CIVIL SOCIETY

James Aldrete is a political communications consultant who is helping diversify the coalition behind today’s progressive victories. Aldrete served as a member of the Obama Media Team in 2008 and 2012, with a specific focus on Hispanic media and engagement. In 2016, he played a similar role for Hillary for America, in addition to producing the campaigns’ general market radio. Aldrete’s firm, known as MAP (short for Message Audience & Presentation, Inc.), has also helped expand awareness and accountability on the issue of immigration reform, working with advocacy groups including FWD.us and SEIU, as well as access to health care and education, working with Planned Parenthood Texas Votes and the Texas State Teachers Association.

Prior to founding MAP, Aldrete served as Deputy Press Secretary to the Ann Richards for Governor Campaign, and as Creative Director for Gold Communications, an Affiliate of Public Strategies, Inc. Aldrete received his Masters of Arts in Speech Communication from the University of Texas at Austin. Additionally, Aldrete volunteers his time serving as the Chair of the Board of Directors for Every Texan, advocating for public policy that supports social justice, Chair of the Advisory Council for UT’s Voces Oral History Center, as well as a member of the Board of Directors for AustinPBS and El Buen Samaritano.