Tiffany Goodwin founded Teaching Self Sufficiency through Education in 2011, with a mission to support and empower low-income families living in or under poverty line communities. Growing up in West Oakland, Tiffany can relate to the families in which TSE serve. Tiffany has more than 10 years of experience as a community organizer. She realized her passion for helping poverty stricken families within the urban community at a young age. She has been working in the nonprofit sector since the age of 13 as a volunteer for a family shelter in Hayward, CA. Prior to founding TSE, Tiffany served as the Director of Social Services at LIFESTEPS, Inc., a program dedicated to empowering and engaging low income families in the Bay Area.

 Born and raised in Oakland , CA. Now residing in Pittsburg (Contra Costa Count​y). I am a Single Father of a 18 year old daughter. My interest in Student Achievement and Education Equity is one of the main focal points of my Community Engagement.

I have been engaged with the Pittsburg Unified School District for the last 10 years. 

I have had the opportunity to serve as a member of the Pittsburg High School Site Council (2 Years), Rancho Medonas Junior High School Site Council (serving as President for 3 years), and 1 year as a District Advisory Council Member. And presently serving as a member of the PUSD Ethnic Studies Advisory Committee. I've spent many hours on various school councils doing my part, trying to improve the Public Education system. Being a native of Oakland California I understand the importance of public education, and the difficulties in obtaining an optimal education in a less than optimal socioeconomic environment.

For me, that means being at the forefront of that understanding. So that I can help to educate and inform my community, and ensure that the curriculum and policies that effect student achievement are developed and implemented equitably. I am member of the Board of Directors with both East Bay Housing Organizations and Monument Impact. And serve as a Community Advisor with the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (Community Advisory Council), and the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (Policy Advisory Council). 

Paula Woods is a native Oakland resident. She currently works as a supervisor in a call center in the hotel hospitality field. Paula became involved in TSE 2 years ago. As a single mother she understands the barriers that most of families face living in poverty stricken communities. She believes with the services TSE offers families can accomplish their personal goals which will help set the foundation for bigger goals they plan to accomplish in the future. Her favorite quote is "Each day brings new opportunities".