ABOUT US
Third Space Advisory Group works at the intersection of public policy, community engagement, and strategic advisory. We partner with nonprofits, foundations, coalitions, and public-sector leaders to turn values into action, ideas into impact, and vision into durable systems change.
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We believe the most meaningful change happens in the third space: the space between government and community, between strategy and implementation, between aspiration and reality. That’s where trust is built, alignment is forged, and lasting outcomes take root.
Our work is grounded in equity, shaped by lived experience, and informed by years of navigating complex political, policy, and community systems at the local, regional, and statewide levels.
Julian Y. Cuevas
Founder & Principal
Third Space Advisory Group was founded by Julian Y. Cuevas, a seasoned public policy, governance, and strategy leader with deep experience across California’s nonprofit, philanthropic, and public sectors. Julian brings more than a decade of experience advising executive leaders, boards, coalitions, and public institutions on advancing equity-centered policy, strengthening cross-sector partnerships, and translating complex strategies into actionable results.
Most recently, Julian served as Director of California Strategy at PolicyLink, where he led statewide efforts to advance equitable governance and systems change across California. In this role, he advised senior leadership on the state’s political and policy landscape, built trusted relationships with government and nonprofit partners, and helped secure more than $2 million to expand statewide equity initiatives.
Previously, Julian was the Inaugural Director of Policy & Governmental Affairs at Inland Empire Community Foundation, where he launched the Foundation’s Office of Policy & Engagement and led regional and state policy efforts in areas including education and economic mobility. His work helped secure major public investments, including $200 million in state funding for Dual Enrollment and $1 million for the Inland Empire’s Black Equity Initiative. Under his leadership, the Foundation’s policy work was formally recognized by the California State Legislature for its impact and enduring commitment to equity and inclusive prosperity.
Julian also brings senior government experience, having served as Director of Government Affairs at the California Department of Education, where he was appointed by the State Superintendent of Public Instruction to lead legislative and budget strategy affecting K–12 education statewide. He successfully managed complex legislation from inception through enactment, negotiated budget priorities with the Governor’s Office and Department of Finance, and advised executive leadership on high-stakes policy decisions, drawing on experience across government, philanthropy, and political campaigns.
In addition to his professional work, Julian is deeply engaged in local governance and civic leadership. He currently serves as President of the Dixon Unified School District Governing Board and President of the Dixon Library Board, grounding his advisory work in lived experience with public institutions and community accountability.
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Across roles, Julian is known for his ability to bridge community priorities with institutional decision-making—bringing clarity, trust, and momentum to initiatives at the intersection of policy and community.