ALMA L. MARQUEZ
Downey,USA
Summary
Strategic and results-driven public affairs professional with extensive experience in government relations, stakeholder engagement, and clean energy initiatives. Skilled in building trusted relationships with elected officials, regulatory agencies, and community leaders to advance policy and infrastructure priorities. Proven ability to develop advocacy strategies, manage cross-functional teams, and deliver clear, persuasive communications that drive consensus and favorable outcomes. Adept at navigating complex issues, mitigating risks, and representing organizations at the highest levels.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Workforce Development Manager
Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems (ARCHES)
02.2025 - Current
- Lead the development and execution of California’s Statewide Hydrogen Workforce Development Strategic Plan, aligning policy, infrastructure, and workforce priorities to support clean energy growth
- Cultivate and maintain high-level relationships with government officials, labor leaders, industry executives, educational institutions, and community stakeholders to build consensus and advance strategic initiatives
- Develop policy content, briefing materials, and reports for executive leadership and external stakeholders; monitor and analyze legislative, regulatory, and infrastructure developments impacting hydrogen and clean energy projects
- Support grant development and funding pursuits at regional and statewide levels, ensuring alignment with workforce and infrastructure goals while mitigating project and reputational risks
- Represent ARCHES at industry events, legislative hearings, and stakeholder convenings to advocate for clean energy workforce objectives and strengthen government and community partnerships
- Collaborate across internal teams to craft advocacy messaging, public-facing communications, and stakeholder education strategies that drive favorable policy and project outcomes
Vice President of Government Relations
Lee Andrews Group
01.2021 - 02.2025
- Led public affairs and government relations projects for major clients including SoCalGas, City of Los Angeles, Metro, and South Coast AQMD, aligning strategies with policy and regulatory priorities
- Built and maintained relationships with government officials, agencies, community leaders, and business coalitions to advance client objectives and secure stakeholder buy-in
- Developed and delivered advocacy strategies, briefing materials, and reports to educate stakeholders, mitigate risks, and support favorable policy outcomes
- Managed cross-functional teams and budgets, ensuring accountability, effective collaboration, and alignment with infrastructure and environmental initiatives
- Represented clients at public hearings, industry conferences, and community forums, serving as a trusted advisor on government relations and public affairs issues
Executive Director
CCAEJ, Center for Community Action and Environmental Justice
12.2021 - 01.2022
- Provided executive leadership to guide regional strategy and expand programs in partnership with Community-Based Organizations (CBOs)
- Directed fundraising and organizational growth and securing essential resources to sustain operations
- Recruited, developed, and led a high-performing team while overseeing daily operations, staff management, and budgets
- Collaborated with the Board of Directors to set policies, drive decision-making, and strengthen organizational governance
- Served as the public face of the organization at events, conferences, and media engagements, building visibility and stakeholder trust
Executive Director
WELL, Water Education for Latino Leaders
01.2019 - 12.2021
- Directed statewide organizational strategy, aligning programs with policy priorities and community needs
- Led transition to independent 501(c)(3) fiduciary agent, establishing governance, compliance, and long-term sustainability
- Developed and executed a fundraising and advocacy plan, securing $175K in 9 months during COVID-19 to support organizational resilience
- Cultivated and maintained relationships with government officials, board members, donors, and community partners to advance organizational objectives and influence policy outcomes
- Provided strategic counsel to the Board of Directors, strengthening engagement in fundraising, advocacy, and stakeholder initiatives
- Cultivated relationships with key stakeholders, such as board members, donors, and community partners
Director of Programs
MECCA, Multi-Ethnic Collaborative of Community Agencies
07.2016 - 01.2019
- Directly responsible for overseeing an Innovative Mental Health Health project nationally recognized and a prevention mental health program for senior citizens with a budget of $1.2 million
- Supervised and direct 20 staff in all capacities to reach contract goals
- Provided successful measurable outcomes on a monthly basis to county staff for programs and submit monthly reports
- Oversaw recruitment, hiring, and onboarding of new program staff members.
- Facilitated staff trainings to enhance skills and knowledge of program implementation best practices.
- Conducted regular team meetings to discuss progress updates, share successes stories or lessons learned from challenges faced during project execution.
- Developed and implemented strategic plans for program growth and improvement.
District Director
CA State Senate, Senator Tony Mendoza
12.2014 - 07.2016
- Supervise and direct over ten district staff in all capacities representing approximately one million residents in Los Angeles and Orange County
- Meet with stakeholder groups on a daily basis and advise Senator on multi-issue legislation with an emphasis on healthcare and education
- Establish and develop positive working relationships with community advocate organizations, business groups, and government agencies
- Spearhead communications and strategy plan for Senator including organizing annual community events throughout the district. Fostered a positive work environment by promoting teamwork, open communication, and recognition of achievements.
Senior District Representative
CA State Senate, Senator Roderick D. Wright
12.2008 - 12.2014
- Organized community events to meet Senator's goals and objectives such as legislative summits, town halls, business seminars, and hearings on a yearly basis
- Organized community events to meet Senator's goals and objectives such as legislative summits, town halls, business seminars, and hearings on a yearly basis
- Organized an annual health back to school fair and holiday celebration serving over m event for over 1,500 families.
- Provided excellent constituent services on a daily basis.
District Representative
CA State Senate, Betty Karnette, Assemblywoman
03.2005 - 12.2008
- Represented the Assemblywoman at various public events and provide legislative updates
- Prepared all media outreach efforts that included talking points, media kits, press releases, editorials, and weekly reports
- Successful at publishing editorials in the local print newspapers
- Became the State Coordinator for the National Council of State Legislators (NCSL) Back to School Program to encourage legislators to visit classrooms, promote civic engagement
- Organized events to meet Assemblywoman's goals and objectives with 100 percent resident participation.
Education
Undergraduate courses - Journalism
Irvine Valley College
Bachelor of Arts - English Literature
University of California, Irvine
06.1999
Skills
- Government & Stakeholder Relations
- Public Affairs & Advocacy Strategy
- Partnership Development
- Policy & Issue Analysis
- Strategic Planning & Execution
- Crisis & Reputation Management
- Public Speaking & Representation
- Program & Project Management
Certification
- Paraprofessional Training, Santa Ana College
- Conflict Resolution and Mediation Management State Certified
- CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) Certified
- California State Legislative Ethics Training
LANGUAGE
Spanish Fluent
Timeline
Workforce Development Manager
Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems (ARCHES)
02.2025 - Current
Executive Director
CCAEJ, Center for Community Action and Environmental Justice
12.2021 - 01.2022
Vice President of Government Relations
Lee Andrews Group
01.2021 - 02.2025
Executive Director
WELL, Water Education for Latino Leaders
01.2019 - 12.2021
Director of Programs
MECCA, Multi-Ethnic Collaborative of Community Agencies
07.2016 - 01.2019
District Director
CA State Senate, Senator Tony Mendoza
12.2014 - 07.2016
Senior District Representative
CA State Senate, Senator Roderick D. Wright
12.2008 - 12.2014
District Representative
CA State Senate, Betty Karnette, Assemblywoman
03.2005 - 12.2008
Bachelor of Arts - English Literature
University of California, Irvine
Undergraduate courses - Journalism
Irvine Valley College
Technical Skills
Technical Skills
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
- Google Docs & Google Sheets
- Adobe Creative Suite
- Database & CRM Management
- Email Marketing & Communications Platforms
- Social Media Tools
- Policy & Legislative Tracking Tools
- Box (Cloud Collaboration & File Management)
Similar Profiles
Brenda CrookBrenda Crook
Protective Force Officer II / Laboratory Protection at National Renewable Energy Laboratory/ Alliance for Sustainable EnergyProtective Force Officer II / Laboratory Protection at National Renewable Energy Laboratory/ Alliance for Sustainable Energy
Nathan ButschNathan Butsch
Program Coordinator at ArchesProgram Coordinator at Arches
Cheryl HillCheryl Hill
Special Ed Teacher at ArchesSpecial Ed Teacher at Arches
April Erlene LinoApril Erlene Lino
Mechanical Technician 3 at Northrop GrummanMechanical Technician 3 at Northrop Grumman
Yasmin HarbYasmin Harb
Credentialing Specialist III at Aya HealthcareCredentialing Specialist III at Aya Healthcare