AUSTIN, TEXAS — Today, Gloria Gonzales-Dholakia was named the new Executive Director of Jolt Action and Jolt Initiative. An educational and political leader in the Central Texas community, Gonzales-Dholakia will continue the organizations’ work harnessing the power of young Latinos to transform the Texas political landscape.
Gonzales-Dholakia joins Jolt after serving as Executive Director of the Hanger Foundation, where she tripled the Foundation’s revenue and developed a new scholarship program for students of color entering the orthotic and prosthetic fields. She is the first Latina to be elected as a school board trustee for the Leander Independent School District and has served as an Austin City Council District 6 Ambassador, Executive Director of the Leander ISD Educational Foundation, and adjunct faculty member at St. Edward’s University and Concordia University.
Jolt Action and Jolt Initiative are the largest Latino progressive organization in Texas. As Executive Director, Gonzales-Dholakia will spearhead the Jolt Action and Jolt Initiative organizations as they continue building the collective voice, power, and influence of young Latinos across the Lone Star State.
“I am excited to join Jolt at such a critical time in Texas politics,” said Gonzales-Dholakia. “By empowering young Latinos to recognize the power of their voice and their vote, Jolt will transform Texas.”
“Gloria has the experience and vision needed to lead Jolt as we continue with our mission to increase civic participation within the Latino community,” said Elsa Iris Reyes, Jolt Action Board Chair. “Her story shows the impact that increased civic engagement can have, both on an individual and their community.”
Ricardo Rangel, Board Chair of Jolt Initiative, said, “With Gloria’s leadership, Jolt will continue to harness the culture of the Latinx community to create power and transform the political landscape of Texas. We’re excited to work with Gloria to advance Jolt’s mission and vision.”
Jolt Action and Jolt Initiative are known for various innovative digital programs, including the Levantate Leadership Institute, an advocacy training program focused on digital organizing and mobilization, and Poder Quince, a modern spin on a cultural tradition where young Latinas honor their family by pledging to defend them through civic participation.
Jolt Founder Cristina Tzintzún Ramirez noted that the appointment of Gonzales-Dholakia marks a transformative moment in Jolt’s history.
“I am so excited for this next chapter in Jolt’s growth,” Tzintzún Ramirez said. “Gloria brings a wealth of knowledge that will help Jolt continue to mobilize young Latinos to action across Texas.”
Gonzales-Dholakia has a Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Austin. She will begin her role with Jolt on Monday, March 29.
ABOUT JOLT ACTION
Founded in 2016, Jolt Action is a progressive civic engagement organization focused on building the political power and influence of young Latinos in Texas. Jolt Action’s initiatives are focused on community organizing, leadership development, voter engagement, and multi-issue advocacy. Through these efforts, Jolt Action serves to elevate the community’s collective voice to engage and transform our democracy. Jolt’s high school and university chapters across the state mobilize around issues such as student debt, racial and immigrant justice, healthcare reform, and climate change. To learn more, visit jolttx.org.
ABOUT JOLT INITIATIVE
Jolt Initiative is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization founded in 2016 focused on increasing civic engagement and participation among young Latinos in Texas. Annually, nearly 210,000 Latinos already living in Texas will turn 18 years of age. Of this group, 95 percent are U.S. citizens and will become eligible to vote in local, state, and national elections.1 Jolt Initiative’s work consists of community organizing, leadership development, voter engagement, and multi-issue advocacy. Through these efforts, Jolt Initiative serves to propel political participation and leadership among young Latinos as they engage on the issues that matter to them. To learn more, visit joltinitiative.org.