Daniel Almanza
Impact Focused Advisors
Daniel A. Almanza is an impact-focused leader who delivers results through strategic support. With nearly 20 years of experience in arts-focused educational leadership and nonprofit management as a director, advisor, and fully credentialed teacher, he leverages his expertise in grantmaking, portfolio management, and department leadership to guide district, school, and nonprofit leaders. Daniel has built award-winning arts programs serving thousands of students, led statewide grantmaking, and even developed an innovative AI tool that safeguarded millions in state education funding. A native Angeleno from East Los Angeles who never forgets where he comes from, his career is dedicated to advancing academic and economic mobility opportunities for culturally rich communities. Daniel approaches his work with a combination of head and heart, using business acumen and community insight to drive measurable impact across California’s education and arts sectors. He earned a Master of Science in Business and a Bachelor’s in Music Education from the University of Southern California (USC) and is a Riordan Leadership Institute Fellow.
“The arts should belong to everybody, and every kid should have the chance for a good education. Access to the arts and a high-quality education aren’t two different ideas, they are one reality.” – Frank Gehry
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