Meet Cindy Villegas | Community Builder

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

Hi Cindy, why did you pursue a creative career?

My parents had a small business in Zacatecas, MX, in a small town where everyone knew each other. When I moved to the US at the age of 9, I was searching for a similar supportive community and quickly realized that what I was looking for was non-existent and I needed to be created. I decided to pursue a career in politics to pave the way for young women of color to have a voice and community. I started my journey by obtaining my Bachelor of Arts in Politics from the University of California Santa Cruz in 2018. After college, I had the opportunity to work for the California State Assembly, Elizabeth Warren’s Presidential campaign, Florida State House races, and various nonprofit organizations, including TreePeople, the oldest and largest environmental movement in Southern California. In March 2023, I joined the National Forest Foundation as the California Regional Development Coordinator. In this role, I am enthusiastic about raising funds to support conservation, restoration, and preservation projects across California.

Throughout my career, I have pursued opportunities that would inspire others to aim high. In 2019, I joined the Board of Directors of the Latino of Los Angeles (LLCA) and at age 22, became the youngest person and second Latina to serve as Board President of the organization. I continue to serve on the Board of Directors, where I lead fundraising efforts and the endorsement process. My greatest accomplishment has been to use my leadership role with LCLA to pave the way for women and youth to get involved in local politics through mentorship, support, and opportunities. My career will continue to serve as a platform to inspire others to build community and representation.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

I started my career as a young woman of color in politics in 2018 working for the California State Assembly. Following my role with the state, I worked on Elizabeth Warren’s Presidential campaign, Florida State House races, and various nonprofit organizations, including TreePeople, Shared Harvest, and Swing Left. In March 2023, I started a new role as the California Regional Development Coordinator for the National Forest Foundation. In this role, I will be raising funds to support conservation, restoration, and preservation projects across California for the NFF through strategic partnerships and community engagement.

I struggled at the beginning of my career finding alignment and value in my work After exploring a few sectors, the environmental space is where I found my passion and the opportunity to have a positive impact. It took failures, experience, and mentorship to get me to a point of my career where I can measure the impact of my work.

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?

Los Angeles is such a diverse city. My week itinerary would include a little bit of everything that the community and culture has to offer.

Day 1- Hollywood is a must for anyone that has never seen the heart of entertainment or visited the fall of fame.
Day 2- Visit the Angeles National Forest and explore the many recreational activities that it offers: hiking, camping, biking, fishing, etc.
Day 3- Take a class and learn something new. LA has some of the best talented instructors: dance, paint, pilates, yoga, training, etc.
Day 4- Visit Santa Monica and spend a day at the boardwalk and shopping at the Third Street Promenade.
Day 5- Enjoy some of the best Mexican restaurants in East LA.
Day 6 – Social dance in some of LA’s best salsa and bachata clubs.
Day 7 – Last but not least, visit the historic San Fernando Valley. 

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

My parents took a risk to leave their home, family, and business behind to give me the opportunity to experience a different life and succeed in this country. Without their willingness to take a risk, I wouldn’t have pursued a career that gave me the opportunity to change other people’s lives.

I would also like to dedicate my accomplishments to the Latino Coalition of Los Angeles for their trust and the opportunity to lead the organization at such a young age. Serving as Board President gave me a platform to advocate for women, youth, and underserved communities in Los Angeles.

Instagram: Cindysss_

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cindy-villegas-526446174

Facebook: Cindy Crystal Villegas

Other: https://linktr.ee/cindysss

Image Credits
IG @sh8dyone