- Pritzker Fellows
- Current Fellows
- Gerardo Bonilla Chavez
Gerardo Bonilla Chavez
Former Chief of Staff for U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
Winter-Spring 2024 Pritzker Fellow
Seminar Series: “From Periphery to Power: The Remarkable Rise of the Progressive Movement in America, a Deep Look At Political & Legislative Lessons on Capitol Hill”
Gerardo Bonilla Chavez is the former Chief of Staff for Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14). Gerardo has over a decade of public service and campaign experience; before his tenure as Chief of Staff to Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez, he served in senior roles in both the House and Senate. He previously was a political appointee during the Obama Administration at the Department of Commerce. Beyond his time at the federal government, Gerardo has also worked at the municipal and state level.
He holds a Masters in Public Policy degree with a concentration in advanced policy analysis from the University Of Minnesota - Humphrey Institute Of Public Affairs and a Bachelors of Arts in Political Science with minor in Global Studies from the University of Minnesota. He is a recipient of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute Public Policy Fellowship (‘11-‘12) and recipient of the multiple awards.
Seminars
“From Periphery to Power: The Remarkable Rise of the Progressive Movement in America, a Deep Look At Political & Legislative Lessons on Capitol Hill”
Until last month, Gerardo Bonilla Chavez was the Chief of Staff for New York Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14). The son of migrant farmworkers from Mexico, Bonilla Chavez has had a lifelong interest and work experience in progressive ecosystems and grassroots movements. After a career that spanned local and federal roles, he found himself in a rare front row seat to some of the nation’s biggest political and policy battles at the side of one of the most high-profile members of Congress. In winter quarter, Gerardo will walk us through how progressives went from long shot candidates to the halls of Congress; in the spring, he will provide interactive workshops that illuminate how the sausage is made or destroyed.
Seminars are off-the-record & open to current UChicago students only.
Seminar one will be a frank conversation about how neoliberal policies and administrations shaped his upbringing, politics and ultimately career decisions. We’ll dive into other factors and dynamics that brought him to public service and the movement, examining key positions, and defining/unprecedented moments in Washington. This first seminar will also contextualize his theory of change, approach to political and progressive ecosystems and serve as an opportunity to understand/learn how participants’ work can translate into feasible careers in politics.
The 2018 primaries and general elections became a defining moment, but not one built out of isolation. Seminar two will contextualize the 2018 progressive wins in the larger historical progressive moment, examine on-the-ground strategies and challenges that led to this moment and dive into lessons learned for broader movement building into 2020. How did we get to the 2018 moment? How did the center of progressive policies and values shift, and how did electoral strategy, coalition history and building form the strategies for success?
Special Guest: Alexandra Rojas, Executive Director, Justice Democrats
With the election of President Biden in 2020 and several swing Senate races called for Democrats, the incoming President and his party came into the 117th Congress controlling Washington. Seminar three will dive deeply into each session of the trifecta, specifically the internal power dynamics, how progressives prepared and governed in this moment and what lessons we learned for the future. The seminar will also dive deep into how the sea of socio-political-economic dynamics happening in America shaped the demands sought of the incoming trifecta. How did the center of progressive policies and values shift on the Hill, and what headwinds/barriers did we face during this time? Were expectations set appropriately, or did we overreach?
Special Guest: Michael Darner, Executive Director, Congressional Progressive Caucus
Step into the shoes of a legislator and experience the complexities of decision-making in our interactive seminar. In this unique and immersive learning experience, participants will engage in a simulated congressional scenario to understand the challenges and strategic considerations involved in navigating complex votes and coalition building. This seminar offers a hands-on opportunity to enhance participants’ decision-making skills in the dynamic world of Congress. What are the dynamics and relationships that legislators need to be aware of ahead of a tough vote? How do you use institutional and public tools or levers to your advantage?
As the heartbeat of the United States government, Congress plays a pivotal role in shaping policies, political discourse and laws. Seminar five aims to demystify the complexities of congressional work and what the day-to-day operations look like for staff. This seminar offers a comprehensive exploration of the intricate mechanisms (political, institutional and relational) that drive the legislative branch. What actually happens in the congressional workplace? How accurate is the Schoolhouse Rock jingle?
In the fast-paced and complex realm of congressional decision-making, the ability to navigate tough votes is a fundamental skill for any professional. Seminar Six is tailored to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted dynamics involved in handling challenging votes. Through this seminar, participants will gain essential knowledge and techniques to effectively manage tough decisions in real-time scenarios. Whether you're a legislative aide, policymaker, or advocacy professional, mastering the art of navigating tough votes is essential for success in the ever-evolving landscape of Congress.
Step into the shoes of a legislator and experience the complexities of coalitions in our interactive seminar. In this unique and immersive learning experience, participants will engage in a simulated congressional scenario to understand the challenges and strategic considerations involved in navigating coalition building. This seminar offers a hands-on opportunity to enhance participants’ decision-making skills in the dynamic world of Congress. What are the dynamics and relationships that legislators need to be aware of ahead of a tough vote? How do you use institutional and public tools or levers to your advantage?
Movements and coalitions change with experience and access to power. Seminar four will dive into where movements go from major flashpoints/inflection points, and look at how a movement builds sustainable, long-term power in all levels of government. This seminar will build off prior sessions, creating an opportunity for participants to derive and share their own thoughts on movement and power building for the coming years. In our current political moment, what happens now and how do we build off the new foundation? With the current socio-political-economic dynamics post the 2020 elections and the Democratic trifecta, do we go from here?
Special Guest: Wasi Mohamed, Chief of Staff to U.S. Representative Summer Lee