Season 2, Episode 3 of Embracing Your Voice Podcast, “Changing the Business of Politics by Starting a Business with Alicia Sisneros,” dives into the inspiring journey of Alicia Sisneros, founder of Sisneros Strategies. Alicia’s Latina-owned consulting firm specializes in direct mail and field strategy, focusing on amplifying diverse political voices. Listen to the full episode here.
Alicia’s story is one of determination, authenticity, and resilience. She grew up in a union family in the Southwest and was inspired by her experiences volunteering for her uncle’s campaigns in New Mexico. Despite systemic barriers and limited representation, Alicia pursued a degree in political science and worked tirelessly to carve her path in politics. Her career spanned roles in legislative offices, consulting firms, and organizing campaigns before she founded her firm in 2019.
Building Sisneros Strategies: A Latina-Owned Consulting Firm
After facing challenges in traditional consulting firms, Alicia created a business that reflected her values: integrity, diversity, and inclusion. Sisneros Strategies provides political consulting focusing on cultural competency, particularly for underrepresented communities. Alicia’s work includes award-winning direct mail campaigns and grassroots strategies, from local school boards to congressional races.
Her firm also redefines workplace culture, offering flexible schedules and upward mobility for employees, many of whom are working mothers. This progressive approach ensures her team is diverse and supported, creating a sustainable professional and personal growth environment.
Overcoming Challenges and Redefining Success
Alicia’s decision to start her own business was driven by necessity and passion. With two young children and limited family support, she embraced the challenge of balancing motherhood with entrepreneurship. Networking became her lifeline; countless coffees and meetings helped her build relationships, ultimately leading to her first clients.
The pandemic in 2020 also leveled the playing field, making remote connections more acceptable and enabling her firm to thrive without the traditional barriers of in-person politics. She shares that it wasn’t just about surviving but creating a space where authenticity could flourish.
Empowering Women of Color in Politics
Alicia’s journey highlights the need for more women of color in leadership and decision-making roles. She now mentors others, ensuring they have the support she lacked early in her career. Her firm’s ethos is centered on helping candidates and clients embrace their identities as strengths, proving that authenticity is a powerful tool in leadership and advocacy.
Her advice for those navigating similar challenges is to define success on your terms, spend your energy wisely, and focus on what aligns with your values.
Key Resources and Links
Join Alicia in her mission to create a more inclusive political landscape. Her story reminds us that success doesn’t come from fitting into outdated molds but from breaking them entirely.
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