Andrés Jiménez is a passionate public service advocate who has worked across multiple issues, including immigration, environmental conservation, consumer affairs, homeland security, and technology. As a Latino, he champions the needs of our community in spaces where we have not had a voice in the past. Nowadays, he focuses on environmental issues that disproportionately affect the members of our Latino community.
Andrés was born in Bogotá, Colombia, and moved with his family to West Virginia when he was a child. There, Andrés did not grow up among Hispanics or people that looked and talked like him, but his family found work opportunities there. Now his parents retired in Colombia, and Andrés goes back to visit his family and friends. He feels connected to his Latino roots and works to help out others like him with a fellowship to help different minorities, including Colombians.
After attending DePaul University in Chicago and obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in political science, he moved to the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, where he has worked since 2007. He started as a congressional intern for U.S. Representative Howard Berman (CA) and then served as a staff assistant to U.S. Representative Linda Sánchez (CA). He then dedicated 2.5 years to the Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law for the U.S. House of Representatives.
In 2010, Andrés became a legislative representative to the Office of Federal Affairs, representing the City of New York. Often the only Latino representative, he was the Capitol Hill liaison for all Immigration, Housing, Homeland Security, Consumer Affairs, and Science and Technology issues. For almost four years, he built coalitions, ensured members representing New York understood legislative actions and identified opportunities to further city goals, and educated Congress and the Administration on a wide range of issues.
Now he is the Senior Director of Government Affairs at Citizens’ Climate Lobby (CCL). Among his responsibilities, he is the primary policy point person for grassroots advocacy organization of 200,000+ volunteers focused on climate change and helps grow the Climate Solution Caucus by fostering interest among both Republican and Democratic House offices.
When we talked to Andrés, we asked him how he stays motivated while working on this pressing issue that is often disregarded. He told IQ Latino that though there are moments when the problem of climate change can seem doom and gloom, he knows nothing will improve if he does not act on it. Therefore, he puts a lot of work into the legislation messaging to find a bipartisan solution through the CCL. Also, he knows that his actions will improve the day-to-day quality of life for low-income communities and minorities. These groups are the most vulnerable. For example, they live in areas with poor air quality and will have more trouble moving if they are affected by seawater levels rising.
Throughout his trajectory, Andrés has experienced the benefits of having diversity in spaces influencing policies. He started a three-month fellowship program at CCL designed to increase diversity in climate change leadership and connect as many people with opportunities to conduct research and build significant relationships. When beginning this program, Andrés insisted on being a paid position to extend this opportunity to those who cannot afford to work for free (most minorities).
After spending twenty years behind the scenes in politics, Andrés ran in the Democratic Primary for Virginia’s 38th House of Delegates District (part of Fairfax County). During his six-month-long campaign, he secured endorsements from over a dozen labor unions and immigrant and environmental advocacy groups. He also built a large network of support among elected officials and community activists in the Northern Virginia area. Ultimately, he was not elected.
Finally, Andrés offered us advice for fellow Latinos who are interested in activism. “Find out what your passion is and look for the right organization.” There are many great causes and organizations, but it is important to discern which one is the right fit for you, given your abilities and talents. And remember, if you get overwhelmed while fighting for your ideals, “think about the impact, volunteers, and community” to stay motivated.
To follow Andrés’s work, check out his website and follow him on Twitter. He also recently wrote an op-ed suggesting we can combat both COVID-19 and climate change crises with the same solution: “investment in sustainable energy jobs to put Americans back to work while improving air quality and health.”