Julie Chávez Rodríguez: A Legacy of Organizing, Leadership, and Service

By Richard Sandoval | Hispanic Lifestyle

When you hear the name Julie Chávez Rodríguez, it immediately evokes a legacy of leadership, service, and unwavering commitment to uplifting communities of color. As a seasoned political strategist and organizer, Julie has spent her career building bridges between government and the people, empowering communities to lead, and ensuring their voices are not only heard but shape the future.

From Grassroots to the National Stage

Julie most recently served as Campaign Manager for the re-election campaign of Vice President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden a historic effort that mobilized more than 3,000 staff across seven battleground states. Before stepping into this pivotal national role, she served as Senior Advisor to the President and Director of Intergovernmental Affairs, maintaining direct relationships with governors, mayors, legislators, and local leaders across the United States and its territories.

Her leadership during the 2020 presidential campaign as Deputy Campaign Manager was instrumental in shaping the political, coalition, and surrogate strategy that helped drive voter engagement and turnout nationwide. This work built upon years of strategic leadership and organizing in California and Washington, D.C.

Building Power in Communities

Julie’s deep connection to California is reflected in her work as State Director and Senior Adviser to then Senator Kamala Harris. Under her leadership, she established five district offices, built a diverse staff of constituent service representatives, and advanced key initiatives, including rapid immigration response, tackling Black maternal mortality rates, and supporting re-entry and local hire programs.

Her ability to forge powerful alliances with labor and community organizations such as Service Employees International Union, UNITE HERE, Indivisible, and Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA) reflects her deep belief in collective action and shared purpose.

A Decade in the White House

Before returning to California, Julie spent nearly a decade in Washington, D.C., serving in The White House under President Barack Obama. As Special Assistant and Senior Deputy Director of Public Engagement, she built lasting coalitions around critical issues like DACA implementation, ACA enrollment, veteran affairs, and gun violence prevention. She led a team of liaisons overseeing outreach to Latino, AAPI, LGBT, veteran, youth, and labor communities ensuring the Administration’s agenda reflected the diversity of the nation.

Julie also served as Deputy Press Secretary at the United States Department of the Interior, where she supported national communications on conservation efforts, including work around the National Museum of the American Latino Commission and the BP Oil Spill response.

Rooted in the Movement

Julie’s commitment to public service began on the front lines of the labor movement. She received her first organizing training during the United Farm Workers strawberry campaign in the late 1990s and went on to serve as Programs Director for the Cesar E. Chavez Foundation. There, she partnered with the State of California, school districts across 10 states, and higher education institutions to develop youth engagement and community service programs that continue to inspire future leaders.

Julie Chávez Rodríguez’s story is more than a résumé it’s a testament to the power of organizing, strategic leadership, and a lifelong commitment to advancing equity and justice. Her journey continues to inspire a new generation of leaders determined to shape a better future.