Our Team
At EES, we are first and foremost expert researchers and facilitators. We work to harness the insights of those closest to the work to bridge policy and practice.
Mina has over 15 years of experience in higher education research, policy and practice. Her research has focused on designing credentials for economic mobility, dual enrollment, college math reform and creating inclusive college redesign processes. Her 2014 study on the economic value of community college credentials was highlighted by NPR as an influential educational publication. In 2020, Mina founded Education Equity Solutions with the goal of bridging the gap between higher education policy and practice. As the Associate Vice Chancellor for Guided Pathways, she led a team of 18 regional coordinators to support California community colleges in implementing equity-focused reform efforts statewide. Prior to that, she led research projects at the Community College Research Center, West Ed and the Career Ladders Project. Mina holds a PhD in Economics and Education from Columbia University. She began her post-secondary journey at Houston Community College in Texas.
Terra Thorne
Senior Consultant
Terra Thorne’s passion is helping individuals and organizations build their capacity to equitably serve students. Her work focuses on expanding knowledge, facilitating learning, and building relationships to foster transformational changes in higher education. As the former Director of Statewide Initiatives at the Education Insights Center, Terra managed the California Education Policy Fellowship Program and the CSU Student Success Network—two statewide initiatives that bring California educators together to share insights and take action to advance educational equity. Prior to this, Terra served as the Director of The LegiSchool Project, a statewide civic education program that engages young people in matters of public policy and creates opportunities for high school students and state leaders to meet and share ideas on the issues students care about. Terra earned her MA in Public Policy and Administration from Sacramento State and her BA in Criminal Justice from Seattle University.
Dina Buck
Research Fellow
Dina Buck is a research fellow with Education Equity Solutions. She has worked as a researcher and writer with non-profits focusing on education reform, and social and environmental justice. Dina’s past research has focused on guided pathways reforms, economic mobility, and alternative education programs in California. Dina holds an MA in International Human Rights from the Josef Korbel School of International Studies at the University of Denver, and a BA in Philosophy from the University of Colorado at Boulder.