Mandla drives issue campaigns in states to influence priority education equity policy and systems change. In this role, Mandla is a fierce advocate and relationship builder centers the voices and experiences of students and impacted in the design and implementation of issue campaigns in states that advance EdTrust’s mission and align with our policy priorities.
Prior to joining EdTrust, Mandla was the national director of advocacy for the NAACP National Office, where he worked with communities across the country to advance civil rights and racial justice. As experienced advocate, Mandla has lead advocacy in a variety of capacities at the federal, state, and local level, working with policy makers and communities on a variety of issues through an equity lens.
Mandla holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and political Science from Florida A&M University.
Proudest Moment
Every milestone of my kids’ lives are milestones for me. The most recent one was watching my daughter help her brother through a rough emotional moment.
What’s your favorite thing to do outside of work?
In my free time I love to play and watch basketball!
What drew you to education?
As a first-generation college graduate of mother who didn’t finish high school and a grandmother who was a sharecropper, the value of education is my story. Coming from that success to advocacy and youth mentoring led me on a quest to understand why other youth of color were not able to experience the success that I have.
