Opening pathways to student success through equity-focused policy research
EES TEAM
MINA'S
BIO
Mina Dadgar
Executive Director & Founder
Mina Dadgar's current work focuses on uplifting the voices from the field to ensure that higher education policy is informed by practitioner and student voices and context.
In her 15 years of work in higher education, Mina has published studies on dual enrollment, developmental education reform, and guided pathways. Her study demonstrating the limited economic value to short-term college credentials was highlighted by NPR as one of the most influential educational publications. Prior to founding Education Equity Solutions, Mina worked as a researcher at the Community College Research Center, West Ed, and Mathematica Policy Research. At the Career Ladders Project, she worked directly with faculty and college administrators on evidence-based reform. As the Associate Vice Chancellor for Guided Pathways at the California Community College Chancellor’s Office, Mina led a team of 18 regional coordinators to support colleges in implementing reforms with a focus on promoting equitable student outcomes.
Mina has a PhD in Economics and Education from Columbia University. She began her post-secondary education at Houston Community College.
Mina Dadgar
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Mina's resume
TERRA'S
BIO
Terra Thorne
Senior Consultant
Terra Thorne is an independent consultant passionate about helping individuals and organizations build their capacity to equitably serve students and their educational goals. Her work is focused on expanding knowledge, building relationships, and supporting leaders.
Terra’s background includes over a decade of experience in public service and a lifelong commitment to social justice. Most recently, Terra oversaw the operations and directions of the California Education Policy Fellowship Program and the CSU Student Success Network—two statewide initiatives that bring California educators together to share with one another and take action to advance educational equity. Terra previously 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. A core pillar of her work is centering the experiences of students and amplifying their voice in our collective efforts to transform education policy and practice.
Terra holds an MA in Public Policy and Administration from Sacramento State and BA in Criminal Justice from Seattle University.
Terra Thorne
DINA'S
BIO
Dina Buck
Research Fellow
Dina Buck is a researcher, writer, and communications specialist with several years of experience working in higher education, social justice, and environmental justice.
In the past, she has served as a consultant with Career Ladders Project, supporting research on guided pathways. She also worked with the Alameda County Office of Education, serving as lead writer for two annual reports spotlighting the Office’s regional alternative education programs and efforts.
She 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.
Dina Buck
EES is a woman-owned small business founded in 2020 by higher education expert Mina Dadgar.