Irma Castañeda is a Research Associate at MEF Associates. Irma is interested in equitable access to education and the upward mobility of historically underserved communities. She has experience with quantitative and qualitative research methods, site operations, project management, and policy analysis. At MEF, Irma works on projects related to the TANF and SNAP programs, fatherhood programs, early childhood education, and labor.
Prior to joining MEF, Irma worked as a Policy Specialist at the Foundation for California Community Colleges where she conducted research, policy development, and administrative data analysis to support systemwide reforms in the areas of student basic needs, financial aid, and dual enrollment. In graduate school, Irma conducted mixed-methods research for the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office to evaluate college promise programs.
Irma earned a Master of Public Policy degree from the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Spanish from Wheaton College. She is also a certified reviewer for the Clearinghouse for Labor Evaluation and Research (CLEAR) and the Pathways to Work Evidence Clearinghouse. In her spare time, Irma enjoys reading, salsa dancing, and spending quality time with family and friends.