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About EquityIN | Advancing Educational Equity in California

At EquityIN, we are driven by a powerful belief: every student deserves the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their background, ability, or circumstances. We partner with school administrators and board members to transform education systems and create equitable, inclusive, and supportive learning environments for all students.

Meet the Founder

John Ramirez, Jr. is a transformational leader dedicated to leveraging his 30 years of experience in education and organizational leadership to support underserved communities. With a mission to eradicate poverty, John’s career reflects deep expertise in fostering collaboration, building capacity, and driving systemic change.

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Education

John began his journey as a farmworker in California’s Salinas Valley, balancing rigorous academics with 12 years in the fields. His resilience and determination earned him a Bachelor of Arts in History from Santa Clara University, a Master of Arts in Education from Harvard University, and credentials from San Jose State University. His early experiences instilled a commitment to advancing equity, guiding his leadership in roles such as district superintendent for Stockton Unified School District (SUSD) and Alisal Union School District (AUSD) and Executive Vice President of The Foundation for Hispanic Education.

Leadership That Inspires

John’s extensive background in Program Development and Implementation is evidenced by his leadership at SUSD, where he improved graduation rates by 8.9% and EL redesignation rates by 160%. He successfully implemented hybrid learning during the pandemic, demonstrating his skill in Innovative Technology and Data Use to address complex challenges. His work also extends to securing $70 million in bond funding and $31.5 million in grants, showcasing expertise in Grant Management and Fiscal Accountability.

Impacts and Partnerships

A strong advocate for Community and Stakeholder Engagement, John has negotiated contracts with unions, fostered collaboration across diverse stakeholders, and led efforts to align resources with local priorities. John also co-authored a successfully approved Charter Petition which has the Polytechnic Academy set to open Fall of 2025. He is also credited with working with a team in creating the Education Foundation of California, which is focused on providing educational, social and medical access to our communities. At AUSD, his focus on Equity and Inclusion resulted in substantial academic gains for English learners and underserved students. His experience with charter operations at The Foundation for Hispanic Education highlights his capability in Organizational Effectiveness and Sustainability, building cross-collaborative models that maximized efficiency.

As founder of EquityIN, LLC, John provides strategic consulting services to school districts, nonprofit organizations, charter schools, and private sector partners. His areas of expertise include governance, strategic planning, human resources, fiscal management, and executive leadership support. Through EquityIN, John partners with mission-driven organizations to advance educational and economic equity, helping them build sustainable systems, strengthen leadership, and deliver measurable impact for the industries they serve.

John, a proud father of two, remains deeply committed to creating life-sustaining opportunities for underserved communities through education and systems transformation.

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Discover how EquityIN can help your district lead with equity and create lasting change. Let’s build a brighter, more inclusive future together.

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