Elizabeth “E” Samaniego grew up in the city of Merced in the San Joaquin Valley of Calfornia and started at Center of Life in 2020. She’s still getting used to the winters here.

She graduated from California State University, Stanislaus, in 2017, and worked as a substitute teacher in the Merced City School District.

“My favorite thing about my position is how fulfilling and rewarding it is to be able to work for an organization where I can make a difference in our kids’ lives,” she says.

“Equitable education to me is, all students getting the same quality education, having equal resources available, and inclusivity of all types of peoples, ensuring every student has equal opportunity for success.”