5 Latinas Behind The 2016 Presidential Candidates

Latina.com

By Raquel Reichard

September 24, 2015

 5 Latinas Behind The 2016 Presidential Candidates 

It’s official: The 2016 presidential race is in full swing, and while there may not be a Latina running for Commander-in-Chief, that doesn’t mean that we’re not playing a major role in the carrera.

Mujeres Latinas can be found on both Republican and Democratic parties with influential director positions ranging from operations and policy to public engagement and coalitions.

Latina got to speak with some of these politicos to learn more about their work, get their thoughts on the underrepresentation of women of color in politics and take their tips for other muchachas with governmental dreams.

(Disclaimer: While we know that there are Latinas on the trails of GOP contenders Rick Santorum, Carly Fiorina and Jeb Bush, each campaign declined to speak with us. Santorum’s team did not respond to our requests, Fiorina’s press secretary said they don’t "do staff profiles" and "aren't going to give the ethnicity of staff" and Bush’s spokesperson said the "focus should be on the candidate." As such, only Latinas on Democratic campaigns are featured below).

Amanda Renteria, National Political Director, Hillary Clinton

What does the job of a National Political Director entail?

The simple way of putting it is that I’m building the biggest tent any campaign has built. My role isn’t just for Latinos. I make sure that all of our voices are at the table.

You're Hillary Clinton's first Latina national political director and you were also the first Latina Senate chief of staff. What do these things mean to you?

In a lot of ways both "firsts" feel the same. I have a profound sense of responsibility to do well. For me, it’s not about being the first; it’s about making sure I’m not the last. There were Latinas who opened the door for me, and I need to keep it open for others.

Why is it important to have a Latina in this position?

It's our future. Republicans and Democrats know that the Latino community is large and that it's growing. In order to have a country that empowers all of our families, all of our families need to be at the table when talking about the future. What happens to the Latino community will affect the entire country.

What’s your advice to Latinas hoping to make it in politics?

Never forget who you are. When you’re entering an industry where there are not a lot of people you like, there’s a desire and a pressure to conform. We are told we have to change who we are to be successful, and while there may be some truth to that, if in the long run you lose who you are, then you can’t pave the way for others like you.

Tell us about your job as the Director of Public Engagement for the Martin O'Malley for President campaign.

I make the country familiar with Martin O’Malley and his record, showing them why he’s good for them.

Why is it important to have Latinas in political and communications positions like this one?

We have to be represented everywhere. We bring a different set of awareness to the table. I may be more passionate about immigration because of my experience and the people ripped away from me personally, but I also bring a different perspective when it comes to education, the police and other issues.

Your Twitter profile says you’re "committed to not being the only Latin@ at any table." Why?

The reality is that many Latinos haven’t had the same opportunities as non-Latinos. Most of the time we can’t take the unpaid internships, and we don’t have family in the political world. So we can only do better, as a community, if those Latinas who are in the door mentor, empower and recommend others. And that’s what I do.

What’s your advice to Latinas hoping to make it in positions like this one?

Find your passion. What is it that you care about? Do that, and then align yourself with people who are doing that work. Don’t be shy about it. Be persistent. Also, don’t do it for the power. For me, getting into politics had nothing to do with power. It was about advocacy. It was about my moral compass.

What does it mean to be a Latino Outreach Director?

I work with the team to develop and execute our Latino strategy. I make sure Latinos across the U.S. know who Hillary is and her position on the issues they care about.

You were undocumented for almost 13 years. Fast forward to today, you are now a part of a national campaign for the frontrunner of the Democratic Party. A former undocumented activist, a DREAMer, now working in politics. Describe what that’s been like for you.

This is what’s so remarkable about the U.S.: Someone who spent 14 years undocumented can today be a director for Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign. It reflects the growth of the DREAMers’ movement on American politics and culture. Personally, it’s living the dreams of my mother and thinking of the sacrifices she made. I feel privileged and grateful.

Why is it important to have Latinas, particularly immigrant Latinas, in political positions like this one?

There’s no better way to understand the lived experiences of a population in the U.S. than by bringing them into your campaign. You can read stats and facts, but it’s nothing like having them present in decision-making positions. The median age for Latinas in the U.S. is 27, and I just turned 27. I understand immigration, and I understand Latina millennials. I know what it’s like to feel 100 percent American and 100 percent Latino.

What would you say to younger undocumented Latinas with dreams of having careers like yours?

Live your dreams. You’re going to face obstacles. You’re going to fall, and you’re going to have to get up again. What is remarkable about the U.S. is that all the opportunities are there – your dreams can become true. It’s a matter of fighting for them, and, no, it wont be easy. I didn’t have my license, I couldn’t drive or go to college for some time, but I built a community, asked for help and made it work, and you can, too.

Tell us about your work on Bernie Sanders' campaign.

I make press releases for Bernie Sanders’ appearances, prepare talking points and work a lot with the news media here in Iowa.

You had a long and successful career in journalism. Why switch to political communications?

It sort of just happened. And, really, it's one of the most awarding and satisfying experiences. It allows me to use what I know and who I know to build something greater, something new. Working with Bernie, specifically, feels more like a mission than a job.

Why is it important to have Latinas in political positions like this one?

It's about point of view. People don't know they are thinking in a narrow frame of mind because our lives are built on experiences. I'm the daughter of immigrants. I know what it’s like to come here; I know the opportunities. We bring something to the discussion that's missing.

What would you say to younger Latinas with dreams of working in politics?

You can't go wrong with hard work and maintaining your vision. I don’t think idealism is a bad word. It’s good to be the best of what you’re about.

Tell me about your work as Hillary Clinton’s Director of Coalitions Press.

I’m in charge of reaching a number of coalitions groups, including women, Latinos and African Americans, through the media. I reach these key demographics through the media.

Why is it important to have Latinas in political and communications positions like this one?

It’s important to have Latinas in all aspects of campaigns, including this one. We understand the community. We understand the issues. We know the best ways to reach them and speak to them, because we are them.

Of course, it’s not perfect. How do you handle the sexism and racism that comes with being a Latina in a leadership position, especially one in politics and communication, two fields that Latinas have historically been marginalized in?

These are things Latinas experience in the workplace in general. There are so many barriers, and people don’t think you can do the job. You have to remain confident. And when you’re in positions of power, you need to make sure you’re empowering those in junior positions, those facing the same hurdles you once did.

What would you say to younger Latinas hoping to make it in careers similar to yours?

Whenever you’re asked to be in a room or meeting, you’re asked to be there for a reason. Don’t stay quiet. They want you to contribute to the conversation.

For more information, go to:  www.beverlyhillsimmigrationlaw.com