Justice. Unity. Solidarity. Transformation.
with justice for all
Who We Are
Dhalia Balmir
Dhalia (she/her) is an experienced strategist and facilitator, restorative justice practitioner, and visionary leadership coach passionate about fostering dialogue and facilitating transformative change. Dedicated to dismantling systemic barriers, promoting educational equity, and guiding individuals and organizations toward authentic growth, she is committed to building bridges through her work with educators, district leaders and community members in grades K-12. Dhalia holds a Masters in Leadership and is currently pursuing a PhD in Education for Social Justice at the University of San Diego. Centering the voices of the most impacted, she is deeply invested in advancing equitable education practices.
Connect with Dhalia: dhalia@justeducationcollective.com
Marina
Fleming
Marina (she/her) is a passionate advocate for liberatory education. She’s driven by her role as a mother to two teenagers and her lived experience as a white Latina. Marina combines her personal and professional experiences to work both inside and outside the system to foster community and amplify the voices, needs and strengths of those that are historically disregarded in school systems. Marina’s activism is driven by the central belief that we must take care of each other and create spaces where all can thrive. She has over 15 years experience working in education and has her M.Ed. in Secondary Science education and M.S. in School Counseling. Marina has also served as a crisis counselor for LGBTQIA+ youth and facilitates seminars for caregivers to foster deeper conversations around inclusivity and equity.
Connect with Marina: marina@justeducationcollective.com
Casey Doan
Casey (she/her) is a storyteller, strategist, and lifelong advocate for social justice. With over 20 years of experience in global communications, advocacy, international development, and human rights, she has worked with the United Nations, in government, with non-profits, and alongside grassroots movements to drive meaningful change. As an immigrant and the descendant of Irish ancestors who resisted colonial violence, Casey understands the power of solidarity and collective action—principles that also guide her engagement in Palestinian liberation efforts. She regularly participates in protests and direct actions, recognizing the shared histories of resistance against oppression. A dedicated organizer, Casey has been a leading voice for education equity, advocating directly with school district administrators and mobilizing communities to challenge systemic injustice.
Connect with Casey: casey@justeducationcollective.com
Gisa Dang
Gisa (she/her) is a parent, health and human rights professional, community advocate, mostly-courteous German immigrant, not-yet-US citizen. She is married to a graduate of San Diego Unified, which is how she got to San Diego via Oakland, New York, Beijing, and Blacksburg from rural Germany. Gisa believes that human rights matter always, including in education. Gisa’s professional life focuses on global health where she works on community participation in policy making, analysis and implementation of the right to science, right to health, and global health institutions through qualitative research, policy analyses, and international human rights processes. As someone who lives, learns, and works through coalition building, Gisa appreciates frank conversations that aim for change.
Connect with Gisa: gisa@justeducationcollective.com
