As CEO of the California Council on Economic Education, David Nungaray brings a unique combination of personal experience and professional expertise to the role. The son of Mexican immigrants and a first-generation college graduate, David has witnessed firsthand how economics and personal finance shape the communities where he grew up and has served for the past 15 years — from the stability his father's unionized job provided to his own journey of economic mobility as an adult. As CEO, he is focused on expanding CCEE’s reach and deepening its impact across California’s education system.
Prior to CCEE, David served as a Bilingual Consulting Partner at TNTP, where he led partnerships across California, Texas, Nevada, Massachusetts, and Alaska. Working at both local and state levels, his teams partnered with districts and organizations that collectively reached over half a million students across 21 districts.
David began his career in education as a founding corps member of Teach For America–San Antonio in 2010. He later served as principal of his placement school, where he established a partnership with the University of Texas–San Antonio to launch the first dual language teacher residency lab network of schools in Texas. Earlier, as associate principal, David co-founded one of the first schools in the Innovation Zone of SAISD, spanning Pre-K through 12th grade. He also co-chaired the Bexar County COVID-19 Pre-K–12 Consultation Group, helping guide the reopening of schools for more than 320,000 students.
David has served on multiple nonprofit boards focused on education and holds a Master's in School Leadership from Trinity University, where he has taught as an adjunct professor in multilingual education, school leadership, and special education. He holds his Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science with a minor in Spanish from Chapman University. He is also a published author and avid writer.
Outside of work, David enjoys traveling, and spending time with his husband, Jonathan, and their dogs, Bendel and Bruno. He and his husband are also foster parents.
Joshua Mitton is Chief Program Officer at the California Council on Economic Education, where he has spent over a decade building programs that connect teachers and students to the power of economics and personal finance.
Joshua came to economics education the way a lot of people come to their life's work — by accident and then completely on purpose. He read his introductory economics textbook the first weekend of college and was hooked. A BA and MA in Economics followed, along with years of tutoring other students and discovering that helping people get economics was just as satisfying as studying it himself.
That instinct drives his work at CCEE, where Joshua leads programs designed to make economics and personal finance practical and empowering — not just for students, but for the teachers who bring those ideas to life in their classrooms every day.
Originally from New Jersey, Nicole Lequerica Coles graduated magna cum laude from William Paterson University, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Music Management and Vocal Performance. Following graduation, she was awarded the prestigious Graduate Assistantship in William Paterson’s Education department, earning her K-5 Teaching Certification.
After moving to Los Angeles, Nicole became an Artist Relations Manager for several Grammy Award-winning artists such as Run DMC, Big Sean, No ID, and Snoh Aalegra, managing day-to-day operations, while also managing global marketing events and worldwide tours. Additionally, Nicole performed as a vocalist alongside these talented artists, as well as legends Paul Simon and Danny Rivera.
Nicole worked on several Artist & Repertoire teams at Capitol Records and Universal Music Group, and also served as production manager for ARTSEDGE, The Kennedy Center’s digital education initiative.
Nicole has a lifelong commitment to music, art, and education with heartfelt focus on underserved communities. Over the years she’s volunteered with various non-profit organizations across the country, and teaches summer programs in elementary schools in high need communities. It’s through these relationships & experiences that her passion for mentorship continues to grow. Nicole’s unique blend of executive, educational, and event planning experience came together when she joined CCEE almost 4 years ago. She’s enthusiastic about helping students, teachers, and families learn more about the importance of economic education and financial literacy.
Nicole’s greatest passion of all is family, including her loving husband and two beautiful children, an 8-year-old son and 2-year old daughter, who in her free time can’t seem to take enough adorable pictures with! Her son Mateo has even joined her on several of CCEE’s Family Financial Literacy events, and loves teaching his little sister about what he’s learned. They both are already starting to learn the power of financial education!
Carmen Hernandez is the Program Manager at the California Council on Economic Education (CCEE), where she supports programs that bring economics and financial literacy education to schools and communities across California. Born and raised in South Los Angeles, Carmen is the first in her family to be born in the United States and a first-generation college graduate, earning her bachelor’s degree from California State University, East Bay. Her family is originally from El Salvador, and she makes it a priority to visit every year, or as often as she can.
After moving away for college, Carmen returned to her community with a strong desire to give back. Her work at CCEE is deeply personal—she is passionate about expanding access to financial education and providing students with resources she wishes had been available to her growing up. She finds great fulfillment in working with young people and believes that teaching financial skills early can create a lasting impact. Inspired by the encouragement of her second-grade teacher, Carmen values the role educators play in shaping confidence and opportunity.
Outside of work, Carmen enjoys spending time with her husband and family, whether it’s gathering for meals, celebrating special occasions, or simply being together. She values creating meaningful memories with her loved ones and appreciates the strong sense of support and connection they provide, especially through the traditions and experiences they share together.
Jasmine Cade is a Communications Specialist at the California Council on Economic Education, where she leads strategic marketing and communications efforts to elevate the organization’s mission and expand awareness of economic and personal finance education across California.
With a background in digital marketing and nonprofit communications, Jasmine brings a thoughtful, audience-centered approach to storytelling—developing campaigns, managing social media strategy, and supporting initiatives that connect educators, partners, and communities to CCEE’s work.
Jasmine earned her degree in Communication Studies from California State University, Long Beach, and has built her career at the intersection of education, nonprofit impact, and digital engagement. She is passionate about using communication as a tool to inform, empower, and drive meaningful change, particularly in expanding access to personal finance education.
