Laurinda Ochoa (She/Her)

Laurinda Ochoa is a dedicated community leader and public-policy advocate with a longstanding commitment to educational equity, women’s rights, and civic engagement. She was one of the original leaders who helped shape Lift Up Public Schools from its earliest days, contributing to the organization’s vision, mission, and community-driven approach to strengthening public education. Her work reflects a deep belief in collective action and the power of local leadership to influence systemic change.

Laurinda is an active member of the American Association of University Women (AAUW), serving as Public Policy Chair for the Danville–Alamo–Walnut Creek Branch, on the AAUW California School Board Project Team, which champions outstanding public education through grassroots engagement with local school boards, and on the AAUW California Public Policy Committee, where she collaborates with advocates across the state to advance policies that promote gender equity, economic security, and access to high-quality education for women and girls. Through all of her work, Laurinda helps translate values into action at the state and local levels.

For Laurinda, public policy work is deeply personal. She is driven by the belief that women’s social and political rights, economic security, and educational opportunities cannot be taken for granted—especially for future generations. As a mother and grandmother, she is particularly motivated to protect and expand opportunities for her daughters and granddaughters. Laurinda views public policy advocacy as a powerful way to work collectively to safeguard hard-won rights and ensure that women of all ages can fully contribute to and thrive in society.