 1970, Shelly only taught and worked in bilingual, English Learner programs. Whether she was a teacher, principal, district specialist or county consultant, her passion has been working with and for English Learners and their families. Her life has been enriched by her experiences in different settings and communities. She grew up in a home in which social justice was valued and celebrated. As an educator, advocating for English Learners became a part of who she is. It was easy to retire from the Los Angeles County Office of Education to come work for Californians Together, and leading the organization was her perfect job. She now works as the Strategic Advisor and is challenged and heartened by our influence across the state. We have struggled, shed tears and rejoiced in our growing ability to influence and create new policies to build multilingual programs and honor the talents and gifts of our students and their families. By working in this movement, her life-long colleagues and friends have become her extended family.
Suzy Jacobson
Executive Administrative Assistant
Suzy is the new Executive Administrative Assistant for Californians Together. She has worked in nonprofit environments for almost a decade in settings that support leadership training for immigrants and young folks of color in the greater Puget Sound area, work to create cities that embrace good planning and good government, and that strive to create a fair, equitable, and peaceful world for everyone. Suzy supports the work of our leadership team, coordinates the Californians Together Coalition, and is the Executive Board Liaison.
Tamara Orozco
Senior Communications Manager
The daughter of a Mexican immigrant and a Chicana, Tamara grew up hearing stories in both English and Spanish at home and at family gatherings on both sides of the border. Her upbringing along with an early bilingual education helped Tamara build strong cultural values and develop bilingual language skills which have shaped her life and career.
As an award-winning marketing and communications professional, Tamara has helped local and national nonprofit organizations tell stories and grow their brands and audiences for more than a decade. Tamara holds a Master of Arts in Ethnic Studies from the University of California, Berkeley and a Bachelor of Arts in Raza Studies from San Francisco State University. Outside of work, Tamara enjoys travel, time with family, the arts, exploring nature, and wellness.
Vannarith Ou
Administrative Assistant
Van was born in a refugee camp in Cambodia and was brought to the US when he was 4 months old. He is bilingual in Khmer, which he uses regularly in his community. He has been with Californians Together since 2011 where his technical and administrative skills are deeply appreciated. He is committed to the vision of Californians Together and is dedicated to helping build capacity and outreach to educators and students. He enjoys his work because it is challenging and he enjoys the people he works with.
Victoria Weiss
Director of Professional Learning
Victoria currently serves as the Director of Professional Learning. She has a passionate voice for access and equity for all students and an uncompromising view that every student can learn given the proper tools, motivation, and nurturing environment that encourages exploration and enhances student confidence. To achieve these goals, educators need strategic professional learning to deepen their knowledge and efficacy in providing meaningful and impactful instruction. Most importantly, Victoria advocates literacy and believes all educators must read to model critical thinking, creativity, and encourage collaboration among their students and peers.