Executive Director, Orange County Educational Arts Academy

Mike serves as the Executive Director of Orange County Educational Arts Academy (“OCEAA”), a TK–8 dual-language immersion and arts-integrated public charter school in Santa Ana, California. Founded in 2005, OCEAA serves over 650 students, fostering academic excellence, creativity, cultural awareness, and community engagement.

In his role, Mike provides superintendent-level leadership and oversight of the school’s academic, operational, and administrative departments, including instructional programs, expanded learning, summer enrichment, nutritional services, student support, finance, and organizational development. He is committed to creating equitable educational opportunities that extend beyond the traditional classroom, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring students and families have access to meaningful learning experiences.

Prior to OCEAA, Mike served as the National Director of Programs and Events for MIND Education, where he cultivated national partnerships and led STEM-focused educational programs and initiatives. Through ongoing programs and events across the country, he engaged and supported families from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds, connecting parents and students with meaningful educational experiences.

In 2009, Mike co-founded the Orange County Hispanic Youth Chamber of Commerce (OCHYCC), serving as an advisor for over a decade. The organization connects culturally diverse college students with professional opportunities through career development, community involvement, mentorship, and higher education initiatives.

Mike also served for six years as Southern Region Board Chair and Director of the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce, supporting statewide business development, community partnerships, and economic opportunities. Seventeen years later, Mike remains actively engaged with Hispanic Chamber networks at both the county and state levels, continuing his commitment to community leadership, collaboration, and economic opportunity.

Mike earned an Associate of Arts degree from Fullerton College and a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from California State University, Fullerton (CSUF). During his time at CSUF, he was involved with the Latino Business Student Association and served as Director of Corporate Relations for the Finance Association, experiences that helped shape his commitment to leadership, collaboration, and community service.