Elsa P. Chagolla was appointed executive director of the Lynwood Partners Educational Foundation in November 2019. She brings over 25 years of leadership experience across the nonprofit, public, and private sectors, focusing on advancing educational equity and championing underserved communities.

Before joining the Lynwood Partners Educational Foundation, Elsa served as executive director of the Glendale Educational Foundation, where she led strategic initiatives to support student success. She also held pivotal roles at the LA Promise Fund, PowerMyLearning, and the U.S. Department of Education, contributing to programs that uplifted youth and strengthened school systems.

As a first-generation college graduate, Elsa’s personal experiences shape her passion for education and community building. Her leadership is driven by a deep commitment to creating pathways for youth to thrive academically and personally.

Elsa earned a Bachelor of Arts in sociology from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Master of Science in public policy from the University of Southern California.