Global_Content.Members_Area_1
Miles Durfee
Mdurfee@vistacharterps.org
Miles Durfee is an accomplished professional with over two decades of experience in public education, advocacy, and leadership. He is the Founder and Principal Consultant of Community Leadership Strategies, a firm specializing in leadership strategies, community engagement, and tailored advocacy for nonprofit and educational organizations. His work emphasizes fostering organizational growth through leadership strategies that align with community needs. Prior to founding his consulting firm, Miles served as Vice President of Local Advocacy and Member Support at the California Charter Schools Association (CCSA), where he championed policies to advance the growth and sustainability of charter schools across the state. His extensive experience includes working directly with school leaders, community leaders, elected officials, and other public officials to ensure student success and operational excellence in public education. Miles’ dedication to advancing public education is further exemplified through his earlier roles, including his tenure as Manager of Administrative and Legislative Services for the San Diego Unified School District. In this role, he championed legislative and regulatory policies that positively impacted 125,000 students and collaborated with district leadership to implement forward-thinking strategic initiatives. Holding a Master’s in Public Administration from The George Washington University and a Bachelor’s in Political Science and Business Economics from UC Santa Barbara, Miles has consistently demonstrated his commitment to lifelong learning and applying these lessons to better serve his community. Beyond his professional contributions, his involvement with organizations such as the Copley-Price YMCA and the Old Mission Rotary Club underscores his dedication to fostering community growth and support. Miles’ leadership continues to shape the public education landscape, advancing innovation and equity for students and communities alike.
Ismael Soto
Board Member
Isoto@vistacharterps.org
Ismael Soto is an education and nonprofit leader with nearly 30 years of experience helping schools and organizations grow through strategic partnerships, fundraising, communications, and community engagement. Raised in an underserved community in East Los Angeles by parents who immigrated from Mexico, Ismael understands firsthand the transformative power of education and opportunity. He has served in senior leadership roles at First Star, Education Growth Group, Magnolia Public Schools, and ICEF Public Schools, where he helped build strong relationships with families, community partners, funders, and public agencies to expand opportunities for students. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communication Arts from Otis College of Art and Design and a Master’s degree in Leadership Development from Chapman University.
Ismael is passionate about creating opportunities for young people and believes that strong schools are built through collaboration, trust, and meaningful community partnerships. He is honored to serve on the Vista Charter Public Schools Board of Directors and looks forward to supporting the organization's continued growth and impact.
Ismael and his wife have been together for 24 years and are the proud parents of two daughters.
Sarwat Chowdhury
Board Member
schowdury@vistacharterps.org
With over two decades of leadership experience at the United Nations and the World Bank, Dr. Sarwat Chowdhury brings a global perspective to her work in sustainability and climate education. She is currently the Program Director for the Wildland Urban Interface Climate Action Network at UC Irvine and teaches environmental and social sustainability courses at UCI.
She holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Policy from the University of Maryland, College Park, and has earned degrees from UCLA, Baylor University, Harvard University, and Berea College. Dr. Chowdhury is an experienced Policy Advisor, Strategic Planner, Program Manager, Thought Leader, and Economist with demonstrated expertise in Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation, Climate Justice, Renewables Energy, Inclusive Blue and Green Economy, Disaster and Natural Resource Management, Waste Management, and Sustainable Forestry with over 30 peer-reviewed publications in academic journals and World Bank and UN reports. She directed climate change and environmental programs across 45 countries on six continents, provided policy expertise, and led capacity-building initiatives. Dr. Chowdhury has previously served on the Board of the United Nations International School, Hanoi, Viet Nam, and currently serves on the Board of the United Nations Association of Orange County as its Climate Change Ambassador. Sarwat also has extensive experience in the nonprofit sector, having worked with the Grameen Bank, Greenpeace, Save the Children, SciDev, Bread for the World, the World Federalist Association, and the Women’s Earth and Climate Action Network.
Sarwat is deeply committed to cultivating and enhancing partnerships with impacted communities, researchers, policymakers, students, and educators, driving resilience through innovative sustainability solutions, education, and policy development.
Geronimo Gaytan
Board Member
ggaytan@vistacharterpublicschools.org
Mr. Gaytan is a founding parent of Palm Lane Elementary Charter School, the second parent trigger school in the State of California. Mr. Gaytan worked tirelessly to help the parents of Palm Lane convert the school into a charter school. He has served with dedication and loyalty on the school board since that time and continues to be a powerful advocate for parents at all Vista Charter Public Schools. Mr. Gaytan is a proud employee of Disneyland where he has worked formany years and is held in high regard by his supervisors and employees in the food services division. Mr. Gaytan has a child enrolled at Palm Lane Elementary Charter School.
Current Term Expiration Date: 6/30/2026
