Beda Castillo

Associate

Beda@EstolanoAdvisors.com

Beda is a policy analyst aiming to foster dignified livelihoods for communities vulnerable to social, economic and environmental injustices. 

Beda joined EA as an Associate in 2024 and brings experience engaging community, public sector agencies, and nonprofit organizations to address local and regional socio-economic and racial inequities. Beda uses her expertise in Community-based Participatory Action Research, multi-stakeholder processes, quantitative and qualitative data analysis and group facilitation to advance EA’s vision for thriving communities. She is passionate about deploying an interdisciplinary and collaborative approach to promote a more just and inclusive society.

At EA, Beda is supporting with the development of policies that empower disenfranchised communities. Her most recent project roster includes researching childcare needs for trade workers under LA Metro’s Workforce Disparity Study, conducting a Green Workforce Development Analysis to increase the recruitment and retention of BIPOC workers in trades for the City of Boston, and analyzing policies to support the development of a Special Vending Zone Pilot for City of Los Angeles Council District 13. Prior to EA, Beda conducted labor policy research to address gaps in rights and protections for immigrant workers and workers in the care economy. She explored alternative economic models, such as co-operatives, as vehicles for promoting inclusive and healthy workforces.

Beda graduated with a Master of Public Policy from UC Berkeley’s Goldman School of Public Policy and received a dual Bachelor of Arts in International Studies and Political Science from California State University Long Beach. Additionally, Beda is a graduate from LIFT Economy’s Next Economy MBA program.