Dr. Joya Chavarin is an experienced educator and workforce development leader with over 25 years of experience designing programs that expand access to education and career opportunities. She specializes in early childhood education, apprenticeship programs, and community-based initiatives that promote equity and access. Born and raised in East Oakland, her career began as a Head Start parent volunteer, and has grown into a lifelong commitment to helping learners of all ages thrive.

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As the founder of Workforce Development Unit (WDU), Dr. Chavarin leads partnerships with school districts, adult education programs, higher education, and employers to create clear, inclusive pathways from education to employment. Her work focuses on building strong systems that support student success—from early learning to adult career transitions.

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She brings a wide range of experience to her leadership, including teaching in infant, toddler, and preschool classrooms, supporting students in a mild to moderate special education setting, leading early learning programs as a center director, preparing educators as a college instructor, advocating for family access to child care and careers at BANANAS Child Care Resource and Referral Agency, and directing education policy and program development as a senior research associate at WestEd.

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Dr. Chavarin is especially passionate about creating career pathways for future educators and removing barriers that limit access to high-quality education—particularly in communities that have historically been left behind.

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She holds a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) and Master of Arts in Education (M.Ed.) in Educational Leadership from Mills College; a Master’s in Education with a focus in Early Childhood Education from CSU Monterey Bay; and a Bachelor’s in American Studies, with a focus in Maternal and Child Public Health, from UC Berkeley. She also holds a California Adult Education Teaching Credential, supporting her work with adult learners and future educators.

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Her leadership is grounded in the belief that every learner deserves access to opportunity, meaningful mentorship, and a clear path to thrive—in school, in work, and in life.