Meet the Expert: Linda Contreras

Linda Contreras is an Account Executive at Fenton Communications.

• You just completed Fenton’s fellowship program and started full-time as an Account Executive. Congratulations! How was your experience as a fellow?

Overall, my experience as a fellow was transformative. I had the incredible opportunity to work alongside passionate people at Fenton, each of whom taught me invaluable skills and gave me the space to grow both personally and professionally while building confidence in my work. Through hands-on projects and a collaborative and supportive environment, I developed a robust toolkit of communication skills that I’ve been so grateful to apply in my work with all of our incredible clients.??

• What was the most important lesson you learned during your fellowship??

The most important lesson I learned during my fellowship was the value of collaboration. During my fellowship, I was grateful to work with different teams of incredible people who demonstrated how different perspectives lead to richer ideas and more effective solutions.?

• It’s Latinx Heritage Month —?what do you love/celebrate the most about your Latinx Heritage?

What I love the most about my Latinx Heritage is the resilience and support that exists within our community. Our cultures are so diverse and unique in their own ways, but when we come together, we come together strong! I find it beautiful how in times of need, our community uplifts each other, which is a testament to our strength and to the love that is present between us all.?

• How does your Latinx Heritage inform and empower your journey as a social change communications professional?

My Latinx Heritage provides me with a unique perspective on the importance of representation which has informed my journey as a social change communications professional. At Fenton, I am part of the Language Services Team that is responsible for translation work within the agency. My Latinx Heritage is what guided me to join this incredible team because, as someone who grew up in a Spanish-speaking household, I recognize the importance of providing information to people in the language they’re most comfortable. Information is power, but when we don’t make that information accessible to all people, then we aren’t doing as much as we can. I feel empowered by my heritage to utilize the skills I have to increase representation in what and how we communicate.?

• What is your favorite part about being a member of Fenton’s Hispanic/Latinx employee resource group, Pa’Lante?

My favorite part about being a member of Pa’Lante is the sense of community it fosters within the workplace. Once a month, we’ll have our check-ins that serve as a space to share and celebrate our cultures as well as share how we’re doing individually as people. This group creates a supportive space that I am so lucky to be a part of.

• What social issues are at the forefront of your mind right now?

Reproductive rights and reproductive health care access are definitely at the front of my mind right now. The ongoing changes surrounding these issues deeply concern me, especially given how they disproportionately affect marginalized communities. Access to comprehensive reproductive health care is essential for individual autonomy, health equity and overall well-being. I believe it’s crucial to advocate for policies that support these rights and ensure that everyone has the resources and information they need to make informed choices about their bodies. This is not just a personal issue; it’s a matter of social justice that impacts the fabric of our communities.

• You’re an avid music festival and concert-goer. What has been your favorite performance(s) that you’ve been to recently?

Even though Coachella 2023 happened a bit ago, seeing Bad Bunny as a headliner has been my favorite performance not only recently but of all time. I’ve been a Bad Bunny fan for years and finally seeing him was a dream come true. What made it even better, though, was how important it was to have a Latino artist headline one of the largest music festivals of the year. I felt so much pride to be Latina and seeing how he celebrated his Puerto Rican culture during his performance made me feel empowered to celebrate my Mexican culture the same way.

• What are you passionate about outside of work?

I love traveling! One of my favorite things to experience in life is going somewhere new and immersing myself in the different cultures of the area - especially through the food! Whether it be an international trip like my recent stay in Mexico City or something for just a weekend like San Francisco, I’ll always make sure to find the best community-approved spots for all the things I need to see and taste.?

• What is something people don’t know about you?

People don’t know that I’m a native Spanish speaker! My first language was Spanish, but aside from with family or at local community events, I never actually have the opportunity to speak it so people around me oftentimes don’t know or realize it’s an essential part of who I am.??