Justin Mendez

Justin Mendez brings 10 years of experience as a professional in education to the Day and Knight Board. After receiving his M.A. in Education from UCLA, with a specialization in Race and Ethnic Studies, he began working for non-profits in LAUSD high schools developing and teaching specialized college access curriculum. At Norco College, he led efforts in creating empowerment programs for Men of Color, Foster Youth, and first-year students.

Justin started serving at Long Beach City College in Basic Needs at the onset of COVID-19 in 2020, overseeing efforts to support students experiencing food, housing, and transportation insecurities. He has represented as a professional expert developing the national CAS Standards for Basic Needs Programs and Services, and continues to consult campuses across the nation around developing on-campus Safe Parking Programs. He has also supported partnerships for parenting-students, and participated in campus-wide efforts such as the Student Equity and Achievement Plan Subcommittee, Holistic Coarse Success Workgroup, Trauma-Informed Approach Workgroup, and the Behavioral Intervention Team.

Justin is a regular chess player himself and eager to serve as a Day and Knight Board member to support growth of opportunities for our youth to benefit.