Raised in California’s Imperial Valley (Brawley), Dr. Christopher Nellum defied the odds after experiencing rural poverty to become a first-generation college student and graduate. An alumnus of three public universities, he is committed to guaranteeing that the doors to an affordable, quality public education remain wide open for the next generations of Californians, especially low-income students of color. Equally important is his dedication to ensuring that attainment and success for marginalized students is prioritized by administrators and legislators. Christopher began his career in student affairs and has been a higher education researcher and advocate for nearly a decade. Christopher currently serves as the Senior Director of Higher Education Research and Policy at The Education Trust—West (ETW). ETW is a civil rights and education equity research and advocacy organization working on educational justice and to close attainment and opportunity gaps. Nearing its 20th year in California, ETW has a track record of connecting key stakeholders and using evidence-based practices and policies to disrupt educational inequities schools and communities.