Name: Eduardo Bocanegra

Title: Donor Cultivation Assistant

Hometown: Stockton, California

Time at the DNC: 1 year

Today is my birthday!

Tell us about what brings you to this work and your path to working in politics.

I was entering my first year of high school when Donald Trump announced his 2016 campaign, and I remember the pain and sadness I felt when he attacked Mexican immigrants during his campaign launch speech. As the son of two Mexican immigrants who came to this country with very little and worked hard to establish their lives in the United States, I took offense to the hateful rhetoric Trump used then and continues to use to this day. Since then, I knew I wanted to make it my life's work to ensure candidates who will uplift and protect my community win their elections, which brought me to the DNC! We must reelect President Biden and Vice President Harris -- two extraordinary champions who have worked tirelessly to advocate for fairer immigration laws and who have amplified the positive impact immigrants continue to have on our country.

What is your role at the DNC? What does a typical day look like for you?

As the Donor Cultivation Assistant, I have the privilege of interacting with our incredible grassroots donors every day. Whether I’m prepping DNC leadership to do call time with grassroots donors, sending out text messages to thank new donors or new sustaining donors, or crafting new ways to engage with our donor base, I spend lots of time thinking of ways to support our donors who make our work possible.

What makes you, you?

My sense of optimism is a characteristic that has defined me since I was very young. My faith has taught me to look for the good in any situation, a virtue I have learned to appreciate as I navigate my life. In most situations, there is something good we can gain -- it's just a matter of time and faith.

If you could give advice to folks interested in starting their career in politics, what would you tell them?

Stay true to yourself, and never forget where you came from! I’ve learned the best work comes from our honest and authentic selves. Sometimes, there is pressure to assimilate into what many think is a typical political staffer, but there is no value in leaving behind the community or characteristics that shape us. The diversity in backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives strengthens our movement and helps us learn from each other.

In the fast-paced world of politics, how do you stay grounded?

I am blessed to be very close to my family, even when they all live across the country in California! I cherish our good morning texts and the endless flow of pictures of my nieces and nephews, which remind me of the futures the DNC is fighting to protect. I am also lucky to have an incredible group of friends and coworkers who have become my chosen family and who are there to support and uplift me in this fast-paced industry.