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Latinas Represent Master Class

The Latinas Represent Master Class is our unique training program created by Latinas for Latinas. 

Open to Latinas of all political affiliations, this weekend-long intensive program will give you the tools you need to understand the political process, develop your political capacity, and launch well-run, issue-based campaigns. 

This program is for you if you’re interested in running for office or supporting someone who is!

Master Class Program Information

At Latinas Represent we believe that our cultura and heritage are valuable assets that make Latinas incredible candidates and public service leaders. 

Our curriculum is designed to help build your knowledge, confidence, and capabilities. At the Master Class you will learn from and connect with current and former elected officials, political strategists, and peers. We will cover the basics of campaigning including fundraising, field organizing, communications, staffing, and much more!

MASTER CLASS DATES

2023

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

Master Class Dates: December 15-17, 2023 

Schedule

  • Friday, December 15 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. ET
  • Saturday, December 16 from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET
  • Sunday, December 17 from 12:00 p.m.  to 7:00 p.m. ET
Application Closed

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.

Speakers

Learn more about the Latinas Represent Master Class speakers below.
More coming soon.

Cristina Aguilera Sandoval, MPA

Senior Program Consultant at Rian Immigrant Center. Previously Director of Partnership at ActBlue

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

Stephanie Lopez

Latinas Represent Program Director, Aspen Forum on Women and Girls SOAR Fellow, Operations and Communications Officer for the Gates Cambridge Alumni Association

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

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

Daniela Michanie

Organizing Director on Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley’s political team

MASTER CLASS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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

It’s free for most participants.

Although our programs are free, it does take a significant amount of work, effort, and time 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.

Exceptions: Declared candidates can apply to our Master Class, but must pay the market rate fee of $150. 

This Master Class is open to Latinas and their allies throughout the United States. We are thrilled to be able to help Latinas nationwide build networks and community.

You! Our 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. We ask all participants to sign on to our values statement, declaring their solidarity in seeking out racial, environmental, and reproductive justice.

While having some background knowledge about campaigns may help, our program is designed to get anyone up to speed.

The Latinas Represent Master Class will connect you with former and current political leaders, breakdown the do’s and don’ts of running a campaign, and help you build the community support you need to shape your journey.

Applications close once we reach 50 applicants, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

You will learn so much at our Master Class! Some of the topics we cover are: launch a campaign, creating a platform message, developing a field plan, fundraising effectively, and much more.

Apply Now: Space is limited so apply early to guarantee your spot.  

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

The team at Latinas Represent reviews applications on a rolling basis. All accepted applicants are contacted via email and/or phone to confirm their participation. 

If you’ve registered and have been accepted to our training but are no longer able to attend, please email events@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; however, declared candidates can use their registration fee to participate in a Master Class taking place in the future.

NOTE: Latinas Represent and its fiscal sponsor, Moore Impact, do not endorse 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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.