Support from Community Leaders:
Bruce Nguyen, Student Governing Board Chair 2020-2021
“Pattie Cortese’s efforts to change lives for youth cannot be questioned. As a student of ESUHSD, I have witnessed how our actions for systemic change connects well with her plan for increasing student involvement in Board decisions and she has worked hard to incorporate participation among each high school. She is an advocate for our success and I can picture a better environment for all stakeholders with her continued involvement as an elected Board member.” Bruce Nguyen
Francine Estranero, Student Governing Board Vice Chair 2020-2021
Nina Nguyen, Student Governing Board Chair 2019-2020
“As the former ESUHSD Student Governing Board President, I am happy to endorse Pattie for the School Board position. Working with Pattie for the past two years, I’ve noticed that she puts student voices at the forefront and works hard to ensure equity in our school district. Pattie helped develop the Student Governing Board and has constantly encouraged me to speak up during important board meetings. I am confident that if she is elected again, she will continue to build on East Side’s mission and promise to its students. She is an advocate for students from all walks of life, abilities, and experiences. There is no doubt our school district has its shortcomings, but I firmly believe Pattie will help bridge these gaps in the upcoming years.” Nina Nguyen
Christine Pangan, Student Governing Board Chair 2018-2019
“Working with Pattie throughout my service on the Student Governing Board gave me the opportunity to learn from her and to see the wonderful way she approaches issues from different perspectives. I support Pattie because she is truly a dedicated, passionate public servant. I believe she is what we need for our community to grow even better.” Christine Pangan
Antonio Kobe Lopez, Student Governing Board Vice Chair 2018-2019
Brisa Rojas, Student Voice Task Force Founding Member and Chair 2016-2018
Sofí Jáquez, Student Voice Task Force Founding Member 2016-2018/Student Assemblymember 2018-2019/Student Governing Board Vice Chair 2019-2020
“Pattie Cortese has been a support system and role model for the past four years that I have been able to work with her. She helped me and other students in East Side Union High School District to have a voice and say when it comes to school-wide policy and decisions that directly effect us. The work Mrs. Cortese does is incredibly important and appreciated by all. I strongly endorse her for re-election.” Sofí Jáquez
William Gu, Student Voice Task Force Founding Member 2016-2018/Student Assemblymember 2018-2019
“Pattie Cortese’s dedication and passion serving ESUHSD’s student and faculty is unparalleled. She is instrumental in the development of the Student Governing Board and continually works to ensure that every student has an opportunity to thrive and succeed. Pattie’s guidance contributed to my success at Evergreen Valley High School and continues to influence me at Princeton University.” William Gu
Rushda Umrani, Student Assemblymember 2019-2020
Lân Nguyen, East Side Union High School District President
Vân Le, East Side Union High School District Vice President
J. Manuel Herrera, East Side Union High School District Board Member
Lorena Chavez, East Side Union High School District Board Member
Frank Biehl, Former East Side Union High School District Board Member
Jeff Ota, Former East Side Union High School District Board Member
Blanca Alvarado, Former Santa Clara County Supervisor
Sylvia Arenas, San Jose City Council Member
Jim Beall, California State Senator
Thelma Boac, Berryessa Union School District Board Member
Roxanne Bohren
Teresa Castellanos, San Jose Unified School Board President
Cindy Chavez, Santa Clara County Supervisor
John Marshall Collins
Dave Cortese, Santa Clara County Supervisor
Paul Fong, AFT 6157 President and Former State Asssemblymember
Ebe Frasse, former ARUSD teacher
Hector Guerra, Homeless Veterans Emergency Housing Facility Manager
“Pattie Cortese has and is on the front lines for better education for our children. She is the leader we need as we march forward to fight for adequate funding in our East Side High School classrooms.”
Marisa Hanson, Evergreen Elementary School District Board Member and ESUHSD Teacher
Mike Honda, former US Representative
Ash Kalra, California State Assembly Member
Samir Laymoun
Otto Lee, Former Mayor of Sunnyvale
Nick Leon, Former CTA President
Corina Loera-Herrera, Alum Rock Union School District Board Member
Mario Lopez, New Leaders Council
Bonnie Mace, Evergreen School District Board Member
Socorro McCord, parent activist
Julia Miller, El Camino Healthcare District Board Member
Rev. Jethroe Moore, NAACP President
Ray Mueller, ESUHSD Citizens Bond Oversight Committee Member and parent
General Bihn Khac Nguyen
Bob Nunez, former ESUHSD Superintendent, Milpitas City Council Member
Aby Palomares, SCC Commission on the Status of Women Commissioner
“I met Pattie when I was just 13 years old and for the past 11 years she has been my mentor and champion. Pattie embodies integrity and her commitment to our San Jose youth and families is admirable.” Aby Palomares, Bright Futures Program Director, ConXion to Community
Richard Rathmann
Peter Rehon, Rehon and Roberts
Don Rocha, former San Jose City Council Member
Claudia Rossi, Santa Clara County Board of Education President
George Sanchez, Franklin McKinley School Board Member
Dr. Wendy Stegeman, East Side Union High School District teacher
Omar Torres, former Franklin McKinley School Board Member
Brian Wheatley, San Jose Unified School District Board Member
Ken Yeager, former Santa Clara County Supervisor
