About Ryan

Public education gave me everything, and I have never forgotten it.

Where I Come From

I grew up in a middle class family. We bought generic-label food with coupons, saved all year for a new computer, and had parents who tag-teamed shifts so one was always home. My dad was a proud member of the United Food and Commercial Workers union. Watching him and his fellow workers stand together for fair wages and dignity taught me that we are stronger when we are united.

My brother and I both attended public schools from kindergarten through high school and went on to graduate from California public universities. The investment this state made in us is why I believe so deeply in public education.

Two young boys sitting on a carpeted floor, smiling at the camera, with small stackable travel pillows on their heads. The boy on the left is wearing a blue shirt with a palm tree design, and the boy on the right is wearing a white t-shirt with red and black graphics. Behind them, there is a wooden dresser and a colorful toy storage unit.

The Teachers Who Shaped Me

I needed my teachers in ways that went beyond the classroom.

Growing up gay — though I didn't have that word for it until middle school — I was a studious, sensitive child who didn't fit the mold. I was bullied on the playground, in classrooms, and on the walk home from school. I had the great fortune of a loving and supportive home, and I also had teachers who saw me, protected me, and made me feel safe when the world outside their classroom didn't always. They nourished my potential and gave me the resilience I needed to grow into who I am today.

For queer and questioning children, and for immigrant children, children of color, children with disabilities, children who don't fit the mold in any way, a teacher who sees you and a school that welcomes you can be the difference between flourishing and not.

Picture of a news article featuring Ryan holding a freshly picked radish, in a vegetable garden at La Costa Meadows School in Carlsbad.
Ryan taking a selfie at a pride parade with a large crowd of people holding rainbow flags, balloons, signs, and wearing colorful clothing in the background.

Finding My Community

At sixteen I got my first job bagging groceries and worked as many hours as I could to save money for college. I worked full time through college in the service sector, and the skills I learned there like listening, problem-solving, and showing up for people have guided me since.

I came to San Francisco in 2007 and for the last fifteen years I have served on the boards of four child-serving organizations and worked alongside immigrant families navigating systems designed to exclude them, women whose rights and voices our city & nation must protect, and every family trying to make a life here.

The values I grew up with — union solidarity, public investment, showing up for your neighbors — are the same values I bring to to the San Francisco School Board

A group of people attending a presentation in a conference room. The speaker, a man, is standing near a screen displaying a slide titled 'Mariposa Kids,' with additional text and a logo. The room has modern design elements, including large windows, pendant lights, and visible air ducts.

Doing the Work

In 2021, I joined Mariposa Kids as Executive Director. Mariposa Kids is a small local non-profit that serves 70 children from SFUSD elementary schools with after-school programming, and over 130 elementary aged children from across San Francisco with summer camp. We center our work on creating safe, community spaces focused on free play opportunities. During my time at the organization, I’ve had a deep focus on resourcing the organization so that more families can participate regardless of income. 

Every day I see what it takes for schools to actually work for kids and families: teachers who are supported and fairly paid, strong programs that wrap each child and family, and institutions that partner with families instead of leaving them behind.

standing on the steps of a city hall holding a sign that reads 'Preventing Child Abuse is Everyone's JOB!' next to a large blue and white pinwheel sculpture. He is smiling and wearing a blue t-shirt and sunglasses, with other people walking by in the background.