Her career stretches across capital projects, community development, economic development, parks and recreation, public works, and major cross‑department initiatives — work that has consistently strengthened infrastructure, internal culture, and the teams she leads. She approaches leadership with equity at the center, building resilient teams, mentoring emerging professionals, and fostering human‑centered organizational cultures where people can thrive.

What drives Ariana isn’t just her experience — it’s her lived perspective. In a recent reflection, she shared that many of the conversations she leads are shaped by what it means to be “the first, the only, or one of the few” Latino/a/x leaders in key decision‑making spaces. That awareness informs how she supports members, how she builds community, and why representation is not just important, but essential.

Ariana is also a proud daughter of Chilean parents, whose sacrifices deeply influence her values and the way she shows up in public service. She is bilingual, a lifelong learner, and someone who believes in mentorship and authentic connection — traits that strengthen the coalition she is building across Northern California.

When asked why she serves, her answer says everything:
“I stand on the shoulders of those who came before me… representation matters.”

In her role as President of Unidos NorCal, Ariana leads with intention — ensuring future generations see themselves reflected in leadership and know they belong in the rooms where their communities’ futures are shaped. Her work reminds us that authenticity is a source of strength, community is a catalyst for growth, and our stories are not obstacles — they are powerful assets.

This session was rooted in connection, storytelling, and honest reflection on resilience and career growth — with both Lauren and Rosa lifting up themes that resonated deeply across the room.

Lauren opened the Cafecito by inviting Rosa to share how the two first connected — a story that began with Rosa following her instinct, reaching out after seeing Lauren’s profile, and trusting curiosity.

That single moment of courage created a meaningful relationship and ultimately led to this Cafecito conversation.

This set the tone:
Connections often begin with small, brave steps.

2. Rosa’s Career Journey — Nonlinear, Strategic, Human

Rosa walked through her professional path: dispatch operations, communications, fire service administration, statewide emergency leadership, and now strategic management work.

Her journey wasn’t linear — and that was exactly the point.

3. “Sometimes You Have to Go Left to Go Right”

Rosa shared her personal mantra, one born from lived experience:
Sometimes progress requires detours.

She described moments when she had to pivot, reroute, or shift directions entirely — and how those left turns ultimately led her to the right opportunities.

4. Feeling Stuck, Self‑Esteem Dips, and How to Move Through It

Lauren prompted Rosa to speak about those tough moments when momentum stalls and confidence dips — something many members have privately expressed to Lauren in her President‑Elect role.

Rosa was honest:
Those periods happen to everyone.
They’re uncomfortable, humbling, and often necessary.

Together, Lauren and Rosa emphasized:
You don’t stay stuck. You feel it — and then you move.

5. You’re Not Meant to Walk the Journey Alone

Lauren invited Rosa to talk about the role of community and mentorship in her life — and Rosa emphasized that professional growth is not a solo act.

She shared how reaching out to people, asking for help, and building authentic relationships changed everything for her.

Check Rosa out on Linkedin where this theme echoes in her posts about sisterhood, mentorship, and women lifting one another up.

6. Struggle & Family Roots: Rosa’s Foundation

Rosa reflected on her parents’ immigrant journey — arriving with no English, minimal resources, and maximal perseverance. Their resilience shaped her grit, perspective, and belief in possibility.

During one of the most powerful moments of the Cafecito, Rosa reflected on the difference between professional struggle and the deep, generational struggle that shaped her family’s story.

“What I go through in my career? That’s not hard. What my mom went through to provide for us as an immigrant to this country? That’s hard.”

7. Victimhood vs. Moving Forward

Everyone goes through difficult points in their career, or perhaps, has a difficult experience or work relationship. Together, Lauren and Rosa explored what it means to acknowledge pain without becoming defined by it.

Rosa’s message:
It’s okay to be in your feelings — briefly.
Then you get up, and you get onto your chariot.

This message was one of the most powerful moments of the session.

8. The Giannis Moment vs. the World Cup Moment

Lauren and Rosa had fun with framing the conversation around resilience through sports:

• Lauren referenced a famous post-game interview with NBA player Giannis Antetokounmpo following the Milwaukee Bucks’ playoff elimination in 2023 — redefining failure not as an endpoint, but as a step toward success.
• Rosa brought in a story about Lamine Yamal, a soccer player on FC Barcelona who just won the FIFA Word Cup, reflecting on struggle, grit, and the winds of change that carry people into breakthrough moments.

Using sports or pop‑culture moments is a powerful way to zoom out and see the bigger picture — they help translate complex feelings into something relatable, real, and easier to understand

9. The Importance of Expanding Your Network

One of the strongest takeaways — and something both Lauren and Rosa emphasized — was the importance of intentionally expanding your network.

Rosa encouraged attendees to seek people who:

• Give new perspective
• Offer encouragement
• Challenge assumptions
• Spark growth
• Help you see the bigger picture

Her own career grew because she reached out — and because people reached back.

Final Reflection

This Cafecito was not a presentation. It was a conversation — one shaped by trust between Lauren and Rosa, grounded in honesty, and full of wisdom that resonated with professionals at every stage of their careers.

The key lessons?

• Careers are rarely linear.
• Detours hold direction.
• Struggle builds strength.
• Community is oxygen.
• Perspective changes everything.
• You must move — even when the next step is unclear.

Most importantly:
You don’t go left alone, and you don’t go right alone.
The chariot moves when community pushes together.

We are proud to feature Rosa in our Cafecitos Series!

Step into leadership and help strengthen Latino/a/x representation in local government across Northern California. Unidos NorCal is seeking passionate, committed leaders to join our Board of Directors for the 2027 term. If you’re ready to make an impact, we invite you to apply!

Positions Open

• President-Elect
• Communications Director/Secretary
• Membership Director
• Programs & Events Director

Why Serve?

Board service at Unidos NorCal is more than an administrative role—it’s an invitation into community and a chance to carry forward the values, culture, and lived experience of the Latino/a/x community in public service. We value purposeful representation, transparency, equity, and lived experience as leadership currency.

Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Be employed in a local government jurisdiction within Northern California, or otherwise qualify as an individual member.
• Hold voting member status (Student/Affiliate members are not eligible).
• Demonstrate commitment to Unidos NorCal’s mission and values.

Application Timeline

• Applications Accepted: August 1 – 31, 2026 (may be extended)
• Review & Selection: September – October 2026
• New Board Term Begins: January 1, 2027

How to Apply

Ready to lead? Submit your application online.

If you have questions or need more information, contact President Ariana Adame at president@unidosnorcal.org.