Research, advocacy, and community engagement professional with more than a decade of experience in the nonprofit and public sector.

Clayton began his career with the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) Educational Fund, a national nonprofit focused on increasing Latino political participation. Clayton supported the organization’s nationally-recognized naturalization program and oversaw several initiatives to expand the political clout of Latino communities nationwide. Inspired by the belief that education is key to lifting communities out of poverty, Clayton transitioned into education policy. He has led and supported numerous efforts to transform educational opportunities for students in underserved communities, including at the California Charter Schools Association, where he helped lead policy and advocacy efforts to support charter schools across Los Angeles County in the areas of authorization, strategic growth, funding equity and facilities advocacy. Clayton served as the Director of Strategy and Community Engagement for L.A. Unified Board Vice President Nick Melvoin (Board District 4). There, Clayton helped lead the community engagement strategy and defined how parents, principals, and community members shape and drove policy. Today, Clayton works at Swell Creative Group, a creative agency that leads communications initiatives for social justice organizations. Clayton received his B.A. from McDaniel College and his Masters of Public Administration from the University of Southern California (USC). Clayton is a graduate of Coro Southern California’s Fellows Program in Public Affairs and co-founder of Highland Park Runners, a nonprofit organization that serves the northeast Los Angeles community with the mission to inspire everyone to lead healthier lives through movement.