Michael Wiafe

Michael Wiafe is an accomplished public policy professional currently serving as the Assistant Deputy Cabinet Secretary in the Office of California Governor Gavin Newsom since March 2024. He has a strong background in education policy and community engagement, having previously worked as an Education Policy Associate and held various teaching roles at the University of California, Berkeley, including as an Adjunct Professor.12

Wiafe's career includes significant experience in policy analysis and advocacy. He was the President of the California State Student Association, where he represented over 480,000 students across 23 campuses and engaged in statewide policymaking efforts. His early career also includes roles as a State and Federal Policy Intern at Lumina Foundation, where he contributed to initiatives aimed at improving educational access and equity.123

In addition to his professional roles, Wiafe is active in various committees and councils focused on economic mobility and educational reform. He co-hosts the "PolicyWise" podcast, which fosters discussions on youth engagement in policy-making.123 His educational background includes a Master's degree in Public Policy from UC Berkeley and a Bachelor's degree in Political Science from San Diego State University.12