Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Bethzaida Olivera Vazquez

Lutz,Florida

Summary

Persistent leader eager to lead and grow organizations. Skilled in strategic planning, problem-solving, stakeholder relations, and communications with a good understanding of business principles, project management, and team leadership. Collaborative with a relentless work ethic and dedicated to building and leading talented and motivated individuals.

Overview

17
17
years of professional experience

Work History

Senior Associate

Clean Energy Works
09.2023 - 03.2024
  • Monitored regulatory filings, legislative actions,and other sources for policy developments related to clean energy and financing options
  • Cultivated strong relationships to enhance the organization's position in the clean energy industry and CBO's space.
  • Led problem-solving sessions using analytical and creative techniques to reach compelling results and create solutions and strategies to be implemented across departments.
  • Supported strategic growth objectives for risk management and operational efficiency angles.
  • Analyzed and identified gaps in policies and procedures for continuous process improvement.
  • Learned and applied new skills and procedures readily, adapting to changing work environments.
  • Contributed to positive brand image by upholding company policies and procedures.
  • Resolved administrative and logistical issues promptly and professionally.
  • Played a key role in driving business growth by identifying potential areas of expansion and presenting strategic recommendations to senior leadership.

National Director of Policy and Legislation

League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC)
04.2023 - 07.2023
  • Managed the League's state and federal legislative programs, including employees and consultants
  • Developed and led comprehensive community engagement programs involving key stakeholders while strengthening relationships based on information sharing and collaboration.
  • Monitored and identified relevant federal, state, and local policies, preparing appropriate policy analysis
  • Analyzed white papers, laws, publications, briefs, and case studies, monitoring proposed policy efforts at local, state, and federal levels impacting the organization's policy agenda and membership.
  • Reviewed and/or recommended the policy agenda.
  • Provided regular updates through reports and presentations to the National Board and other stakeholders.
  • Oversaw talent acquisition efforts, attracting top industry professionals and contributing to the growth of a highly skilled workforce.
  • Established effective communication channels within the organization, promoting transparency and timely information sharing among team members.

Policy & Advocacy Director

Florida Conservation Voters
04.2022 - 04.2023


  • Directed, managed, and conducted all aspects of a state legislative and administrative advocacy program, including lobbying to members of the Florida Legislature and administrative agencies.
  • Developed and cultivated relationships with administration officials and their senior staff from key agencies and offices to advocate for legislation aligned with FCV's priorities.
  • Developed and delivered training programs to empower volunteer advocates, boosting their skills and confidence in representing the organization''s mission.
  • Influenced legislation favorable to the organization''s mission by providing testimony at public hearings or submitting written comments during regulatory processes.
  • Maintained thorough knowledge of current political trends and developments by conducting ongoing research and attending relevant conferences or workshops.
  • Managed a diverse team of staff members, interns, and volunteers, fostering a collaborative work environment that maximized productivity.
  • Spearheaded successful lobbying campaigns by coordinating targeted outreach efforts to policymakers and influencers.
  • Navigated complex political landscapes effectively using diplomacy skills when working with diverse stakeholders and decision makers.
  • Secured additional funding for the organization through successful grant applications and fundraising initiatives.

Technical Information Specialist

Congressional Research Service
09.2021 - 03.2022
  • Identified legislative priorities and established strategic plans to address such bills efficiently and in an expedited manner
  • Applied extensive specialized knowledge in one or more subject fields (e.g
  • Criminal law, environmental law and regulations, international law, equity and inclusion, etc.) and comprehensive knowledge of the operations, rules, procedures, and organization of the United States Congress to the analysis of Federal legislation
  • Wrote official digests and other authoritative documents based on federal legislation in one or more subjects or fields.
  • Researched and analyzed information into briefing papers, reports and project papers.
  • Maintained historical records by documenting system changes and revisions.
  • Served as a subject matter expert in information science, providing consultation services to other departments and participating in cross-functional projects as needed.

Community Organizer

CHISPA Florida Conservation Voters
07.2021 - 09.2021
  • Developed skills training in diverse areas, including diversity, inclusivity and social justice to community organizers
  • Actively participated in Civic Engagement Tables/State Voices, as a thought leader and part of the organizing network within Florida.
  • Built strong bonds with local cultural organizations by respecting unique differences and specific societal norms.
  • Collaborated with community organizations in other regions to support state-wide and national outreach initiatives.
  • Participated in strategy development and planning to grow organizing program and advance campaigns.
  • Wrote and distributed informational papers, gave out representative contact information and educated community members about specific issues.

Legislative Analyst

Office of Legislative Services (OLS)
01.2010 - 03.2013
  • Coordinated the cabinet departments' responses to specific issues in the Puerto Rico Legislature that were referred to OLS
  • Coordinated the attendance and participation of the cabinet secretaries and legislative leadership to the Legislative Academy and continued legal education
  • Researched, monitored, reviewed and drafted bills, resolutions, and amendments to be introduced in the Puerto Rico State Legislature
  • Wrote legislative materials and legal opinions on Puerto Rico legislation.
  • Supported informed decision-making for policymakers with accurate data collection and interpretation.
  • Conducted comparative analyses of similar legislation in other jurisdictions to identify best practices for implementation.
  • Contributed to effective policymaking by facilitating dialogue between legislators, interest groups, and constituents.
  • Improved transparency in government proceedings by monitoring and reporting on committee meetings and hearings.

Executive Assistant to the Mayor

City of Bayamon
08.2009 - 01.2010
  • Served as a liaison between cabinet members, state agencies, city council and the Mayor's office to assure responsiveness in issues affecting the city
  • Provided advice and research services to the Mayor in matters such as legislative process, government operations and business.
  • Handled confidential and sensitive information with discretion and tact.
  • Supported executives in decision-making processes by conducting research and presenting findings in clear formats.
  • Collaborated on special projects to improve overall business operations within the organization efficiently.

Legislative Counsel to the Speaker

Office of the Speaker, Puerto Rico House of Representatives
06.2007 - 12.2008
  • Communicated regularly with intergovernmental offices outside the Legislative Branch informing them of the Speaker's position relevant to their concerns
  • Managed the House Judiciary and Public Safety Committee with approximately 12 members and 10 employees, resulting in the analysis and approval of 90% of the bills and resolutions in the Legislative agenda for the committee
  • Drafted bills, policy papers and resolutions for the approval of the Puerto Rico State Legislature, leading to substantial reforms in public safety such as establishing a Capitol District police unit
  • Served as a communicator between city governments and the Speaker's office.
  • Enhanced bill drafting efficiency with thorough legal reviews and timely revisions.
  • Managed the process of bill amendments, maintaining accuracy and clarity for easy comprehension by all parties involved.
  • Coordinated public hearings to gather input from citizens and experts alike, prioritizing transparency in policymaking processes.
  • Mitigated risks associated with new legislation by conducting thorough risk assessments prior to implementation.

Education

Juris Doctor -

InterAmerican University School of Law
06.2006

Bachelor of Humanities - Interdisciplinary Studies and Pre-Law

University of Puerto Rico
05.2002

Skills

  • Community Engagement
  • Coalition Building
  • Grassroots engagement
  • Public Policy Advocacy
  • Legislative Procedures and Techniques
  • Legislative Writing
  • Public Policy Analysis
  • Team Leadership
  • Training and mentoring
  • Decision-Making
  • Strategic Planning
  • Writing
  • Metrics Analysis
  • Project Management
  • Performance monitoring
  • Team Supervision

Timeline

Senior Associate

Clean Energy Works
09.2023 - 03.2024

National Director of Policy and Legislation

League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC)
04.2023 - 07.2023

Policy & Advocacy Director

Florida Conservation Voters
04.2022 - 04.2023

Technical Information Specialist

Congressional Research Service
09.2021 - 03.2022

Community Organizer

CHISPA Florida Conservation Voters
07.2021 - 09.2021

Legislative Analyst

Office of Legislative Services (OLS)
01.2010 - 03.2013

Executive Assistant to the Mayor

City of Bayamon
08.2009 - 01.2010

Legislative Counsel to the Speaker

Office of the Speaker, Puerto Rico House of Representatives
06.2007 - 12.2008

Juris Doctor -

InterAmerican University School of Law

Bachelor of Humanities - Interdisciplinary Studies and Pre-Law

University of Puerto Rico
Bethzaida Olivera Vazquez