DISCLAIMER: This is an unofficial organization that is not connected to any one government entity.
Araceli is a Business Outreach Liaison in California’s Office of Small Business and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise Services. In this role, she connects small businesses to government contract opportunities. When these businesses get contracts, they create jobs and this in turn helps the state’s economy grow. Araceli is a graduate of the University of California, Irvine. She is passionate about collaborating with civil servants across government sectors to streamline government processes. She often seeks projects that align with these passions and appreciates the opportunities that NxtGov provides. Araceli loves volunteering alongside her family, collaborating with talented civil servants and engaging in innovative projects that aim to connect government departments to better serve the public.
Angelica Quirarte, also known as Angie, is the Assistant Secretary for Digital Engagement at the CA Government Operations Agency and is the Product Owner of Alpha.ca.gov. In her role she develops and implements state-level governance structures and policies for digital innovation. Angie previously led or coordinated statewide initiatives such as the Civil Service Improvement, the CA Lean Academy, the creation of the CA Department of Tax and Fee Administration, and civic engagement events such as the 2018 and 2019 Water Data Challenges. She was a member of the GovOps DMV Strike Team that Governor Newsom announced in January 2019 where she led the coordination of the strike teams’ deliverables; and champions initiatives such as Code California and the state’s open data program.
To support the platform of change, she founded NxtGov, a network of government change-agents looking to bring pride back into public service and bridge the silos to help us collaborate, serve, and inspire the next generations of public servants. Angie was born in Guadalajara, Mexico and migrated to the Bay Area with her parents and two younger brothers when she was 10 years old. She has a BA in History of Public Policy from UC Santa Barbara and loves to dance and spicy food.
Kelly works for the State Treasurer’s Office as a Research Data Specialist II. She conducts research and data analysis on a variety of municipal debt issuance and investment-related topics, including disclosure practices of risks attributed to climate change. She is passionate about collaborating with others and finding ways to make positive contributions to the community. Kelly graduated from the University of California, San Diego with a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics and earned a Master of Arts degree in applied economics from San Diego State University. She enjoys volunteering, playing board games, trivia and spending quality time with her husband and son.
After six years of English language and literature lecturing and research at universities and community colleges, Courtney now works at the California State Teachers’ Retirement System as a Talent Acquisition Analyst where she educates the public (especially current and former educators) on how to transition to a career in civil service. Her passions include writing, design, knitting, kitty cuddling, and long meandering walks. You can add her on LinkedIn here.
Meagan is a Finance Budget Analyst for the California Department of Finance. She works in affordable housing policy and is grateful to join in the Administration’s efforts to facilitate development and reduce housing costs. Meagan is a third-generation Californian and a lover of her hometown of Albany. For her, public service is the perfect combination of an opportunity to give back and an outlet for excessive pragmatism. She has a B.A. in Public Policy and Environmental Analysis from Pomona College. Outside the office, Meagan identifies as an eager slow-pitch softball player, an unapologetic board gamer, and a proud big sister.
Angela works as a researcher at the Council on Criminal Justice and Behavioral Health, which seeks to improve the quality of community-based health care services for people involved in the criminal justice system. She is committed to research that produces useful, actionable findings. In her spare time, she enjoys trying out new recipes and spending time with family and friends.
KC is the Chief of the Financial Management Branch for the Department of Housing and Community Development. He oversees the strategic use of the Department’s resources to support its mission. KC is passionate about workforce development and process improvement, and has spent his career mastering the art of getting things done within the framework of government. KC earned a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of California – Irvine, and a Juris Doctor from the University of California – Davis. KC enjoys board games, reading, and watching cartoons with his daughter.
Seth Yund is an Air Pollution Specialist at the California Air Resources Board and Director of Recruitment with NxtGov. Seth transitioned from a career in biological research to State service to understand and enhance how data influences the development of policy. He received a B.S. in Biological Sciences from Chapman University and is currently pursuing a Masters of Public Administration at the USC Center of Sacramento. In his free time, he enjoys wondering about life and being with friends.