Fonda is the Partner leading the Public Engagement and Advocacy team that provides funding and support for organizations building DC families’ capacity to participate meaningfully in decisions about public education. She believes in the brilliance of the young people of this city – and the families and communities they represent. As a product of strong public schools and great public school educators who held high standards for her, Fonda views her work as a funder at Education Forward DC as a powerful lever for getting students and families across this city the great schools they deserve. Before joining Education Forward DC in 2018, Fonda was the chief political advisor for DC Public Schools (DCPS), managing the school district’s policy, legislative, and intergovernmental affairs. Fonda has blended decades of legal and policy experience in non-profits, schools, consulting organizations, and government with her passion for serving children and families in underserved communities. She helped to establish two public charter schools in DC and has served as a consultant to schools, authorizers, states, and urban city districts. Fonda is well-known for developing strong cross-sector partnerships that support high-quality education opportunities for children and families. Having earned a BS from Georgetown University’s Walsh School of Foreign Service, a J.D. from its Law Center and an Executive Master’s in Leadership from its McDonough School of Business, Fonda is a diehard Georgetown Hoyas fan. She grew up in Kinston, North Carolina, arguably the greatest producer of NBA talent in America, from which she has channeled her deep love of basketball to cheering for the Hoyas. She has made her home in DC’s Manor Park neighborhood for many years, where she lives with her rescue Mastiff-Pit Bull mix, Bruno.