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Latinas Represent Campaign Master Class

Build the skills, strategy, and community to lead in politics.

The Campaign Master Class is Latinas Represent’s signature training program designed to prepare Latinas to launch campaign, lead in their communites, and strengthen representation in public leadership.

6-Week Virtual Cohort
Dates: May 19 – June 23
Schedule: Tuesdays | 6–8 PM ET

Seats are limited.

Apply Today

What You’ll Learn

The Campaign Master Class gives participants a practical understanding of how political campaigns operate and how leaders build support for public office.

Through interactive sessions and peer learning, participants gain insights from current and former elected officials, political strategists, and fellow leaders.

You’ll learn how to:

– Build and manage a political campaign
– Develop a fundraising strategy and donor outreach plan
– Craft a clear candidate message and communications strategy
– Understand field organizing and voter engagement
– Build a campaign team and leadership structure
– Navigate the realities of public leadership

Participants will also build relationships with a network of Latinas committed to strengthening representation.

Program Details

We are excited to help prepare the next generation of Latinas public service leaders! 

Campaign Master Class Schedule

  • Tuesday, May 19 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET
  • Tuesday, May 26 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m ET
  • Tuesday, June 2 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET
  • Tuesday, June 9 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET
  • Tuesday, June 16 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET
  • Tuesday, June 23 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET

 

Application Deadlines

– Priority Deadline: April 20
– Final Deadline: April 27
– Interviews: Conducted on a rolling basis and concluding by May 8
Apply Today

Who Should Apply

The Campaign Master Class is designed for Latinas interested in strengthening their leadership in public life and learning more about political campaigns.
 
This program may be a strong fit for individuals who:
 
– Are thinking about stepping into public service 
– Want to understand how to launch and lead a campaign
– Are community leaders, advocates, or organizers seeking political training
– Want to develop skills in fundraising, communications, and voter outreach
– Are committed to increasing Latina representation in public leadership
 
No prior campaign experience is required. Participants come from a wide range of professional and community backgrounds.

Interview and Selection Process

Our selection process helps ensure the program is a strong fit for each participant and supports a cohort aligned around shared values. Please read the information on this page carefully before beginning your application. 

Step 1: Submit an application 
Start by completing the online written application. This is your opportunity to share who you are and why you’re interested in public leadership. The application includes a few open-ended questions to help us understand your goals, experience, and leadership potential. Also, add programs@latinasrepresent.org to your contacts to ensure you receive all program-related communication.

Step 2: Review and Interview Selection

Our selection committee will carefully review each application using a standardized rubric to ensure a fair and transparent process. All applicants will be notified of their status via email.

Step 3: Virtual interview
Selected applicants will be invited to a 15-minute virtual interview with a member of the Latinas Represent team to discuss their experience, goals, and interest in the program. Interviews will be held on a rolling basis until May 8.

Step 4: Final selection
After interviews are completed, our team will notify participants of final decisions.

If you have any questions, you can email us at programs@latinasrepresent.org

 

Important Notes

– Participation and completion of the application does not guarantee admission.

– Applicants are selected based on eligibility, alignment with program values, commitment to increasing Latina representation in public service, and demonstrated readiness. Eligibility is not based on race. 

– We are unable to accept current elected officials or individuals who have filed to run for office.

– Latinas Represent and its fiscal sponsor, Moore Impact, do not endorse or support any candidate for public office.

Program Commitments

Participants join a cohort experience designed to foster learning, collaboration, and leadership development. To support the cohort experience, participants are expected to:

– Attend and actively participate in all six live virtual sessions, including keeping cameras on and engaging in discussions.

– Maintain consistent attendance. Participants should have no more than one absence to remain in good standing.

– Complete program surveys, including a needs assessment, a post-program survey, and a 12-month follow-up survey.

– Stay connected to the Latinas Represent network after completing the program.

 

Past Speakers

Diana Maldonado

Former Texas House of Representatives

Stephanie G Lopez

Latinas Represent Executive Director

Marcelia Nicholson

Chairwoman of the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors

Victoria Pelletier

Former Portland, Maine City Councilor

Devonna Almagro

Political Communications Strategist

JoAnna Mendoza

Public Servant & Former Campaign Manager

Lorena Banda

Campaign Strategist & Grassroots Organizer

Chelsea de Jesus Burchenson

Director of Public Policy & Women's Empowerment Coach

Brittany Buford

Political Strategist, Movement Architect, & Democracy Renovator

Submit Your Application Today!

Interested in joining the next Campaign Master Class cohort? Complete the online application to be considered.

After submitting your application, please add programs@latinasrepresent.org to your contacts to ensure you don’t miss important communication from our team regarding interviews, program updates, or next steps.

Apply Today!

Master Class Dates: June 2025 

Schedule

  • Friday, June 27 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. ET
  • Saturday, June 28 from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET
  • Sunday, June 29 from 12:00 p.m.  to 6:00 p.m. ET
Apply Today

Master Class Dates: August 18-20, 2023

Schedule

  • Friday, August 18 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. ET
  • Saturday, August 19 from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET
  • Sunday, August 20 from 12:00 p.m.  to 7:00 p.m. ET

2022

In 2022, we ran our first-ever Latinas Represent Master Class and trained 22 Latinas from across the country!

We are so proud of everything our alumni have accomplished since our training program from running and winning elected office to earning full-ride scholarships to study public policy. These Latinas are our future and will help change the face of U.S. democracy.


NOTE: Latinas Represent does not endorse candidates for public office.

MASTER CLASS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Our programs are 100% virtual so you can attend from anywhere.

It’s free!

Although our training is free, it does take a significant amount of resources to make it a reality. If you have the means, we would greatly appreciate a donation to make it possible for us to keep offering programming to future cohorts.

This Campaign Master Class will provide an a grounding for anyone launching a campaign in the United States.

You! Our Campaign Master Class is designed for Latinas interested in making a positive impact in their local communities and willing to do the work to make that happen. We welcome everyone, regardless of educational background and political experience. While having some background knowledge about campaigns may help, our program is designed to get anyone up to speed.

Participants are selected through a competitive process that considers:

  • Leadership experience and potential

  • Commitment to public service

  • Alignment with Latinas Represent values

  • Readiness for the program

  • Communication and clarity of thought

You will learn so much at our Campaign Master Class! The topics we discuss cover the fundamentals of launching a campaign including: fundraising, messaging, campaign communications, political branding, field organizing 

Our selection committee will carefully review each application using a standardized rubric to ensure a fair and transparent process. All applicants will be notified of their status via email. Acceptance notifications will be sent out by October 10.

If you’ve applied and have been accepted to our training but are no longer able to attend, please email programs@latinasrepresent.org, as we would like to ensure that we give your spot to another applicant.

Latinas Represent is not able to issue a refund of donations received for the program.

NOTE: Latinas Represent and its fiscal sponsor, Moore Impact, do not endorse or support candidates for public office.

Cristina Aguilera Sandoval, MPA

Senior Program Consultant at Rian Immigrant Center. Previously Director of Partnership at ActBlue
Cristina Aguilera Sandoval brings 18 years of experience in social movements, immigrant integration and advocacy. Raised in Venezuela, she spent the last decade leading and inspiring others to take social and political action, building coalitions to impact social change, developing strategies to advance social justice, and managing programs and campaigns to bring about change for communities historically marginalized to have a seat at the table. She currently directs the Programs Team at the Rian Immigrant Center as a consultant. Previously, Aguilera Sandoval was the Director of Partnerships at the national non-profit ActBlue, managing projects and funds to build transformational partnerships with a broad national network of political and nonprofit organizations. Before that, she was the Statewide Field Director for Senator Ed Markey’s campaign and the Campaign Director for State Representative Nika Elugardo’s first race. She directed the New England Immigrant Integration Project and supported equitable grantmaking practices and Empowerment Economics research at the Sillerman Center for the Advancement of Philanthropy at Brandeis University. Aguilera Sandoval worked for six years at the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA), where she rose to become Director of Organizing. Before joining MIRA, she worked with the labor movement across the United States and abroad. She got her BA at Venezuela’s Universidad de Carabobo and graduated with a Master’s in Public Administration from the LKY School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore.

In her personal time, Aguilera Sandoval enjoys playing with her kids, coaching immigrants looking for new opportunities, and volunteering to bring democracy, peace, and justice to Venezuelans here and there. She recently moved from Jamaica Plain to Canton with her beloved large immigrant family and two kids, Marcelo (9) and Amanda (6).

Cristina Aguilera Sandoval, MPA

Senior Program Consultant at Rian Immigrant Center. Previously Director of Partnership at ActBlue
Cristina Aguilera Sandoval brings 18 years of experience in social movements, immigrant integration and advocacy. Raised in Venezuela, she spent the last decade leading and inspiring others to take social and political action, building coalitions to impact social change, developing strategies to advance social justice, and managing programs and campaigns to bring about change for communities historically marginalized to have a seat at the table. She currently directs the Programs Team at the Rian Immigrant Center as a consultant. Previously, Aguilera Sandoval was the Director of Partnerships at the national non-profit ActBlue, managing projects and funds to build transformational partnerships with a broad national network of political and nonprofit organizations. Before that, she was the Statewide Field Director for Senator Ed Markey’s campaign and the Campaign Director for State Representative Nika Elugardo’s first race. She directed the New England Immigrant Integration Project and supported equitable grantmaking practices and Empowerment Economics research at the Sillerman Center for the Advancement of Philanthropy at Brandeis University. Aguilera Sandoval worked for six years at the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA), where she rose to become Director of Organizing. Before joining MIRA, she worked with the labor movement across the United States and abroad. She got her BA at Venezuela’s Universidad de Carabobo and graduated with a Master’s in Public Administration from the LKY School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore.

In her personal time, Aguilera Sandoval enjoys playing with her kids, coaching immigrants looking for new opportunities, and volunteering to bring democracy, peace, and justice to Venezuelans here and there. She recently moved from Jamaica Plain to Canton with her beloved large immigrant family and two kids, Marcelo (9) and Amanda (6).

Stephanie Lopez

Latinas Represent Program Director, Aspen Forum on Women and Girls SOAR Fellow, Operations and Communications Officer for the Gates Cambridge Alumni Association
Stephanie Gabriela Lopez serves as the Program Director at Latinas Represent, the only national, nonpartisan initiative dedicated to increasing the number and diversity of Latinas in elected office. As a first-generation Salvadoran American, this work is deeply personal to Lopez, who is committed to advancing Latina leadership in the political arena to create a more inclusive and reflective democracy.

Prior to her role at Latinas Represent, Lopez worked in international education, children’s rights, and immigration advocacy. She earned a Master’s degree in Latin American Studies from the University of Cambridge, while on a Gates Cambridge Scholarship, and holds an undergraduate degree in political science and mass communication and journalism from California State University, Fresno. In addition, she currently serves as the Operations and Communications Officer for the Gates Cambridge Alumni Association.

Stephanie Lopez

Latinas Represent Program Director, Aspen Forum on Women and Girls SOAR Fellow, Operations and Communications Officer for the Gates Cambridge Alumni Association
Stephanie Gabriela Lopez serves as the Program Director at Latinas Represent, the only national, nonpartisan initiative dedicated to increasing the number and diversity of Latinas in elected office. As a first-generation Salvadoran American, this work is deeply personal to Lopez, who is committed to advancing Latina leadership in the political arena to create a more inclusive and reflective democracy.

Prior to her role at Latinas Represent, Lopez worked in international education, children’s rights, and immigration advocacy. She earned a Master’s degree in Latin American Studies from the University of Cambridge, while on a Gates Cambridge Scholarship, and holds an undergraduate degree in political science and mass communication and journalism from California State University, Fresno. In addition, she currently serves as the Operations and Communications Officer for the Gates Cambridge Alumni Association.

Daniela Michanie

Organizing Director on Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley’s political team
Daniela Michanie (she/her/ella) is the Organizing Director on Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley’s political team, where she runs a year-round organizing program that centers people and building community. Prior to joining Rep. Pressley’s team, she mobilized young voters in South Florida and organized in Massachusetts for Senator Elizabeth Warren’s presidential campaign. Born in Buenos Aires, raised in Miami, and a Boston transplant, Michanie currently lives in Jamaica Plain and loves taking walks to the Arboretum, watching reruns of New Girl, and cooking meals that remind her of home for the people she loves.

Daniela Michanie

Organizing Director on Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley’s political team
Daniela Michanie (she/her/ella) is the Organizing Director on Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley’s political team, where she runs a year-round organizing program that centers people and building community. Prior to joining Rep. Pressley’s team, she mobilized young voters in South Florida and organized in Massachusetts for Senator Elizabeth Warren’s presidential campaign. Born in Buenos Aires, raised in Miami, and a Boston transplant, Michanie currently lives in Jamaica Plain and loves taking walks to the Arboretum, watching reruns of New Girl, and cooking meals that remind her of home for the people she loves.

Vanessa Cárdenas

Political strategist and policy expert. Previously Senior Advisor at LULAC, National Coalitions Director at Biden for President campaign, and various positions at EMILY’s List
Vanessa Cárdenas is an experienced political strategist and policy expert on issues related to political disinformation, climate change, and immigration. Her wide skill set and issue expertise, honed by working closely with a cross section of leaders in the progressive movement, bring a unique perspective to the work of CárdenasStrategies.

Most recently Cárdenas was a Senior Advisor at the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) advising its policy work. During the 2020 primary, she was the National Coalitions Director at the Biden for President campaign where she oversaw its constituency outreach strategy. Prior to this, she served in various capacities at EMILY’s List, a political action committee (PAC) that helps elect pro-choice Democratic women. She also led “Climático” at the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) where she supported efforts towards a global climate agreement. Cárdenas also served in various roles at the Center for American Progress (CAP) including Director for Ethnic Media and later Vice President for Progress 2050, a project focused on the implications of demographic change. Cárdenas’ first job in DC was with the National Immigration Forum where she joined local and national allies in the struggle for a fair and just immigration system.

Vanessa Cárdenas

Political strategist and policy expert. Previously Senior Advisor at LULAC, National Coalitions Director at Biden for President campaign, and various positions at EMILY’s List
Vanessa Cárdenas is an experienced political strategist and policy expert on issues related to political disinformation, climate change, and immigration. Her wide skill set and issue expertise, honed by working closely with a cross section of leaders in the progressive movement, bring a unique perspective to the work of CárdenasStrategies.

Most recently Cárdenas was a Senior Advisor at the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) advising its policy work. During the 2020 primary, she was the National Coalitions Director at the Biden for President campaign where she oversaw its constituency outreach strategy. Prior to this, she served in various capacities at EMILY’s List, a political action committee (PAC) that helps elect pro-choice Democratic women. She also led “Climático” at the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) where she supported efforts towards a global climate agreement. Cárdenas also served in various roles at the Center for American Progress (CAP) including Director for Ethnic Media and later Vice President for Progress 2050, a project focused on the implications of demographic change. Cárdenas’ first job in DC was with the National Immigration Forum where she joined local and national allies in the struggle for a fair and just immigration system.

Julia Mejia

Boston City Councilor, Chair of the Committee on Education, the Committee on Government Accountability, Transparency, and Accessibility and the Committee on Labor, Workforce, and Economic Development
Born in the Dominican Republic, City Councilor At-Large, Julia Mejia arrived in Boston, Massachusetts when she was five years old. Raised by a single mother who was undocumented for most of her childhood, Julia was forced at an early age to speak up on behalf of her mother and others who felt ignored by the very institutions that were supposed to serve them.

Driven by a lifelong pursuit of justice and equity, Councilor Mejia has created countless opportunities for others to step into their power and advocate for positive change as a community organizer. Following the 2019 election AND a historic two-month recount, Councilor Mejia won her seat by a single vote and is now the first Afro-Latina elected to the Boston City Council. Mejia is currently the Chair of the Committee on Education, the Committee on Government Accountability, Transparency, and Accessibility as well as the Committee on Labor, Workforce, and Economic Development.

Julia Mejia

Boston City Councilor, Chair of the Committee on Education, the Committee on Government Accountability, Transparency, and Accessibility and the Committee on Labor, Workforce, and Economic Development
Born in the Dominican Republic, City Councilor At-Large, Julia Mejia arrived in Boston, Massachusetts when she was five years old. Raised by a single mother who was undocumented for most of her childhood, Julia was forced at an early age to speak up on behalf of her mother and others who felt ignored by the very institutions that were supposed to serve them.

Driven by a lifelong pursuit of justice and equity, Councilor Mejia has created countless opportunities for others to step into their power and advocate for positive change as a community organizer. Following the 2019 election AND a historic two-month recount, Councilor Mejia won her seat by a single vote and is now the first Afro-Latina elected to the Boston City Council. Mejia is currently the Chair of the Committee on Education, the Committee on Government Accountability, Transparency, and Accessibility as well as the Committee on Labor, Workforce, and Economic Development.

Brenda Lopez Romero

Senior Assistant District Attorney for the Gwinnett Judicial Circuit, leading the Justice and Community Initiative. First American Latina elected to the Georgia General Assembly
Brenda Lopez Romero is Senior Assistant District Attorney for the Gwinnett Judicial Circuit leading the Justice and Community Initiative.

Lopez Romero was the first American Latina elected to the Georgia General Assembly where she sat on the Education, Retirement, and State Planning and Community Affairs committees. She has worked over 15 years in the legal and political advocacy of immigrants and low-income communities. Formerly, she was a principal attorney handling removal defense and immigration and nationality matters.

Lopez Romero also serves as Chairwoman for the Gwinnett County Democratic Party.

Lopez Romero holds a law degree from Syracuse University with a National Security and Counterterrorism certificate and a bachelor’s degree from Georgia State University in Political Science and Sociology. While in law school, she was a clerk for Georgia Legal Services Program, American Civil Liberties Union, and an extern for Trial Judge Laura Galvan Salgado for the First District Court of Morelos in Mexico.

Lopez Romero has intensive involvement in community organizing and affiliations with the American Immigration Lawyers Association, Hispanic National Bar Association, and Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. She is also a member of Leadership Georgia, Leadership Atlanta, International Women’s Forum, U.S. Global Leadership Coalition, and Truman National Security Project. Lopez Romero is on the board of directors for the Georgia Association of Latino Elected Officials and chairs its federal political action committee. Among her lengthy volunteerism, she is most proud of her work as a former G.E.D. instructor with the Marist School Adult Education Program.

Brenda Lopez Romero

Senior Assistant District Attorney for the Gwinnett Judicial Circuit, leading the Justice and Community Initiative. First American Latina elected to the Georgia General Assembly
Brenda Lopez Romero is Senior Assistant District Attorney for the Gwinnett Judicial Circuit leading the Justice and Community Initiative.

Lopez Romero was the first American Latina elected to the Georgia General Assembly where she sat on the Education, Retirement, and State Planning and Community Affairs committees. She has worked over 15 years in the legal and political advocacy of immigrants and low-income communities. Formerly, she was a principal attorney handling removal defense and immigration and nationality matters.

Lopez Romero also serves as Chairwoman for the Gwinnett County Democratic Party.

Lopez Romero holds a law degree from Syracuse University with a National Security and Counterterrorism certificate and a bachelor’s degree from Georgia State University in Political Science and Sociology. While in law school, she was a clerk for Georgia Legal Services Program, American Civil Liberties Union, and an extern for Trial Judge Laura Galvan Salgado for the First District Court of Morelos in Mexico.

Lopez Romero has intensive involvement in community organizing and affiliations with the American Immigration Lawyers Association, Hispanic National Bar Association, and Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. She is also a member of Leadership Georgia, Leadership Atlanta, International Women’s Forum, U.S. Global Leadership Coalition, and Truman National Security Project. Lopez Romero is on the board of directors for the Georgia Association of Latino Elected Officials and chairs its federal political action committee. Among her lengthy volunteerism, she is most proud of her work as a former G.E.D. instructor with the Marist School Adult Education Program.