Michael Ocon

Michael Ocon is a bold advocate and bridge-builder whose work sits at the intersection of education, public policy, and community transformation. As Secretary of the Eaton Fire Collaborative Leadership Council, he brings a deep commitment to equity, organizational development, and systems change that uplifts historically underserved communities.

A first-generation college graduate, Michael earned his B.A. in English Literature from Stanford University and a Master of Public Administration with a Certificate in City/County Management from the University of Southern California. While at Stanford, he made history as the first student ever appointed to serve as Advisor to the Provost, collaborating with university leadership to address key student concerns and guide institutional responses during moments of campus crisis, He also co-led organizations including MEChA de Stanford and El Centro Chicano y Latino. At USC, he was selected as a City/County Management Fellow, served as a Graduate Student Government Senator, and sat on the Norman Topping Student Aid Fund Board, supporting students with high financial need.

Michael’s professional experience spans multiple sectors. He has managed political and public affairs campaigns for leaders in education, technology, and philanthropy, and organized public safety officers across Los Angeles County with SEIU-USWW. His early career included roles with Kamala Harris for President 2020, where he assisted both the National Political Director and California State Director, and George Gascón for District Attorney, where he supported youth policy development and endorsement efforts.

Today, Michael serves as Manager of Community Partnerships & Communications at Collaborate Pasadena, where he leads cross-sector initiatives that strengthen collaboration among schools, city agencies, and nonprofits serving children and families. He also serves as Board Secretary for College Access Plan, helping oversee strategy and growth for an organization that provides free college access support to low-income students in Pasadena Unified School District.

Seated in 2024 at age 26, Michael serves as a Trustee on the Monrovia Unified School District Board of Education, making him one of the youngest in California to hold such a role. He works in partnership with his colleagues to promote responsible governance and advance equitable policies that expand opportunity and improve outcomes for all students.

Grounded in faith, community, and a belief that education is a vehicle for liberation, Michael continues to champion equity, inspire youth leadership, and build coalitions that turn vision into lasting change.