In 2019, Oakland teachers went on strike for 8 days when negotiations for a fair contract broke down. Alicia opened her home each day to children 6-13 years old and held “school” so that parents could go to work and children could have a place to learn without crossing the picket line. She made teachers a hot breakfast everyday and dropped it off at the picket line, then welcomed students into her home for a full day of learning. She was featured in an article by the San Francisco Chronicle.

Another problem in Oakland was private charter schools were opening a fast pace and draining resources from the public schools. The School Board made a plan to shutter 35 public schools in Oakland. After researching the effects financially, academically and emotionally on communities, Alicia went into action. She held meetings in her home for a year to stop school closures and this led to the founding of an organization fighting privatization. This group lobbied law makers - including the State Superintendent and the current Attorney General - to create legislation releasing more funds for Oakland schools. They were also able to advocate for School Board members who supported public schools and just last year, the plan to close schools in Oakland was tabled.

In early 2022, Alicia’s husband was offered a job at the Chief HR Officer for IDEXX. Alicia agreed to move to Maine with the caveat that she would live and die here. Lucky for her, they ended up in the wonderful community of Falmouth. It has been a true joy to get to know the people in this town and to be an active participant in the Falmouth Schools. She will put her experience to good use and looks forward to joining with the community to be a fierce advocate for our students.