Career Service Event

This afternoon I attended the first “Meet the Chiefs Speaker Series” event located at ASU’s Downtown campus. Professor Gonsher has put together 3 of these events that will happen in the next few weeks. Each event will feature an individual who is currently working as a Chief of Staff and/or Policy Advisor for an elected official in Arizona. Also, pizza and drinks are provided! :)

The speaker from this afternoon was Luis Heredia, District Director for U.S. Congressman Ruben Gallego. If you have even been to the UCENT building at the Downtown Campus, U.S. Congressman Gallego’s office is located right across from the MidFirst bank on the first floor.

Mr. Heredia started his presentation by giving an overview of how he first got involved with politics and discussed highlights of his resume. His previous employment included Executive Director of the Arizona Democratic Party, Public Affairs Director for Union Pacific Railroad Company and Community Relations Director for Congressman Raul Grijalva. Mr. Heredita spoke about his hard working immigrant family and how that aspect of his life has made him more economically aware.  

The part that I enjoyed most about this presentation was the part where students were able to ask Mr. Heredia questions. It appeared that the students who attended the event had an interest in politics and might want to purpose a career in politics. One of the questions was regarding the very low voter turn-out rates for District 7. Mr. Heredia stated that his district the third poorest district in the entire country and that more than 50 percent of the resident rent the home they live in. He explained that it is more difficult for his constituents to remember to update their voter registration cards each time they vote and that may attribute to the low voter turn-outs.