Zelia Gonzales leads Big Picture Learning’s Real-World Learning efforts across NYC, helping schools, educators, and partners design meaningful career-connected experiences for students. They have played a key role in shaping NYC Public Schools’ Work-Based Learning Seminar, ensuring students can earn academic credit for internships and apprenticeships, and have worked to expand career readiness initiatives that bridge real-world learning with academic success.

A graduate of The Met Sacramento High School and Cornell University, Zelia’s work is rooted in youth empowerment, organizational change, and creating systems that meet learners where they are. Prior to Big Picture, they designed tools to help organizations more authentically engage young adults in leadership and learning.

Zelia believes that everything is a practice—building spaces where educators and students alike feel supported to take risks, make mistakes, and grow. They’re always up for a conversation about adult learning, facilitation, or beading, and will gladly swap recommendations on independent films, cult documentaries, and historical fiction.