Ketzal Gomez is a proud product of San Jose public schools who has dedicated her career to advocating for some of our community’s most vulnerable members. As a lead staff of Santa Clara County Office of Women’s Policy and a leader in local organizations, she has built an impressive record of accomplishment of public service.
Ketzal grew up in North San Jose in a family committed to building community empowerment. She is a proud product of San Jose Unified schools, graduating from Downtown College Prep High School and attended River Glen Middle and Elementary School.
A former special ed student, Ketzal understands what it takes to help students feel empowered and supported in school. She is an advocate for Santa Clara County’s system-involved youth, as well as for the civil rights of workers, immigrants, the LGBTQ community, women, and incarcerated individuals.
Ketzal’s heritage can be traced to this land for generations. Her family heritage is one of struggle and perseverance in the pursuit of education. Ketzal is the great-granddaughter of the Yaqui people and the granddaughter of a farm and cannery worker, Rita Castellanos, who was not allowed to complete a high school education. Ketzal’s mother, Teresa Castellanos, now serves as a school board trustee, representing the very schools she attended, despite not learning to read until the 5th grade.
Ketzal is committed to continuing her family legacy and honoring her heritage by increasing access to high-quality education for those most in need.
