Julian Y. Cuevas

Director of California Strategy @Policylink

Oakland, CA, US

Lead the organization’s California Strategy to strengthen equity-centered governance and advance PolicyLink’s national agenda through a coordinated statewide framework. Align regional work in the Inland Empire, Bay Area, and Central Coast to inform and elevate the organization’s “Winning on Equity in Places” strategy. Build and maintain trusted relationships with government leaders, philanthropy, and community-based organizations to embed racial and economic equity into public systems and state decision-making.• Guide the integration of statewide and national priorities to ensure California serves as a model for equitable governance and inclusive policy design.• Partner with local and regional leaders to advance equity-driven governance models and improve state–community collaboration on policy and investment decisions.• Advise senior leadership on California’s political and policy landscape, providing analysis to shape national strategies and federal–state alignment.• Collaborate with the Development team to secure funding for California’s equity portfolio, helping raise over $2 million to expand statewide impact.• Strengthen cross-sector partnerships and cultivate coalitions that center community voice in governance, budget, and implementation processes.• Represent PolicyLink in statewide forums and strategic partnerships to promote equity-focused governance and systems change.

UC San Diego

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science/American Politics, Minor in Communication

American University

Master of Public Administration and Policy