Dr. Karla Estrada is the deputy superintendent of instruction for the Los Angeles Unified School District. She previously served as the deputy executive director at the California Collaborative for Educational Excellence, and before that, was the former deputy superintendent of the Office of Academic and Student Support for Equity in Boston Public Schools. She has spent 20 years in education. Her previous experience includes conducting special education reviews and providing professional development to district leaders, principals, teachers, and paraprofessionals on how to best serve students with special needs. During her time with the Los Angeles Unified School District, she worked with more than 135 schools in the Intensive Support and Innovation Center.

A member of the third cohort of the Future Chiefs leadership development program, Estrada earned her doctorate in educational leadership for social justice from Loyola Marymount University. She is a board certified behavior analyst and holds multiple credentials in instruction and administration.