Women’s Public Leadership Network (WPLN) is excited to continue our podcast series, “Tips From The Trail,” hosted by WPLN Founder & President Larissa Martinez, where we explore the path to political office, from the decision to run to election day.
In our latest episode, we're joined by Sandra Benitez: Executive Director for the LIBRE Initiative, sponsor of WPLN's 2025 National Summit. With over a decade of experience in various policy, advocacy, and political campaign roles, Sandra specializes in targeting the rapidly growing US Hispanic electorate. Of all the roles Sandra has served in, her work at the LIBRE Initiative has been the most fulfilling. "One thing I'm proud of is being able to show up for the Hispanic community," Sandra said.
Check out insights from Larissa’s conversation with Sandra below!
Building The Team
Behind every successful campaign is a dedicated team, working together to create the best path to victory. From fundraising to scheduling to community outreach, each role plays a critical part in a campaign’s success. A few essential roles to consider when building your team are:
Fundraiser - This role is non-negotiable for campaign success. Sandra emphasized, "If I had to choose one staffer you have to hire, it's the fundraiser."
Scheduler - Keep costs manageable by considering a college intern, friend, or family member for this organizational role.
Campaign Manager - Look for someone who knows the community well and can navigate local political dynamics.
Compliance Officer - Essential to ensure your campaign stays within legal boundaries from day one.
"Body Person" - Often filled by a volunteer or family member, this person handles driving to events, fielding phone calls, and providing general campaign support.
Communications - Consider whether you need dedicated staff here or if you're comfortable handling your own messaging and media interactions.
Hiring The Team
Sandra shared that the number one thing she looks for when hiring for a campaign is integrity. "If someone on your team doesn't have integrity, it puts the candidate at risk." Look for individuals who will uphold your brand and values. You want team members who have a can-do attitude and are willing to troubleshoot, innovate, and wear multiple hats. Most campaign hiring is reference-based—use your network of friends, colleagues, and party contacts to evaluate potential staff members' experience and character.
Leading The Team
Sandra emphasized that the campaign is a reflection of you—the candidate sets the culture of the team. Successful campaigns require candidates who trust their teams, empower staff to do their jobs, and provide strong leadership throughout the process.
Check out the full episode on Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts!
To learn more about the LIBRE Initiative, visit belibre.org.
ABOUT THE GUEST
Sandra Benitez is the Executive Director for the LIBRE Initiative, she previously served at LIBRE from 2015-2016. With over a decade of experience in various policy, advocacy, and political campaign roles, Sandra specializes in targeting the rapidly growing US Hispanic electorate.
Her experience includes leading Hispanic outreach efforts as Executive Director of the U.S. Hispanic Vote during the 2020 presidential reelection campaign and serving as the Director of Hispanic Engagement at the Republican National Committee (RNC) during the 2018 midterm elections.
Prior to these roles, Sandra served as the Director of Government Affairs and Policy at the US Hispanic Chamber of Commerce where she advocated on behalf of 4.7M Hispanic small businesses. She also served as the Director of Client Strategy at Targeted Victory and as Deputy Political Director for the NJGOP. Sandra began her career in 2013 as the Director of Hispanic Initiatives for the RNC in NJ, securing 51% of the Hispanic vote for Governor Chris Christie’s reelection campaign.
Sandra holds a BA in Political Science from Ramapo College of New Jersey and resides in Arlington, VA.