EFC Board Leadership

Nick Driver is the co-founder of Clear Thinking, a non-profit dedicated to supporting schools and organizations with their governance, programmatic, financial and operational needs. Nick’s motivation to be a school advocate and leader grew out of his research into the experiences of countless students that have not been given an adequate education. His professional and personal goal is to help schools and the public school system reach the point where every child is able to master their learning in a challenging and rewarding way, so that they graduate from high school with the skills, mindset, and agency necessary to thrive as adults. Nick currently serves as Superintendent at Griffin Technology Academies. 

Nick has led Education for Change Public Schools, a six-school charter management organization in east Oakland, for the past four years as Board Chair and 10 years as board member. In addition to serving as Board Chair, Nick is also the Chair of its Executive Committee;

Click here to email Nick Driver.

Eva Camp also serves on the Board of Full Circle Fund. A mother of three children, she dedicates her time to improving education. She currently leads the Parents Association with over 600 volunteers and serves on the Board of Trustees at Head-Royce, her children’s school. She also serves on the Board of National Equity Project (formerly BAYCES), which coaches people to become the leaders who deliver on the promise of a quality education for every child in America. Eva worked for more than 10 years at Microsoft, marketing some of the company’s most successful products, including Word, Office and consumer titles. Her last role there was Director of Market Planning and Analysis for Microsoft’s line of home products. Other highlights at Microsoft include helping lead the turnaround in the company’s Japanese application software business during a 3 year stint in Microsoft’s Far East region and leading the first worldwide launch of Microsoft Office in over 25 languages. Prior to Microsoft, she worked in product management at Proctor & Gamble. Eva has a BA from Harvard University.

Eva is a member of the Executive Committee and serves as Board Vice Chair.

Click here to email Eva Camp.

Mike currently provides financial consulting services to non-profit and educational organizations. He has served as CFO at Center for Youth Wellness, Reading Partners and Aspire Public Schools, and has also filled interim roles at several other nonprofits. Mike began his career in the tech sector, and then made the move into nonprofits in 2004. Mike lives in Oakland with his wife and two daughters. He also serves on the board of Oakland School for the Arts.

Mike is the current Finance Committee Chair.  Click here to email Mike.

Lauren Weston is a development professional with a breadth of experience in leadership development, educational program design, financial management, board development, marketing and communications. She is a graduate of UC Davis with a bachelor’s in international relations and New York University with a master’s in fundraising. Lauren has performed in a variety of development roles with notable Bay Area nonprofit institutions, including the Hiller Aviation Museum, Boys and Girls Clubs, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and the YMCA. She has also provided project management for Sacramento area political campaigns, including school bonds and county supervisor races.

Lauren is a member of the Executive Committee.

Click here to email Lauren Weston

Damon Grant has been working in Oakland public schools for the past 15 years as an English teacher and, currently, as the co-principal of Oakland Unity Middle School.  She has two children who attend EFC schools and is a resident of East Oakland. 

Valia Almendarez has 4 kids, of which 3 have graduated from Oakland schools. She is participating in the board to become more knowledgeable of what is happening in her son's school and to be able to give feedback as a parent. She currently work full time as a Certified Medical Assistant. She has been working as a Medical Assistant for the past 16 1/2 years. She has always worked in community clinics because she likes to be able to help as many people as she can from my community. She is also a part time student. She is trying to get her bachelor in science in nursing. She really likes what she does and she is trying to advance her career to be able to better help patient's. 

Doreen Ardayfio is an Oakland Native born and raised. She attended Oakland public schools during grade school, middle school and graduated with honors from Oakland High School in 2003. Doreen currently work as a Certified Nurse assistant specializing in Hospice care for the past 14 years. She loves and has a passion for helping others during the end of life. She is a single parent to a beautiful, smart, outgoing, charismatic, sweet 7-year-old that attends L.W.L in Oakland. Doreen is looking forward to being on the board to gain knowledge of what is happening in her child's school and other Charter Schools. She looks forward to being an advocate to other parents of color to encourage involvement or to be in the known on what’s going on. Doreen desires to gain helpful information surrounding the expectations and needs of our children and to help her child succeed in life.

Erika Cisneros has lived in Oakland for 32 years.  She graduated from Fremont High School in Oakland, California and went on to earn an AA degree from Chabot College in Radio/TV Broadcasting.  Erika has 2 daughters (Junior at San Jose State University/Sophomore at Latitude High School). She currently work as a Payroll Specialist.  Erika has volunteered with The Unity Council Council De Colores Head Start, Oakland Police Department Citizens Academy, and many other local non-profit organizations throughout the East Bay. Her goal is to continue her education by obtaining a BA in Community Leadership from San Jose State University and to continue building stronger communities for underserved and diverse populations surrounding Oakland.  Erika's passion will always be serving her community where she has lived and where she was raised by bridging the gap for better education for future generations.