CHLI Alumna, Sol Ortega on Launching Her Career on Capitol Hill
Name: Sol Ortega
Title: Deputy Director of Engagement
Company: Minority Leader Senator Chuck Schumer (NY)
Current Location: Washington, D.C
Global Leaders Program: 2017
How did your CHLI internship play a role in helping you get where you are now?
CHLI launched my career on Capitol Hill. I originally applied for a similar program in the Fall of 2016 and after receiving a rejection letter, I didn't think I would make it to Washington, D.C. I found CHLI a few weeks after thanks to a college friend and CHLI's deadline extension. I'm extremely grateful that CHLI saw something in me and granted me the opportunity to come to D.C. Once here, CHLI placed me in the office of my Congressional representative, CHLI Board Member, Congressman Darren Soto (FL-09). Once I completed my internship, I was offered my first job on Capitol Hill.
What does a day on the Hill typically look like for you? How has it changed during this pandemic?
My job is primarily to inform national advocacy organizations of the work that we are doing in the Senate and vice versa, so a typical day at work involves a lot of meetings and emails. Each organization operates a little differently so we adapt to their needs on a day-to-day basis. Now, during this pandemic, all of this has been on hyperdrive. There are a lot of moving pieces, so it's a matter of managing without letting anything slip into the cracks. Nothing unusual when legislation is moving in either chamber, but due to the magnitude of the pandemic and the limitations of working from home, we have to take extra care in ensuring the right information is being reported.
What do you note as the biggest difference between working on the Congressional side versus the Senate? Do you find one more challenging than the other?
The biggest difference for me is the number of people I work with and the difference in the constituency we serve. While working in the House of Representatives, it was a personal office - meaning we were providing direct services to a very specific district in Florida. Most of our goals and framework were designed to benefit our constituents in the district or in the Central Florida area. Now, in a leadership office, my role is nationwide. From a personal office to a leadership office the amount of staff is also significantly bigger. Before I worked with a D.C. team of eight and now I work with a D.C. team of minimum, 50 people. It was tough to get accustomed to this at first, but it's been extremely interesting to learn a new dynamic.
Speak up and ask for what you want, respectfully and humbly, because even well-intentioned people can’t help you if they don't know what you need.
Life on the Hill can be difficult and I am sure at times working past your designated work hours is vital. Do you have any tips you can share that helps you balance it?
I am thankful for having a very understanding supervisor. We often talk about how we can balance the workload, to ensure we are providing the best services we can.
My advice is to note the workflow of your office and the goals that you plan to achieve.
Be mindful of your work habits and the time you need to complete each project/assignment.
Find gaps within the week where you can take advantage of it by either working an extra couple hours on Monday, but leaving early on Tuesday. Maybe even working overtime Monday-Thursday and teleworking on Fridays.
If you're not productive working non-stop for long periods, then evaluate your week the same way, but take advantage of the gaps within your days.
Regardless, I think the key is having that communication with your supervisor. Get to know your supervisor's personality and set those boundaries early on. If you are completing and excelling at your tasks promptly, and are available and flexible in case of emergencies you should be able to find ways to balance your workload and have your supervisor encourage it.
What advice would you give to someone who is pursuing a similar career route?
Learn from everyone around you! Working in Congress is such a special privilege, there are so many young/senior professionals from all walks of life that can provide insight into your work and goals. Be open-minded to all the different opportunities out there and grow your skillset through every position. Lastly, speak up and ask for what you want, respectfully and humbly, because even well-intentioned people cannot help you if they don't know what you are looking for.
Where can we connect with you?
FUN FACTS
Favorite D.C. spot? Firehook Bakery
Song helping you get through your quarantine? Rojo by J Balvin
If you could grab coffee with any person, who would it be and why? Ai-Jen Poo, Director of National Domestic Workers Alliance. She seems like such a kind soul and I would love to learn from her about her leadership style and what she sees to be the future of the movement.