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.

William Ray attends Morning Star Church in Oakland, CA. He enjoys writing, drawing, painting, sculpturing and Bible Study. He also enjoys spending quality time with his 17 year old daughter. He has served as President of the School Site Council for Rancho Medanos Junior High School. He is a member of the District Advisory Council for Pittsburg, CA. Is is active in his community. He attended the Citizens University Seminar in Seattle Washington in March 2017. He believes in Volunteerism. He volunteers a least 4-6 hours a month at the Community's Salvation Army Center. From his own experience he knows that Education is essential to the uplifting of children in poverty. He joined TSE for just that reason. To help low-income families understand the benefits of Education

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".