Leticia de la Vara works as Chief of Staff & EVP of Policy at The New Teacher Project (TNTP) engagement department. In this role, they provide strategic advisement and executive management as well as overseeing the policy, advocacy and community coalition portfolios of the organization. Leticia joined TNTP in 2016, and prior to that held leadership positions at Friendly House, UnidosUS (Formerly National Council of La Raza), Expect More Arizona, and One Arizona – all recognized national and state-based civil rights advocacy and social service organizations. In those roles, they worked with elected officials, community-based organizations, grassroots and grasstop leaders, business chambers, universities, and state and federal entities. Leticia has experience in melding policy with programs and has worked with a variety of populations to improve and enhance opportunities for historically marginalized communities. Outside of work, Leticia serves and has served on a variety of boards. Previous service includes Planned Parenthood AZ, Somos America, CPLC, AZ Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Neighborhood Services, City of Phx Arts Commission, ACLU National. Leticia is also a former committee member of the US Commission on Civil Rights - AZ Sector. Leticia currently serves on the ACLU AZ board and as Vice Chair of AZ Latino Leaders in Education. Leticia has been acknowledged with various awards including the Phoenix Business Journal’s 40 Under 40, and the Arizona Hispanic Leadership Institute’s 40 Under 40 awards and is a 2021 recipient of Valle del Sol's Mom of the Year award.