Jordan Pineda is a policy lead at EdTrust-New York, where he helps define and execute strategy across multiple policy priorities across New York state and New York City.
He is a former high school English teacher and a practiced organizer, writer, advocate, and policy expert who is committed to identifying emerging and scalable equity policies that serve marginalized and vulnerable youth.
Prior to joining EdTrust-New York, Jordan had worked to champion youth voice, suffrage, and access to the civic and democratic process. He has designed youth policy audits, generated multiple YPAR toolkits and championed best practices for elevating youth voice. He contributes opinion pieces at various media outlets advocating for healthier civic environments for teens and pro-democracy frameworks. He’s also extensively researched school board representation and local election reforms that eliminate barriers for candidates of color. He is passionate about his previous work and thrilled to be advancing the work at EdTrust-New York.
Originally born in Arkansas, Jordan has lived in many different cities across six states – he is grateful to have settled in Brooklyn and considers it ‘home’. He earned his MEd at Harvard University, and his BA in Sociology & Education, at Wake Forest University.
Bio Questions
What’s your favorite thing to do outside of work?
I’m a maker. I mostly design and sew canvas and leather goods but have been known to create a good bit of sawdust. I dabble with 3D modeling and film photography. I’m terrible at them both and I’m okay with that.
What drew you to education?
I had a difficult childhood, and I see myself in many of the kids we seek to serve. I want to play little part in making the voices of vulnerable kids heard, their lives gentler and their experiences in the education system more joyful.
Why are you passionate about working at Ed Trust?
Look at the track record – this is the place to be!
