His belief in connecting others to game-changing opportunities comes from his lived experience as a low-income and first-generation Latino immigrant turned innovation designer and social entrepreneur.

A double-graduate of Stanford University, Sergio holds a BA in Political Science, with Comparative Studies in Race and Ethnicity, as well as a Master’s degree in Learning Science, Design and Technology.

Sergio sources from his consulting background, and his experience partnering with Fortune 500 companies and workforce development organizations.

Through his work, Sergio has built equity-centered upskilling programs that tech companies use to connect talent with intersectional identities, to tech careers that impact their worlds.
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“We work with clients and talent alike to create memorable moments where we collectively build new knowledge. We see ourselves as an extension of your team and talents’ career journey”

Tina designs and drives growth strategy — determining how to build, test and scale NSL’s products and services, and how to develop world-class teams and inclusive culture.

Tina draws upon her experience as a first-generation college student and white-collar professional. Her lived perspective, paired with ten-plus years of legislative, management consulting, and business strategy experience, informs her work as COO, and shapes her understanding of how to help others translate their skills into previously unforeseen opportunities.

Tina holds a BA in Government and International Affairs from Claremont McKenna College, and an MBA in Management & Strategy and Finance from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.

‍“As a first-generation college student and driven professional, I understand the transformative power of knowledge and skill building. I want to help others unlock their full potential – therefore creating inclusive teams, innovative products, and extraordinary experiences.”

Josh Torres is a liberation-focused coach, facilitator, and strategist whose work lives at the intersection of movement building, environmental justice, and tech. As Head of Strategic Initiatives and Growth at Next Shift Learning, Josh guides the organization's growth strategy and partnership development—expanding its mission to prepare inclusive leaders for the future of work.

Josh began his journey in grassroots organizing, advocating for environmental and social justice. He later built a successful career in tech as an early team member at Square, Asana, and Yelp Reservations, where he helped design systems, scale products, and navigate complex organizational growth. His career reflects a deep commitment to equity, innovation, and the power of community.

Josh has been a collaborator with Next Shift since its founding, continuing a long-standing partnership with CEO Sergio Rosas that began at the Kapor Center. There, they co-led national equity initiatives aimed at transforming workplaces and unlocking untapped talent.

Through every chapter, Josh remains guided by love, coalition, and the belief that leadership rooted in liberation creates the conditions for all of us to thrive.

“When we unlock our own power, we make space for others to do the same. That’s how we shift what leadership looks and feels like.”

A former mathematics teacher, Lara brings her knowledge of learning science, program design, and her passion for focusing on the needs of the learner, to the team as the Learning Experience Manager.

A graduate of Loyola Marymount University focusing in Psychology, with a Master’s in Education from University of the Pacific Benerd College, Lara uses her experience as an educator to build and implement programs that empower young people to cultivate their talent and be future changemakers.

“I thrive on creating transformative learning experiences, collaborating closely with clients to develop efficient processes. My motivation is witnessing learners’ “a-ha” moments as they build knowledge and gain confidence in themselves.”

A first-generation Dominican and Puerto Rican immigrant, she finds inspiration in community—whether in New York, Mexico City, or online. She holds a Bachelor’s in Childhood and Special Education from NYU and a Master’s in Technology, Innovation, and Education from Harvard, earned during the transformative shift to online learning in 2021–2022. With a keen eye for design, she is fascinated by how learning experiences—like well-crafted spaces—can be structured for connection, inspiration, and flow.

Bilingual in English and Spanish, Rachel infuses her work with the warmth, energy, and creativity rooted in her upbringing. Whether leading virtual learning spaces or curating in-person gatherings, she is dedicated to fostering environments where people feel seen, heard, and empowered.