Candace Cofield, Ph.D. brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her role as the Administrator of Special Assignment for Equity and Antiracism at the Hayward Unified School District. With over two decades of dedicated service in the field of education, Dr. Cofield has held various roles across California and New York, including classroom teacher, Youth Intervention Specialist, Assistant Principal, Project Manager, Career Pathway Developer, College Liaison, Adjunct Professor, and Professional Development creator and presenter.
Dr. Cofield's academic journey began at UCLA, where she earned her bachelor's degree in Political Science with a minor in International Relations. Deepening her commitment to social justice and educational equity, she pursued a Master's degree in Education with a focus on Social Justice, also from UCLA. Driven by her passion for transformative leadership in education, she furthered her studies at the University at Buffalo, earning a PhD in Education Administration from the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy.
Throughout her career, Dr. Cofield has been a dedicated advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion in education. Her multifaceted roles have allowed her to cultivate a holistic understanding of the challenges facing educators and students alike, and she has been instrumental in developing innovative programs, initiatives, and professional development opportunities to address these challenges head-on. And as the Administrator of Special Assignment for Equity and Antiracism, Dr. Cofield remains steadfast in her commitment to dismantling systemic barriers, fostering inclusive learning environments, and empowering all students to reach their full potential.