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Carol, CEO at Latina Advocates: Advize Career Interview
Carol's journey from college student to CEO of Latina Advocates is a compelling story of leveraging diverse experiences and a passion for advocacy.
The interview reveals the multifaceted nature of a lobbying firm CEO role, deeply intertwined with the legislative calendar and requiring a unique blend of communication, relationship building, and strategic thinking.
Their career path, enriched by internships and a commitment to community, highlights the importance of networking and showing up, while navigating the challenges of bureaucracy with a patient, "bite-size" approach to change.
The appeal of this industry lies in its collaborative spirit and the opportunity to be a voice for others, making a tangible impact on policy and funding that directly benefits communities.
Sac State's role in fostering Carol's sense of belonging and exposing them to new opportunities underscores the power of higher education in shaping a career dedicated to advocacy and leadership, even when navigating intersecting identities, it can ultimately be seen as a "superpower." Learning more about this interview promises invaluable insights for anyone interested in policy, government relations, and making a difference.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Carol Gonzalez
CEO
Latina Advocates
CSU Sacramento
Communications, Political Science, American Studies
Government
Consulting
HSI Grad, Pell Grant Recipient, Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School, LGBTQ, First Generation College Student
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Career Path Of A CEO At Latina Advocates
Carol's career path began with diverse experiences in college, from working at the student shop to an internship at the Secretary of State Elections Division, which eventually led to a pivotal internship with CHC pac in D.C. where "it was also a pivotal time in our political process where we also went to Texas to learn about the separations at the border", and later a role at Planned Parenthood where experiences "all kind of came together"; these opportunities, combined with involvement in college chapters and networking, opened the door to a lobbying firm specializing in education policy, culminating in the formation of "Latina Advocates" where Carol now represents five different organizations as a CEO.
Main Responsibilities of a CEO at Latina Advocates
As CEO at Latina Advocates, main responsibilities are heavily influenced by the legislative calendar, requiring administrative work, client relationship management, and legislative stakeholder maintenance; ultimately, the larger role involves translating "complex policy into something that's more attainable" for both clients and the community, encouraging engagement and participation in policy-making decisions. This role also encompasses leading advocacy and government relations, policy goal identification, and legislative drafting, as well as coalition building and preparation for bill hearings.
A Day In The Life Of A CEO At Latina Advocates
Carol, CEO at Latina Advocates, describes the life of a lobbying firm CEO as deeply connected to the legislative calendar, with days ranging from intensely busy during legislative sessions - "waking up super early and getting home really late" to strategizing and proactively engaging with clients and legislators "in their districts or in their regions or areas" during the off-season to prepare for the next year's policy initiatives. The role also involves planning and identifying potential legislative authors to promote client ideas, showcasing a year-round commitment to advocacy.
Most Important Skills for a CEO at Latina Advocates
As a CEO at Latina Advocates, Carol believes "communication is key" and the number one skill to have, requiring the ability to simplify complex issues for different audiences and incorporating storytelling, relationship building, and persuasion; furthermore, managing multiple priorities under pressure and maintaining strong organization are also crucial due to the constant juggling of tasks and stakeholders.
Favorite Parts of Being a CEO at Latina Advocates
As CEO at Latina Advocates, Carol most enjoys being "a voice for others" and advocating for communities, finding it rewarding to influence policy and secure funding that directly impacts people's lives. This intersection of community and policy is fulfilling, knowing that the work is done "with those intentions in mind, that [of] helping... community and people like [them]."
Biggest Challenges Faced by a CEO at Latina Advocates
As CEO of Latina Advocates, Carol finds that navigating bureaucracy is the biggest challenge, as the desire to "make change quick" clashes with the slow pace of systemic processes, often leading to political gridlock and the feeling that "great ideas [arrive] at a wrong time." Therefore, Carol focuses on taking a "bite-size approach" to change, understanding that progress, while potentially slow, is still being made toward long-term goals.
Favorite Parts Of Working In The Advocacy Industry As A CEO
Carol finds the multifaceted nature of their industry—spanning entrepreneurship, advocacy, government relations, and policy—appealing, but the best part is the "collaboration" with people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, which leads to novel ideas and approaches. The diverse advocacy space allows for working with people who were once mentors, highlighting the beauty of entrepreneurship and the gratification that comes from choosing work that aligns with one's values.
What Type Of Person Thrives In Their Career, According To A CEO At Latina Advocates
Carol, CEO at Latina Advocates, believes those who thrive are "adaptable" and "collaborative" individuals who aren't afraid to ask questions, and she emphasizes the importance of relationship building, stating that in her industry, "it's not what you know or who you know, it's more about who knows you", which can create opportunities and platforms that would not otherwise be accessible. Furthermore, putting oneself out there is incredibly helpful, as it allows others to know who one is.
What a CEO at Latina Advocates Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Advocacy Industry
Carol wishes someone had emphasized the critical role of networking and relationship building earlier in career, stating "your network is just as important as your resume" and that developing stronger relationships, particularly during challenging times like the pandemic, would have been beneficial. Furthermore, it would have been helpful to understand how imposter syndrome can manifest and to cultivate greater confidence in work from the beginning, while recognizing that integrity is paramount in the industry.
Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Advocates
For entry-level positions, Carol suggests internships are crucial, recommending looking into "legislative offices, government agencies, advocacy orgs, nonprofits, other lobbying firms" early in college, along with volunteer opportunities and attending advocacy days to gain experience and be noticed. Carol also highlights specific programs like a SAC State internship for college credit and the Capital Fellows program post-graduation, offering placements in legislative, executive, or research branches.
Significant Career Lesson From a CEO at Latina Advocates
As a CEO at Latina Advocates, one significant career lesson is "not underestimating the power of showing up" because doing so builds trust and gets noticed, alongside speaking up and using one's voice, as "people will notice when you speak out in certain spaces and when you don't."
College Experiences That Helped a CEO at Latina Advocates Succeed
To prepare for a successful career, Carol actively sought experience outside the classroom through internships, volunteering, and event organizing to gain "real skills and opportunities" and make connections; additionally, seeking out mentors and being open to new experiences proved invaluable, as demonstrated by a chance encounter with a lobbyist that eventually led to a professional connection.
How Identity Has Influenced A CEO At Latina Advocates' Career
Navigating a career with intersecting identities initially felt challenging, especially as a first-generation, queer Latina and daughter of immigrants, but Carol later realized it's "almost like a superpower" to bring unique experiences to the table and speak up for others who believe in the importance of their voice, reminding themself they "belong" and have the ability to succeed. Ultimately, Carol believes in trusting in one's own experience and what one has to offer, developing the ability to navigate different environments over time while staying true to themself and those who believe in the importance of having them there.
How To Become A CEO At Latina Advocates
Sac State was instrumental in Carol's growth, providing exposure to new opportunities and a comfortable yet accessible space that fostered a sense of belonging, including culturally through involvement with "brown issues on campus." This journey ultimately led to discovering a passion for policy work, culminating in an unexpected but fulfilling role at a lobbying firm post-graduation, solidifying a path toward a career in advocacy and leadership as the current CEO of Latina Advocates.
Advizer Personal Links
https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolgonzalezt/, IG: Latina_Advocate, https://latinaadvocate.com/
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