My name is Jeran Culina and I am excited to be the new Senior Policy Associate for Advance CTE, supporting states and communities as they create, share, use and manage information about nationwide efforts to expand high-quality and equitable career pathways. As Senior Policy Associate, I will also support the development of policy tools and resources leveraged by state and local leaders, national partners and other key stakeholders to help ensure each learner has access to high-quality CTE and preparation for the careers of their choice.
I started my career right out of the State University of New York at Buffalo working in low income households for Catholic Charities. From there I continued to find my passion for working with vulnerable populations to empower them to pursue their dreams. That meant working in everything from foster care, mentoring and military programs across the state of Michigan. 
As I started working within school districts, I found an even stronger passion for policy within education. To build on that passion I decided to go back for my master’s in 2018 at Michigan State University for a degree in Educational Leadership. That program catapulted my career into working at a systems level on policy from early childhood education through postsecondary. I am excited for the next steps in my career to support states through their work with Advance CTE. 
Outside of work, I am passionate about fitness and even work as a trainer at a local gym. I also enjoy being with family, hiking, kayaking, and visiting all art museums. I especially love cheering every Sunday for my favorite team the Buffalo Bills!
Jeran Culina, Senior Policy Associate