SAMANTHA BASURTO

Samantha holds dual B.A. degrees in Education and Society with a concentration in Social Justice, and in Public Policy from the University of California, Riverside. Her research focuses on the impact of educational policies and practices on student outcomes across the United States, with an emphasis on the role of cultural capital and the influence of community-based organizations in advancing educational equity.

Samantha joined the WJC team in 2025 as an AmeriCorps VISTA to support students through restorative justice practices by expanding program capacity and building relationships with schools across the county.

She has worked with K–12 students across Southern California, fostering a strong sense of community and encouraging student engagement in the pursuit of higher education. While serving in the Los Angeles Unified School District, she contributed to the Ethnic Studies Department, helping to center joy, identity reclamation, and cultural empowerment for historically marginalized communities.

Samantha is currently pursuing a Master of Public Administration at California State University, Northridge to further her long-term goal of advancing equity in education policy and practice.