Mike Smith
Mike Smith is an education lawyer. He is a founding partner of the Lozano Smith law firm, which specializes in the representation of school districts and other public agencies. Mike is a strong advocate of student voice, civil dialogue, problem solving and inclusivity.
Selena Farnesi
Selena Farnesi grew up in Fresno and participated in Civic Education and Service-Learning Programs all through her youth. Those experiences created a lifelong passion for Civic Education and Community Service that Selena carried with her to Fresno State, where she graduated with a BA in Anthropology, a BS in
Philosophy, and served as Student Body President. She went on to graduate from University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law with her Juris Doctorate in 2015. She returned to work as a Deputy District Attorney for Fresno County from 2016–2021. She is currently the Director of Academic and Student Affairs at McGeorge School of Law and teaches Trial Advocacy.
Sandra Frisby Ed.D
Dr. Sandra Frisby is the Assistant Professor & Associate Director of the Early Childhood Development Program at Fresno Pacific University. Sandra has served in the field of education for more than 25 years. She has served in public education as a special education teacher, general education teacher, principal, and post-secondary education. Hobbies include gardening, quilting, and food preservation.
Dr. Kim Cole
Dr. Kim Cole works at Fresno State with preservice teachers and first-time college students. Kim has worked in Civic Education for the past 15+ years in addition to service-learning and mentoring programs.
Dr. John Minkler
John Minkler, Ph.D., was a history/civics teacher and an administrator since 1971. He was a Coordinator at the Fresno County Office of Education, Director of the Center for Multicultural Cooperation, a consultant for the Education Commission of the States and Co-Founder of the Academy for Civic and Entrepreneurial Leadership. John is author of Active Citizenship, Empowering America’s Youth and COO and Co-Founder of the Civic Education Center.