Our Team

As Director of Strong Start to Finish, Victoria works with team members, funders, and postsecondary leaders to advance proven developmental education reforms. She has over 16 years of experience in higher education policy, practice, and research through various roles in government, postsecondary institutions, and policy research organizations. She earned her PhD in Higher and Postsecondary Education from New York University. Victoria is dedicated to improving educational and economic opportunities for students who have been historically and systematically excluded from unjust systems. 

As the Site Strategist for Strong Start to Finish, Julie provides support to higher education systems and institutions implementing developmental education reforms, and identifies opportunities for shared learning across the network. Julie comes with experience in education policy and implementation science research, and has focused much of her work on equitable systems change at the intersection of K-12 and higher education. Julie is dedicated to improving educational opportunities and outcomes for students of color, students from lower-income communities and adults; and is passionate about working alongside educators and students to collaboratively develop solutions.

As a administrative assistant, Alina is responsible for daily operations and providing project support for the Strong Start to Finish initiative. She brings experience relating to finance, public policy and administration, as well as the implementation of Colorado law and regulation. Alina is dedicated to the mission of Strong Start to Finish and believes that through informed leadership and sustained commitment, we can better serve our communities and contribute to an educational system that provides equal opportunities for all. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, making memories with her family and spending time outdoors.

José Muñoz is the ninth president of Education Commission of the States. He brings nearly 30 years of cross-sector experience leading initiatives that elevate policy adoption to create meaningful change in communities across the United States. In their free time, José and his family like to serve their community in New Mexico through their church and by leading community groups.

In her role leading the convene team at Education Commission of the States, Antionette oversees the planning and execution of all events, including the annual National Forum on Education Policy and Winter Commissioners Meeting. She also serves as the point person for our operational teams including our executive office — staffing and advising the president. In her tenure at Education Commission of the States, Antionette has worked in nearly every division, including finance, administration and policy. Her institutional knowledge and longstanding relationships with Commissioners, partners and foundation officials are invaluable to the work of Education Commission of the States.

As the Project Manager for Strong Start to Finish, Stacy oversees operational processes and collaborates with network partners to implement effective developmental education reforms in postsecondary institutions. With over 20 years of experience in higher education administration, equity and inclusion, student success, and lean process improvement, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role. When Stacy is not at work, she can be found cheering on her young kids from the sidelines at soccer games and in the gymnasium.

As a policy analyst, Shytance analyzes education policies, tracks legislative developments and provides data-driven recommendations to state policymakers. With 10 years of experience in higher education research and policy, she has supported federal agencies, postsecondary institutions, nonprofits and private foundations both in the U.S. and internationally, including researching transformative practices for underrepresented students with the Education Trust and the Gates Foundation. Shytance holds an M.A. in Student Affairs Administration from Michigan State University and is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in International Education Policy at the University of Maryland, College Park.