Meet Ana Valdez: Marketing, media and political expert

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ana Valdez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ana, how do you think about risk?
Uncertainty, unknown, trailblazzing, innovating, following your own gut, non-traditional, unique, courageous, knowing one could fail, fear to stand out, getting out of your confiort zone, accepting one self how ever onself is, learning from mistakes,

These are some of the situations I’ve had to learn to tolerate, and that’s my biggest challenge when my gut tells me I have to go my own way, not following the people before me, not following the trail that all my peers follow. It’s what I’ve had to forced mylsef tolearn when I KNOW I need to do what’s right for me, and what I know will bring me joy, success and fulfillment.

Risk has made the grow, made me much more courageous, has taught me much about who I am.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My mission is to create change and that’s what I’ve tried to do at every job I’ve had in my life. That’s why I chose to study marketing (to be able to create massive change); that’s why I worked at the Commission of Human Rights at the United Nations and later on with the Clinton administration in Washington, DC. That’s why I’ve been a senior advisor to several political candidates, and have been on the board of SiTV (cable channel), American Public Media Group and Minnesota Public Radio, and Southern California Public Radio (chair for four years). And that’s why my husband and I produce content that creates diversity and inclusion on TV and films and provides good role models in media for ALL.
And then there is my ‘nerd’ side, the side of me that made me sign up for statistics every college semester up to Statistics 108, and the one that adores leading the Latino Donor and Data Collective, a non-profit with the mission to create the fact-based information which CREATES CHANGE by helping detect opportunities for businesses and movements to grow and thrive.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Hike in Zuma Canyon (ocean view in Malibu) Lunch at Nobu (more ocean view)

Broad Museum
Guisados for lunch
Downtown walk
Car-ride to see important downtown buildings

Hike at the Observatory
Tour of the Observatory
Lunch at Mercado Hollywood
Afternoon visit to the LA Zoo

Beverly Hills shopping
Lunch at La Scala

LACMA Morning
Lunch at The Grove
Galleries and boutiques in West Hollywood (Melrose)
Dinner at Rosaline on Melrise
Show at The Comedy Store

Huntington Library and Gardens
Walk and browse on Colorado Avenue, Pasadena
Lunch at Mi Piace
HIke at Eaton Canyon

Depending on the season: show at the Hollywood Bowl, concert LA Phil, a night at the Opera, a play at the Taper, a night of Ballet, a basketball game at Stapples. The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Wow! So many names I would never finish… Every step of the way there were ‘angels’ helping me. From my grandfather to my dad and my stepdad, to my aunts. Every one of my bosses (yes, even THAT horrible boss who hated me and asked that I’d be moved to another team) taught me something and made me a better person. And then my recent bosses: my board, the chair of my board. Amazing leaders to emulate. I’ve been extremely lucky to have geniuses guiding me all the way.

Website: LatinoDonorCollaborative.org

Instagram: Ana TValdez

Linkedin: Ana Valdez

Twitter: @LDCAna1

Facebook: Ana Valdez

Youtube: Latino Donor Collaborative