Vanessa Cardenas

President at CardenasStrategies LLC, Senior Advisor at League of United Latin American Citizens

Vanessa Cárdenas is a seasoned political strategist and policy expert on issues related to Latino political participation, immigration, demographic change, political communication, and women’s political empowerment. She is the President of CárdenasStrategies, LLC and Senior Advisor at the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC).

Vanessa has had the privilege of working with some of the most renowned progressive organizations. Most recently she was the National Coalitions Director at the Biden presidential campaign where she oversaw its constituency work. Prior to this, she held various roles at EMILY’s List, a political action committee (PAC) that helps elect pro-choice Democratic women. She also led “Climático” at the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) where she supported efforts towards a global climate agreement. Vanessa also served in various roles at the Center for American Progress (CAP) including Director for Ethnic Media and later Vice President for Progress 2050, a project focused on the implications of demographic change. Vanessa’s first job in DC was with the National Immigration Forum where she joined local and national allies in the struggle for a fair and just immigration system.

Panel Information

Saturday, December 5

1:10 PM EST

The Future is Female … One Nation United

32 million Latinos were eligible to vote in 2020, and they were a key factor in the outcome of the presidential election. Latinas drive household decisions and affect who shows up to the polls in their communities. This conversation will address the key role Latinas had in the presidential elections and what issues drove Latinas to the poll such as affordable and quality healthcare, immigration, and the economy. This panel will also address the growing number of Latinas running for office and participation in elections.