How I work
I transform lived experience into narratives that drive social change.
I lead strategy and execution — from earned media and crisis response to spokesperson preparation and coalition messaging.
I treat English-language and Spanish-language media not as translations, but as distinct strategies for unique audiences — each with its own voice, influence, and reach.
I integrate AI into my workflow not to replace judgment, but to sharpen it.
No algorithm has lived on the U.S.–Mexico border.
No algorithm has stood beside a dying man.
The voice is strongest when the human is in control.
Cómo trabajo
Transformo experiencias vividas en narrativas que impulsan el cambio social.
Lidero estrategia y ejecución — desde medios ganados y respuesta a crisis hasta preparación de voceros y mensajería de coaliciones.
Trato los medios en inglés y español no como traducciones, sino como estrategias distintas para audiencias distintas — sistemas paralelos de influencia con su propia lógica y alcance.
Integro la inteligencia artificial en mi trabajo no para reemplazar el criterio, sino para afinarlo.
Ningún algoritmo ha vivido en la frontera entre México y Estados Unidos.
Ningún algoritmo ha estado junto a un hombre que está muriendo.
La voz es más poderosa cuando el ser humano está al centro.
Strategic Communications That Drive Impact
National Media & Storytelling Impact
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Generated $8M+ in earned media value across national English- and Spanish-language media outlets.
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Authored 300+ op-eds and secured top-tier national media placements, shaping conversations on healthcare, equity, and social justice.
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Elevated mission-driven organizations through strategic media initiatives that increased visibility, credibility, and public trust.
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Award-winning journalist with reporting experience at La Opinión, (ImpreMedia), The Press-Enterprise, and The Brownsville Herald, bringing newsroom expertise to strategic storytelling.
Policy, Advocacy & Public Affairs Impact
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Led bilingual communications for the Brittany Maynard–inspired campaign in California, generating 12M+ YouTube views and helping drive public support for the End of Life Option Act, signed into law in 2015.
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Advanced seven additional state laws following California’s through integrated communications campaigns spanning messaging, media relations, coalition engagement, and public education.
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Expanded supporter engagement from 25,000 to 95,000 (280% growth) through integrated digital and advocacy campaigns.
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Translated complex policy issues into compelling narratives that built awareness, understanding, and public support.
Debbie Ziegler holds a photo of her late daughter, Brittany Maynard, during the California End of Life Option Act campaign. Patricia A. González-Portillo appears in the background. Photo credit: Los Angeles Times.
Latino Media & Coalition Building
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Recruited civil rights icon Dolores Huerta as a national spokesperson and served as her communications strategist for 11 years, leading media strategy, op-eds, briefings, speeches, and legislative testimony.
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Launched and led the first national Latino media and public affairs outreach initiative, building bilingual strategies to engage Spanish-language media, legislators, and Latino constituencies statewide and nationwide for the first time in the organization’s history.
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Created and led the Latino Leadership Council, conducting national outreach to recruit and convene Latino leaders across healthcare, civic, legal, labor, political, and advocacy sectors.
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Developed culturally relevant messaging that strengthened community connections, expanded engagement, and advanced public understanding of complex policy issues.
Healthcare & Mission-Driven Communications Leadership
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Led bilingual communications strategy overseeing media relations, public affairs, advocacy communications, stakeholder engagement, and mission-driven storytelling.
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Strengthened organizational brand identity by developing consistent visual standards, including signature colors and advocacy materials that continue to shape campaign recognition today.
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Developed fundraising stories, donor communications, and impact narratives for Compassion & Choices and Southern California healthcare organizations, highlighting patient stories, community impact, and mission-driven initiatives.
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Directed communications at March of Dimes, leading public awareness campaigns, maternal and infant health initiatives, and strategic storytelling to engage donors, advocates, and communities.
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Provided media relations support to Southern California hospitals, including California Hospital Medical Center and White Memorial Medical Center, securing coverage and promoting healthcare programs and community initiatives.
Dolores Huerta speaks at the launch of California’s End of Life Option Act implementation campaign in Sacramento. Photo by Patricia A. González-Portillo
Government & Legislative Communications
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Served as Communications Director for the California State Assembly Latino Caucus under Assemblymember Tony Mendoza, leading messaging, media relations, and public affairs initiatives in Sacramento.
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Conducted legislative research for State Senator Eddie Lucio Sr. at the Texas Capitol, supporting policy analysis and legislative initiatives.
Digital Innovation & Global Storytelling
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Created and led a digital storytelling campaign for a Brazilian TikTok creator based in Madrid, developing content strategies to connect audiences across the United States and Latin America.
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Produced and managed TikTok storytelling content that expanded reach, engagement, and visibility across diverse audiences.
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Authored bilingual feature stories in English and Spanish after following the creator’s journey, transforming a digital narrative into broader media storytelling.
Digital Communications Skills
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Digital campaign strategy and audience engagement
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Website development and management, including content strategy, messaging, and user experience
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Multimedia storytelling across web, social, and digital platforms
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Social media strategy and community engagement
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Digital content creation and audience growth
The Stories Behind the Impact
In memory of Brittany, Miguel, Don José, Dr. Felipe, Emily Rose, Matt, Michael, Chris, Christy, and the many others who entrusted me with their stories. It has been an honor to share their voices, honor their journeys, and carry their stories forward.