Director Ciela Mendoza is a seasoned education professional currently serving as the Director IV of the External Partnerships Service at the Department of Education. She was also the former Executive Director of the National Book Development Board, an attached agency of DepEd. Outside of these government stints, she mostly served through non-government organizations (NGOs) and corporate foundations such as Gokongwei Brothers Foundation and Ayala Foundation. Her expertise lies in education policy, program management, and strategic partnerships.