Maria Tolentino

Director of Programs @Jolt Initiative

Houston, TX, US

Senior Organizer & Leadership Development StrategistLed statewide efforts to build Latino political power across Texas through grassroots organizing, leadership development and recruitment, civic education, and member engagement. Focused on long-term infrastructure and movement sustainability while delivering results that far exceeded expectations. Organizing & Membership Growth* Grew Jolt Student Chapters from 9 to 28 across Texas by developing the foundational structure for campus organizing and reimagining the membership pipeline.*Created and led Jolt’s Levantate Leadership Institute and Arriba Las Mujeres* Exceeded statewide membership growth goals by 220%, cultivating a vibrant base of young Latino leaders.*Led a team that registered Voters in the last election cycle. Program Design & Curriculum Development* Restructured and authored culturally relevant leadership development curriculum for youth and student leaders.* Designed scalable training programs rooted in power-building, narrative strategy, and civic engagement. Field Strategy* Led Texas canvassing strategy that reached over households, surpassing outreach goals by 512%.* Directed door-to-door field operations with over doors knocked, exceeding goals by 1,020%. Campaign & Power-Building Strategy* Supported organizers in identifying local issues, conducting power analyses, and executing sharp campaign strategies.* Led statewide direct actions and civic engagement campaigns focused on immigration, healthcare, climate justice, and democracy. Team Leadership & Staff DevelopmentManaged and developed a teams organizers, students and volunteers, building a strong internal culture of clarity, accountability, and values-driven leadership.Trained staff in deep organizing practices: one-on-ones, team building, issue development, and agitation.