About Us
EDvolution is comprised of a team with over 200 combined years of experience in higher education, the private and non-profit sectors, and in public policy. With the bulk of their professional experience being in the field of higher education, the EDvolution team has a strong belief that all professional engagements begin with the process of self-education about an organization’s vision, context, and proposed solutions. This process of self-education informs all of our work.
Our Founder
José Martínez-Saldaña has been successfully developing and executing diversity programs and initiatives for over 25 years in both the public and private sectors. Jose has successfully assisted clients in acquiring over $210 million dollars in grants. His expertise has been recognized nationally, including receiving the Walter O. Mason Award for Lifetime Contributions to Educational Equity Programs. Mr. Martínez-Saldaña has served as Chair of the Board of Directors for the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE), President of the Western Association of Educational Opportunity Personnel (WESTOP) and as board member of numerous other organizations. Jose is a frequent speaker, trainer and presenter at professional conferences. Jose is a doctoral candidate at University of La Verne; he earned his B.S. in Political Science from Santa Clara University and M.Ed. from American InterContinental University.
Our Team
Jesus Martínez-Saldaña
Jesus Martínez-Saldaña, Ph.D. has decades of professional experience in academia, the policymaking process, and as a researcher, writer and consultant. He is well qualified to assist public, educational, non-profit, private organizations and agencies in the creation of innovative and effective solutions to their policy, research, advocacy, program design and evaluation, educational, training and informational needs. Dr. Martínez-Saldaña’s work includes teaching at Fresno State University and Santa Clara University. His research and writing on immigration policy is frequently cited by media and academia, including the Woodrow Wilson Center. Dr. Martínez-Saldaña’s consultant focus has been on entrepreneurship development, workforce assessment & training, conducting focus groups, and writing. He is a frequent panelist and keynote speaker on a wide range of topics. Dr. Martínez-Saldaña earned a B.S. in Political Science from Santa Clara University, an M.A. in Latin American Studies and his Ph.D. in Ethnic Studies at the University of California, Berkeley.
Dr. Evelyn Rivera Torres
Dr. Evelyn Rivera Torres has worked in many positions, most significantly as a public schoolteacher; director of training and personnel development at the State Water and Sewer Authority; as a psychologist; educational trainer and facilitator; director of Talent Search program since 1995; professor of social sciences courses, and a counselor for an adult students program. She has been a member of the Caribbean Association of TRIO Programs since 1995. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology, a master’s degree in social psychology, and a doctorate in counseling, all from the University of Puerto Rico.
Dr. Jose Vargas-Figueroa
Dr. Jose Vargas-Figueroa has worked for ASPIRA Inc. of Puerto Rico, a Latino nonprofit organization in Puerto Rico since 1989, when he began work in ASPIRA’s Talent Search program. He obtained a B.S. in psychology in 1984 from the Pontifical University of Puerto Rico, a master’s degree in industrial organizational Psychology at the Caribbean Center for Advanced Studies (now Carlos Albizu University) in San Juan and a Ph.D. in industrial organizational psychology from the same institution.
Mr. Cesar T. Velazquez
Mr. Cesar T. Velazquez has served as Upward Bound Coordinator at CSU Monterey Bay since 2001. He has been a trainer, presenter and mentor for young educators. Previously Mr. Velazquez has worked with Summer Bridge, Educational Talent Search and the Academic Skills Achievement Programs at CSUMB. Mr. Velazquez received his B.A. in Liberal Studies from California State University, Monterey Bay and his M.A. from San Jose State University.
Mr. Rey Martinez
Mr. Rey Martinez has worked in the entertainment industry for 20 years where he has served as planner, organizer and implemented hundreds of events ranging in size from small and intimate to groups of hundreds. Rey is a Customer Service Specialist.