Lande Ajose

Lande Ajose is a Board Member at Occidental College.

Prior to their current position, Lande Ajose served as Senior Policy Advisor for Higher Education under Governor Gavin Newsom from January 2019 to September 2021. In this role, Ajose was responsible for developing and promoting evidence-based policy solutions related to postsecondary education and workforce development.

Ajose also previously served as Senior Vice President at The Opportunity Institute from December 2015 to December 2017. At The Opportunity Institute, Ajose focused on reducing income inequality by improving access to education and employment opportunities. Lande also served as Chair of the California Student Aid Commission from November 2014 to May 2019.

Ajose has dedicated their career to fighting for educational equity and opportunity. Lande is a strong advocate for increasing access to affordable postsecondary education and providing pathways to good-paying jobs. Under their leadership, California Competes has become a national model for state-level initiatives aimed at increasing college access and success.

Ajose's educational career began with their receiving an AB in Diplomacy and World Affairs, Theater from Occidental College. Lande then went on to get their MA in Urban Planning from University of California, Los Angeles. Finally, they completed their education with a PhD in Urban and Regional Studies from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.