Armando Chavez, 2006 Polanco Fellow Alumni and Graduate UC Berkeley.
Q: What is the biggest challenge being the Latino Caucus Consultant?
A: The biggest challenge is managing and completing all of the Latino Caucus requests that we receive. I feel that there are many issues important to our Latino community, and focusing on which items to place more of a focus on is difficult, because they are all important to us.
Q: What new plans does Asm Mendoza have for CLLC in 2011?
A: Assembly Member Mendoza and the Latino Caucus will be establishing Select Committees on the Caucus to address various issues important to our community. Some of the Committees include a Select Committee on Appointments, whose task will be to ensure the Caucus provides Governor Brown with recommendations of highly qualified Latino/a candidates to appoint to state boards and commissions and to the Judicial branch. We also have a committee on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Latinos/as, which will focus on providing information via forums to our community about LGBT issues that will include education, health, and equality, among other topics.
Q: What advice can you give to future young leaders wanting to work in the capitol?
A: Apply to Fellowships, intern if possible, get your foot in the door and keep the door open for others to come in after you. Working in the Capitol, is not simply about taking advantage and learning the ropes for yourself, but is also about helping others that are interested in the world of politics to get an opportunity to be advocates for their communities.
Q: What is the secret to balancing work fun and family in such a stressful job.
A: It’s not a big secret, but I would say balancing work and fun comes along with surrounding yourself with people who have similar interests. Make a concerted effort to make time for your friends and family, and remember why it is that you decided to work in the Capitol. You are there to represent the needs of the neighborhood where you live, the people in the neighborhood where you grew up, and be their voice at the policy table. At the same time, remember that a happy person makes a happy staff, and if you make time to enjoy yourself, then you’ll come back with a rejuvenated energy the following day.
Armando Chavez
Latino Caucus Consultant
Office of Assemblymember Tony Mendoza
State Capitol, Room 2196
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 319-2056
Armando.Chavez@asm.ca.gov
