Our Framework

EduDream combines Culturally Responsive and Equitable Evaluation (CREE) principles and rigorous research methods to produce insights that catalyze impactful action.

Our Process

EduDream approaches every partnership in a collaborative manner and embeds CREE principles across our work.

Our Work

High-quality, rigorous, and accessible work that will empower and motivate you to make decisions grounded in equity and evidence-based practices.

Our Services

Collaborative research that elevates the voices of racially and economically diverse students, families, and communities.

The Hub

A multi-year, actionable research initiative generating evidence to advance policy dialogue on K12 education.

EduDream - About Us

About Us

EduDream is a Latina-founded, women-owned, and equity-focused research consulting firm that partners with nonprofits, foundations, and education institutions to provide culturally responsive and community-centered research and strategy. Led by a team of experts, EduDream redefines what’s possible for education research.

EduDream - Featured Insight

Michelle Oliva

Co-Founder

Summary

Michelle Oliva is the Co-Founder of EduDream, where she serves as a visionary leader, chief executive officer, and project lead. Michelle provides strategic direction to ensure EduDream’s work is grounded in its organizational values, approach, and mission.  Her dedication to fostering more equitable educational opportunities for all students is deeply rooted in her background as a Chicago Public Schools graduate, daughter of immigrants, and first-generation college student. Michelle was born and raised in Chicago, attending college in the city and spending much of her professional career there. In 2021, she relocated to the Dallas-Fort Worth area, where she looks forward to building relationships, serving communities, and forging partnerships. 

As a project lead, Michelle lends her research and evaluation expertise to support team members, clients, and partners to co-create research designs and evaluation plans, develop interview and focus group protocols, collect and analyze qualitative data, triangulate data, and communicate findings in various formats for different audiences. She helps partners and clients understand data and unpack the contextual factors that may explain a program’s impact, strengths, and challenges. Together with Monica, as Co-Founders, they are committed to cultivating a supportive and human-centered team that delivers high-quality, rigorous, and accessible work.


Education

  • MA in Social Science from the University of Chicago
  • BA in Public Policy from the University of Chicago

Previous Experience

Michelle V. Oliva has been an education researcher, evaluator, and technical assistance consultant for over 15 years, including time at the American Institutes for Research, Learning Point Associates, and the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago. Her expertise includes project management, facilitating interviews and focus groups with various stakeholders, community participant outreach, data analysis, and report writing. ​​She has substantial experience facilitating working groups with nonprofit and community leaders where they examine practices using evidence and culturally responsive approaches. She is also fluent in written and conversational Spanish.


Outside of work, you can find Michelle…

  • In coffee shops, working or reading, while her teens are in their extracurricular activities
  • Watching unscripted shows (i.e., documentaries and reality shows) 
  • On hikes with her chocolate lab, BuddyLove

More EduDream Team Members

Monica Martinez

Monica Martinez

Co-Founder

Michelle Oliva

Michelle Oliva

Co-Founder

Elle Cumberbatch

Elle Cumberbatch

Communications Manager

Briana Jarnagin

Briana Jarnagin

Operations Manager

Sophia Velez

Sophia Velez

Senior Project Manager

Angelica Frausto

Angelica Frausto

Senior Research & Evaluation Associate

Stephanie Hasford

Stephanie Hasford

Research & Evaluation Associate

Eliana Whitehouse

Eliana Whitehouse

Research & Evaluation Associate