Emily Gonzalez: Blogs

Pillars of Leadership

It's been two weeks since my last post, and I can't believe how quickly time flies! My first week at the office on Capitol Hill came and went. I have adapted to a serious working environment, and networked at receptions with fellow interns. Weekends have been filled visiting memorials, museums, and mentoring events, as well as further developing relationships with my CHCI familia. This past Friday in particular, we met with two Members of Congress who shared their stories to how they got to where they are today. Throughout these discussions, the CHCI pillar of leadership of Coalition Building seemed to resonate deeply with me. First, we met with Congresswoman Judy Chu who discussed the importance of building coalition and finding mentors. One story  she shared with us was about supporting a former opponent who asked to work with her on a campaign. Her decision to accept the offer opened up the opportunity for her to be appointed one of the highest chairs in a council, and eventually lead her to become the first Chinese-American woman to ever be elected to the U.S. Congress. Later that day, we met with Congressman Raul Grijalva, who told us that we are in a transient time of defining ourselves as a nation. Grijalva’s talk made me think about the study of international relations. The constructivist approach to states that a state is defined in terms of other states. Relatively stable role-specific understandings and expectations about one’s self are gained by interacting with social relationships, rules, norms, and practices. He stated to us that it is easy for our communities to get caught up in repetition, and strongly advised us to balance our self-interests with our communities’ interests. There are time where see no capabilities in ourselves. We don't know if or what we can contribute to the bigger picture and to others. It is in these times where we are called to bring forth our whole selves and seek others to help acknowledge what we cannot see to help us feel for ourselves our greatness. In his time, Grijalva stated, differences were either/or policies. Now, he refutes, our differences-whether they be gender, ability, racial, class, sexual, religious –should fuel and contribute to the whole, rather than deter from it. In balanced leadership, we must recognize our strengths and weaknesses. We must acknowledge and utilize what privileges we do have to work so that others can share in that same light. There is strength in numbers. A leader must be ready to spring into action, to network, but most importantly, to build relationships.

First Week in Washington DC

One week down and my heart is full! Last Sunday June 5th, I was getting adjusted to our new home for the summer in Arlington, VA, getting to know my amazing roommates and fellow interns, as well as awaiting for CHCI Orientation. This Sunday June 12th, I find myself buying full groceries for the first time, restlessly wandering about the Metro and D.C. streets with my 30 brothers and sisters, mourning the end of orientation where we shared space altogether, and anxiously preparing for my first day working on Capitol Hill. My first week in DC has been truly incredible, and flying by way too quickly! Orientation week was filled with advice about working on Capitol Hill. Network. Develop and maintain a willing attitude. Listen. Ask questions. Learn and respond positively from failure. Follow your heart. Remember and honor the struggles of those who came before you. Trust yourself and build trust in others. Be early. Stay late. Network. I am so grateful for having the opportunity to meet and hear from former CHCI interns and staff members. Orientation week was also filled with advice and intense discussion on leadership. What does it mean to be a leader? In particular, what does it mean to be a leader and identify as Latino? While there are too many moments that stood out for me, there is one quote by our incredible first Keynote Speaker, Sara Mazano-Diaz, Director of Women’s Bureau Department of Labor that reassures me: “life’s journey is a series of opportunities and how you react to them.” I am becoming more and more cognizant of the extent of opportunities afforded to me as a CHCI leader.Tomorrow I begin my first day as a CHCI Hill intern. I will be fearless and proactive.