Claudia Luján

Chief of Staff

As the chief of staff at The Education Trust, Claudia oversees operations and provides strategic support to the Interim CEO on organizational priorities and initiatives. Born and raised in Washington D.C., Claudia has a long history of working in DC education that began in 2005, as the Workforce Director at the Carlos Rosario International Career Center and Public Charter School, a public charter school for adult immigrants. In 2007, she joined DC Government and has since held multiple positions in the Deputy Mayor for Educations’ Office (DME) and DCPS, managing and leading several citywide planning projects. At the DME, she worked on projects primarily focused on cross-sector planning, including the District’s first common lottery and student assignment issues. Before joining Ed Trust, Claudia was the Deputy Chief for Planning and Enrollment at DCPS, where she managed the District’s planning and portfolio work. Claudia received a master’s in social work from the University of Maryland and a B.A. from Mills College. She currently resides in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area with her four children.

What drew you to education?

My goal was not to work in education, but I wanted to do something that helped my community. Early on, I had the opportunity to work serving the people of my city – DC – where I was born and raised. Turns out this was my path, and since then, I have been a fierce advocate for public education.

Why are you passionate about working at Ed Trust?

It starts with the leader. What has been constant in my career path, and is no different with Ed Trust, is my need to work for a leader whom I trust and has a commitment and vision for the work that inspires me. I have not only been able to find that with Denise Forte, but also with the staff at Ed Trust. I am passionate about supporting the organization and team in the great work that they do.