Past Speaking Engagements
Book Mer to present at your next event!Mer is a renowned public speaker across Santa Clara County and the state of California. Book Mer as a presenter, facilitator, or panelist!
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Mer was a speaker, facilitator, and/or panelist at the following events.
Bay Area Caucus, February 4, 2025
Speaker during a regular meeting on “Safeguarding What Matters Most” to 19 CA assembly members and senators of the Caucus. The focus was for the Caucus to learn about NCCPC and its impact across the Bay Area and surrounding regions, receive updates about the cradle-to-career landscape across the Bay Area, and receive resources and information about NCCPC’s policy priorities and agenda for 2025.
Alameda County Mayors Conference, November 13, 2024
Speaker during a regular meeting with all of the city mayors across the county with other NCCPC leaders to present the education cities initiative and CalKIDS.
NCCPC NorCal Nonprofit CEOs Gathering, November 12, 2024
Speaker for a discussion with NCCPC member nonprofit CEOs and leaders across 13 counties, from NorCal to Central Valley, to unite us in a common agenda for the remainder of the academic year. Strategically scheduled after the presidential elections, this meeting will offer a safe restorative space for community-building and thought-partnership.
California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) San Jose Annual Financial Aid Workshop, November 1, 2024
Speaker on the power of financial literacy and coordinated financial aid support across the city. NCCPC co-hosted the only financial aid workshop hosted in the City of San Jose in partnership with San Jose City College and the CSAC.
Association of Independent California Colleges & Universities (AICCU) Annual Meeting 2024, October 8, 2024
Panelist representing NCCPC with Santa Clara University and the Southern California College Attainment Network on “Working with Community Based-Organizations in a Post-Race Conscious Admissions Landscape.” The 2023 U.S. Supreme Court decision to end the use of race-conscious admissions by both private and public colleges and universities created uncertainty for students and campus leaders. This panel discussed how community-based organizations focused on higher education attainment are working with students to navigate this new landscape as well as the challenges presented by the failed rollout of the new FAFSA.
EdTrust--West Education Equity Forum 2024, September 24, 2024
Panelist in two workshops:
Silicon Valley Education Foundation Policy Summit 2024, September 20, 2024
Speaker on “Strengthening Cradle-to-Career Ecosystems in Your City.” This session focused on the five elements of a successful education city initiative (using NCCPC’s toolkit), examples of the commitments cities are encouraged to make (such as promoting the statewide child savings account program CalKIDS and preventing the practice of scholarship displacement), and bringing actionable strategies and tools back to your city.
An Overview of CA's Cradle to Career Platforms and Programs, August 28, 2024
Host and facilitator for a statewide webinar for elected and appointed officials to strengthen their ability to advocate for equitable education policies while supporting the implementation of active legislation and statewide programs.
NCCPC 2024 Joint Convening for Elected Officials & Funders, July 17, 2024
Main stage speaker elevating the history and vision of NCCPC. A key gathering point for those actively involved in shaping educational policy and promoting economic mobility, those NCCPC refers to as Champions of Higher Education Equity, the event was an opportunity to delve into the collective efforts that make a real difference in the lives of students from Sacramento to the Central Valley.
Independent Cities Association ICA 2024 Summer Seminar, July 12, 2024
Co-presenter with now Assemblymember Celeste Rodriguez on “Strengthening Cradle-to-Career Ecosystems in Your City.” The session highlighted NCCPC’s Education Cities Initiative Toolkit, a resource for cities to embed the value of education in local governments and elevate partnerships to eliminate poverty and enhance quality of life.
San Jose City College, June 26, 2024
Speaker on the topic “Meaningful Meetings Matter,” a curriculum developed by AdvancED Consulting, LLC. This session explores ways to activate team members, partners, allies, and the greater community around events, advocacy, and campaigns.
Asian Pacific American Leadership Institute (APALI) Student Leadership Academy for Young Adults (SLAY) Leadership Conference 2024, May 4, 2024
Panelist for “APALI Alumni Mentoring Workshop” for the industry/topic “Law & Policy Advocacy.” The session focused on imparting personal wisdom and professional experiences for AAPI identifying and allied college students and APALI alumni interested in careers in law, government, and advocacy.
California College Guidance Initiative Regional Partnership Convening San Jose 2024, April 30, 2024
Panelist for “South Bay College Access: Partnerships and Perspectives.” The session focused on nonprofit partnerships to support college access.
NCCPC San Jose Education Forum 2024, April 26, 2024
Main stage speaker on the power of regional coordination to cultivate a cradle-to-career ecosystem across the city. NCCPC co-hosted the city’s first-ever education forum in partnership with several PK-20 institutions and community organizations.
LEAD Filipino 2024 Fly Pinays Leadership Summit, March 23, 2024
Main stage speaker on the need for Filipinx- and womxn-identifying community members across CA and the nation to come together and to invest in civic leadership and engagement.
Santa Clara County Women's Leadership & Policy Summit 2024, March 23, 2024
Facilitator for the panel “Cultivating Emotional Well-being and Safe Spaces for Diverse Women.” The session focused on creating a holistic understanding of fostering positive emotional well-being and building safe spaces, particularly focusing on the unique needs of diverse women in the community.
California Higher Education Equity Coalition, January 26, 2024
A speaker with the California College Guidance Initiative on California's Cradle-to-Career Data System.
Community College League of California’s 2023 Annual Convention, November 18, 2023
Panelist on the topic “When Colleges, Communities, and Cities Unite, We Can End Poverty” with San Jose City College President Dr. Rowena Tomaneng and Libby Schaaf, the 50th Mayor of Oakland in Indian Wells, CA.
SVEF 1st Annual Education Summit, September 22, 2023
Panelist on the topic “Data for Impact: How to leverage data for educational impact?” in San Jose, CA.
UC Berkeley Public Policy Annual Conference & Alumni Gathering, September 8, 2023
Panelist on the topic “Public-Private Partnerships for Systems Change” facilitated by Libby Schaaf, the 50th Mayor of Oakland in Berkeley, CA.
National Conference on Race & Ethnicity in Higher Education, June 3, 2023
Speaker on the topic “#HandsOffMyScholarship! Eliminate Scholarship Displacement, Increase College Affordability” in New Orleans, LA.
Sobrato Philanthropies, May 11-18, 2023
One of two guest speakers for APA Heritage Month and presented a Data Deep Dive to Postsecondary Grantees around state and national data tools and best practices in Mountain View, CA. Mer has been invited to speak to Sobrato Philanthropies grantees at other occasions on topics including scholarship displacement and California’s Cradle to Career Data System.
NCAN Hill Day, April 26-27, 2023
Joined local, state, and national college access and affordability leaders for a two-day experience focused on advocacy skill-building sessions and discussions of key priorities with federal policymakers in Washington, DC.
Grantmakers for Education Conference, October 18, 2022
Speaker on the topic “Data Democratized: Leveraging Data to Cultivate Authentic Partnerships for Student Success” in Austin, TX.
National College Attainment Network Conference, September 12, 2022
Speaker on the topic “Herding Cats: The power of goal-driven facilitation to move people and change systems” in Atlanta, GA.
California College Affordability Summit, April 20, 2022
Facilitator for the topic “Summer Melt Prevention: How Programs and Colleges Can Work Together” (virtual).
Activate Your Impact Nonprofit Policy Summit, February 15, 2022
Speaker on the topic “Supporting Good Trouble with Good Facilitation” (virtual).
Deans Momentum Series at De Anza College, November 16, 2021
Speaker on the topic “Supporting Good Trouble with Good Facilitation” for students, deans, and staff through De Anza College’s Dean’s Momentum Series (virtual).
Ladies Get Paid, September 21, 2021
Speaker on the topic “Navigating Our Intersectionalities at Work” to explore how womxn can lean into their authentic leadership (virtual).
Genesis Healing Institute Healing Summit, June 2021
Speaker and teacher for “Dance and Release: Movement for Healing” which is about being present through dance and bringing joy into your life (virtual).
Santa Clara County Office of Education Asian American Pacific Islander Educators Network Meeting, May 2021
Supporting AAPI young people in school through action-oriented steps and a thoughtful statement of Inclusion for AAPI Students (virtual).
iGNiTE National, March 2021
Speaker at the virtual 2021 Young Women Run Conference on the topic of Commissions representing her role as the Chair of the Santa Clara County Commission on the Status of Women (virtual).
NonProfit Report at mOppenheim.org, October 15, 2020
Speaker on the Nonprofit Report on the topic “Creating Economic Mobility Through Educational Opportunity” (virtual).
Mobilizing for 2020, September 18, 2020
Speaker at the virtual NCLF-Silicon Valley AAPI Civic Leadership Summit on the topic “A Pivotal Moment for Asian and Black Communities” (virtual).
100 Black Men of Silicon Valley, June 23, 2020
Speaker during the virtual student workshop series on the topic “See an Opportunity You Like? Prepare, Pursue, Pitch, and Pause” (virtual).
AdvancED Consulting & Surrendered Healing, June 7-12, 2020
Co-Sponsor, Co-Host, organizer, speaker, and performer during the week-long virtual #PopUpHealingCenter with 21 Healers of Color (virtual).
NGPF Podcast: Meredith Curry on navigating the financial aid process in age of pandemic, May 22, 2020
Mer shares her story and her passion to serve others as well as some timely tips and online tools to help families navigate the college financing process during these uncertain times.
Women’s Networking Alliance, September 27, 2019
Speaker at the 12th Annual Fall Mixer & Summit in San Jose, CA on the topic “To Know or Not to Know: Breaking Down Knowledge Barriers” (virtual).
FormAssembly, August 26, 2019
Guest Speaker for FormAssembly’s webinar “The Data Privacy Landscape in 2019: Evolving Regulations & Best Practices” where I shared best practices to prepare for the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) (virtual).
Bay Area Caucus, February 4, 2025
Speaker during a regular meeting on “Safeguarding What Matters Most” to 19 CA assembly members and senators of the Caucus. The focus was for the Caucus to learn about NCCPC and its impact across the Bay Area and surrounding regions, receive updates about the cradle-to-career landscape across the Bay Area, and receive resources and information about NCCPC’s policy priorities and agenda for 2025.
Alameda County Mayors Conference, November 13, 2024
Speaker during a regular meeting with all of the city mayors across the county with other NCCPC leaders to present the education cities initiative and CalKIDS.
NCCPC NorCal Nonprofit CEOs Gathering, November 12, 2024
Speaker for a discussion with NCCPC member nonprofit CEOs and leaders across 13 counties, from NorCal to Central Valley, to unite us in a common agenda for the remainder of the academic year. Strategically scheduled after the presidential elections, this meeting will offer a safe restorative space for community-building and thought-partnership.
California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) San Jose Annual Financial Aid Workshop, November 1, 2024
Speaker on the power of financial literacy and coordinated financial aid support across the city. NCCPC co-hosted the only financial aid workshop hosted in the City of San Jose in partnership with San Jose City College and the CSAC.
Association of Independent California Colleges & Universities (AICCU) Annual Meeting 2024, October 8, 2024
Panelist representing NCCPC with Santa Clara University and the Southern California College Attainment Network on “Working with Community Based-Organizations in a Post-Race Conscious Admissions Landscape.” The 2023 U.S. Supreme Court decision to end the use of race-conscious admissions by both private and public colleges and universities created uncertainty for students and campus leaders. This panel discussed how community-based organizations focused on higher education attainment are working with students to navigate this new landscape as well as the challenges presented by the failed rollout of the new FAFSA.
EdTrust--West Education Equity Forum 2024, September 24, 2024
Panelist in two workshops:
- “Championing Equity in California’s Cradle-to-Career Data System: Insights from the Data for The People (D4TP) Coalition.” This session focused on the pivotal role of data advocacy in shaping the state’s P-20W data system, the Cradle-to-Career (C2C) Data System.
- “Building Equitable Futures with the California Cradle-to-Career (C2C) Data System.” This session provided updates about C2C and expert perspectives on the benefits and challenges to linking and utilizing the data.
Silicon Valley Education Foundation Policy Summit 2024, September 20, 2024
Speaker on “Strengthening Cradle-to-Career Ecosystems in Your City.” This session focused on the five elements of a successful education city initiative (using NCCPC’s toolkit), examples of the commitments cities are encouraged to make (such as promoting the statewide child savings account program CalKIDS and preventing the practice of scholarship displacement), and bringing actionable strategies and tools back to your city.
An Overview of CA's Cradle to Career Platforms and Programs, August 28, 2024
Host and facilitator for a statewide webinar for elected and appointed officials to strengthen their ability to advocate for equitable education policies while supporting the implementation of active legislation and statewide programs.
NCCPC 2024 Joint Convening for Elected Officials & Funders, July 17, 2024
Main stage speaker elevating the history and vision of NCCPC. A key gathering point for those actively involved in shaping educational policy and promoting economic mobility, those NCCPC refers to as Champions of Higher Education Equity, the event was an opportunity to delve into the collective efforts that make a real difference in the lives of students from Sacramento to the Central Valley.
Independent Cities Association ICA 2024 Summer Seminar, July 12, 2024
Co-presenter with now Assemblymember Celeste Rodriguez on “Strengthening Cradle-to-Career Ecosystems in Your City.” The session highlighted NCCPC’s Education Cities Initiative Toolkit, a resource for cities to embed the value of education in local governments and elevate partnerships to eliminate poverty and enhance quality of life.
San Jose City College, June 26, 2024
Speaker on the topic “Meaningful Meetings Matter,” a curriculum developed by AdvancED Consulting, LLC. This session explores ways to activate team members, partners, allies, and the greater community around events, advocacy, and campaigns.
Asian Pacific American Leadership Institute (APALI) Student Leadership Academy for Young Adults (SLAY) Leadership Conference 2024, May 4, 2024
Panelist for “APALI Alumni Mentoring Workshop” for the industry/topic “Law & Policy Advocacy.” The session focused on imparting personal wisdom and professional experiences for AAPI identifying and allied college students and APALI alumni interested in careers in law, government, and advocacy.
California College Guidance Initiative Regional Partnership Convening San Jose 2024, April 30, 2024
Panelist for “South Bay College Access: Partnerships and Perspectives.” The session focused on nonprofit partnerships to support college access.
NCCPC San Jose Education Forum 2024, April 26, 2024
Main stage speaker on the power of regional coordination to cultivate a cradle-to-career ecosystem across the city. NCCPC co-hosted the city’s first-ever education forum in partnership with several PK-20 institutions and community organizations.
LEAD Filipino 2024 Fly Pinays Leadership Summit, March 23, 2024
Main stage speaker on the need for Filipinx- and womxn-identifying community members across CA and the nation to come together and to invest in civic leadership and engagement.
Santa Clara County Women's Leadership & Policy Summit 2024, March 23, 2024
Facilitator for the panel “Cultivating Emotional Well-being and Safe Spaces for Diverse Women.” The session focused on creating a holistic understanding of fostering positive emotional well-being and building safe spaces, particularly focusing on the unique needs of diverse women in the community.
California Higher Education Equity Coalition, January 26, 2024
A speaker with the California College Guidance Initiative on California's Cradle-to-Career Data System.
Community College League of California’s 2023 Annual Convention, November 18, 2023
Panelist on the topic “When Colleges, Communities, and Cities Unite, We Can End Poverty” with San Jose City College President Dr. Rowena Tomaneng and Libby Schaaf, the 50th Mayor of Oakland in Indian Wells, CA.
SVEF 1st Annual Education Summit, September 22, 2023
Panelist on the topic “Data for Impact: How to leverage data for educational impact?” in San Jose, CA.
UC Berkeley Public Policy Annual Conference & Alumni Gathering, September 8, 2023
Panelist on the topic “Public-Private Partnerships for Systems Change” facilitated by Libby Schaaf, the 50th Mayor of Oakland in Berkeley, CA.
National Conference on Race & Ethnicity in Higher Education, June 3, 2023
Speaker on the topic “#HandsOffMyScholarship! Eliminate Scholarship Displacement, Increase College Affordability” in New Orleans, LA.
Sobrato Philanthropies, May 11-18, 2023
One of two guest speakers for APA Heritage Month and presented a Data Deep Dive to Postsecondary Grantees around state and national data tools and best practices in Mountain View, CA. Mer has been invited to speak to Sobrato Philanthropies grantees at other occasions on topics including scholarship displacement and California’s Cradle to Career Data System.
NCAN Hill Day, April 26-27, 2023
Joined local, state, and national college access and affordability leaders for a two-day experience focused on advocacy skill-building sessions and discussions of key priorities with federal policymakers in Washington, DC.
Grantmakers for Education Conference, October 18, 2022
Speaker on the topic “Data Democratized: Leveraging Data to Cultivate Authentic Partnerships for Student Success” in Austin, TX.
National College Attainment Network Conference, September 12, 2022
Speaker on the topic “Herding Cats: The power of goal-driven facilitation to move people and change systems” in Atlanta, GA.
California College Affordability Summit, April 20, 2022
Facilitator for the topic “Summer Melt Prevention: How Programs and Colleges Can Work Together” (virtual).
Activate Your Impact Nonprofit Policy Summit, February 15, 2022
Speaker on the topic “Supporting Good Trouble with Good Facilitation” (virtual).
Deans Momentum Series at De Anza College, November 16, 2021
Speaker on the topic “Supporting Good Trouble with Good Facilitation” for students, deans, and staff through De Anza College’s Dean’s Momentum Series (virtual).
Ladies Get Paid, September 21, 2021
Speaker on the topic “Navigating Our Intersectionalities at Work” to explore how womxn can lean into their authentic leadership (virtual).
Genesis Healing Institute Healing Summit, June 2021
Speaker and teacher for “Dance and Release: Movement for Healing” which is about being present through dance and bringing joy into your life (virtual).
Santa Clara County Office of Education Asian American Pacific Islander Educators Network Meeting, May 2021
Supporting AAPI young people in school through action-oriented steps and a thoughtful statement of Inclusion for AAPI Students (virtual).
iGNiTE National, March 2021
Speaker at the virtual 2021 Young Women Run Conference on the topic of Commissions representing her role as the Chair of the Santa Clara County Commission on the Status of Women (virtual).
NonProfit Report at mOppenheim.org, October 15, 2020
Speaker on the Nonprofit Report on the topic “Creating Economic Mobility Through Educational Opportunity” (virtual).
Mobilizing for 2020, September 18, 2020
Speaker at the virtual NCLF-Silicon Valley AAPI Civic Leadership Summit on the topic “A Pivotal Moment for Asian and Black Communities” (virtual).
100 Black Men of Silicon Valley, June 23, 2020
Speaker during the virtual student workshop series on the topic “See an Opportunity You Like? Prepare, Pursue, Pitch, and Pause” (virtual).
AdvancED Consulting & Surrendered Healing, June 7-12, 2020
Co-Sponsor, Co-Host, organizer, speaker, and performer during the week-long virtual #PopUpHealingCenter with 21 Healers of Color (virtual).
NGPF Podcast: Meredith Curry on navigating the financial aid process in age of pandemic, May 22, 2020
Mer shares her story and her passion to serve others as well as some timely tips and online tools to help families navigate the college financing process during these uncertain times.
Women’s Networking Alliance, September 27, 2019
Speaker at the 12th Annual Fall Mixer & Summit in San Jose, CA on the topic “To Know or Not to Know: Breaking Down Knowledge Barriers” (virtual).
FormAssembly, August 26, 2019
Guest Speaker for FormAssembly’s webinar “The Data Privacy Landscape in 2019: Evolving Regulations & Best Practices” where I shared best practices to prepare for the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) (virtual).
