New York

EdTrust–New York is a statewide education policy and advocacy organization focused first and foremost on doing right by New York’s children. Although many organizations speak up for the adults employed by schools and colleges, we advocate for students, especially those whose needs and potential are often overlooked.

West

EdTrust–West is committed to dismantling the racial and economic barriers embedded in the California education system. Through our research and advocacy, EdTrust-West engages diverse communities dedicated to education equity and justice and increases political and public will to build an education system where students of color and multilingual learners, especially those experiencing poverty, will thrive.

Massachusetts

The Education Trust team in Massachusetts convenes and supports the Massachusetts Education Equity Partnership (MEEP), a collective effort of more than 20 social justice, civil rights and education organizations from across the Commonwealth working together to promote educational equity for historically underserved students in our state’s schools.

Ameshia Cross

Director, Communications

Ameshia leads media strategy, press outreach, strategic marketing and external affairs for the Education Trust. Prior to joining Ed Trust, Ameshia was the state policy director for the Pretrial Justice Institute, where she served at the intersection of government affairs, advocacy, and strategic communications focusing on bail reform and ending cash bail. Ameshia has education experience across various nonprofits, including the National Black Child Development Institute, Chicago Public Schools, City Colleges of Chicago, and more. Ameshia also worked in communications for former Vice President Al Gore, former President Barack Obama, and former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel. Additionally, Ameshia is a political contributor across cable news platforms, SiriusXM, and iHeart Radio.

A native of Chicago, Ameshia holds a master’s degree from the Roosevelt University in public administration, and a bachelor’s degree in political science and journalism from Belmont University.

Weakness

Impatience and a shoe addiction

What are people most surprised to learn about you?

I’m a huge country music fan. It’s my favorite genre and I can sing/play everything from Merle Haggard and the Possum to Tim McGraw and Miranda Lambert.

What drew you to education?

My mom instilled the importance of education at an early age. Though she was a single mom and my family relied on various social welfare programs, the window of opportunity that my mom evangelized regularly was education. As I reached adulthood and learned more about the structural racism inherent in the public education system, I became as determined as my mom to ensure equity in access and provide that window of opportunity to young people who grew up in circumstances like mine.