Esperanza Castellanos
Deputy City Clerk, city of Evanston
Tell us about your journey into the profession:
My journey into local government began during my undergraduate degree. I was about to graduate with my Bachelor of Arts in Nonprofit & NGO Studies when someone from the MPA program came to our class to discuss local government as a profession. As someone passionate about helping people, I was intrigued to learn more about how to serve an entire community instead of just a specific group of people. Then, I connected with the NIU MPA program (aka NIU Mafia) to ask more questions about the profession. They connected me with the Village of River Forest, where I was able to shadow the Assistant Village Manager for a day and that was it for me. I was sold on the profession and took the necessary steps to apply and get accepted into the MPA program. Because I am from the notorious Town of Cicero, I wanted to learn how a professional can run a community. That’s when I learned about the council-manager form of local government. Throughout my career, I have had the pleasure of working for various nonprofit and local government organizations, which have all led me to where I am today. I am so grateful for my well-rounded experience and network in both sectors.
Why is local government a good career path?
Local government is a good career path because you can directly impact the quality of life of an entire community. Our work is extremely important when there is so much distrust in government agencies and when so many communities have been historically marginalized. As a first-generation Latina, I do not take this work lightly. It is essential to provide the best day-to-day services that residents need, such as garbage pick-up, paying their water bills, providing permits, providing crisis & emergency services, maintaining safe & clear roads, etc. Other direct impacts we have on the community are providing positive customer service experiences in their foreign language, transparency, strategic planning and problem-solving long-term issues such as the infrastructure of roads. Furthermore, local government allows you to work with multiple sectors and organizations to improve their community. In local government, you can partner with other local communities, school districts, nonprofit organizations and churches, to name a few. Local government is unique because every professional wants to help each other succeed and is willing to share best practices, resources, and expertise. We are stronger communities when we lean on one another and work together with all the organizations in our community, which makes local government a beautiful career path for everyone. So, what are you waiting for? Come work with us!
Fun fact about yourself:
I love to go to concerts! So, you can always catch me going near and far to concerts. This year, I am going to Puerto Rico to see Bad Bunny! You can always find me dancing or singing for fun. Music is my other passion. I love to teach others how to dance! Want to learn? Just ask me! I truly love to connect people, organizations, and ideas. Connecting people with access and information and resources that are available to them brings me joy. I enjoy fostering collaboration and building social trust to address shared needs and advance equity. These things make my heart so happy.
If you could give one piece of advice to future local government leaders, what would it be?
One piece is complex, so here are a few pieces of advice for future local government leaders. To network and seek out mentors. I wouldn’t be where I am today without all of the beautiful and highly skilled professional people who have invested in me throughout my career. Many outstanding professionals want to invest in the next generation of local government leaders, so don’t miss out on those opportunities; seek them out. Especially seek out affinity groups such as International Network of Asian Public Administrators (I-NAPA), Civic Pride, National Forum for Black Public Administrators (NFBA), Local Government Hispanic Network (LGHN) and the Illinois Chapter of the Local Government Hispanic Network, or other local government organizations such as Legacy Project, Illinois Association of Municipal Management Assistants (IAMMA), Illinois City / County Management Association (ILCMA), & International City/County Management Association (ICMA). I am missing others so please connect with any organizations that speak to you. I want to highlight the Madrinas & Padrinos program through the Local Government Hispanic Network, where the Assistant City Manager of San Antonio, Alejandra (Alex) Lopez, mentored and journeyed with me. I learned so much, and I am so grateful for that mentorship. These different organizations provide you with a community of networks nationwide, which is helpful when you seek out and implement new projects in your community. Lastly, one day make sure you mentor, invest, and empower the next generation after you.
Shows/music/books you’re currently watching/listening to/reading:
Shows: The Queen of Flow & Sweet Magnolias
Music: I love all styles of music, but my current albums on repeat are by Bad Bunny, Rauw Alejandro & Harry Styles.
Books: Raise Your Voice by Kathy Kang, Loving Disagreement: Fighting for Community through the Fruit of the Spirit by Matt Mikalatos and Kathy Kang
Hobbies:
You can always catch me mentoring youth, dancing, and singing my heart away. I also love to spend time with my family, friends and my pup Koby. We love to take nice walks in the park. I truly love to empower and encourage other people, especially youth. So, I volunteer with youth whenever I can. I also enjoy traveling and trying new restaurants and experiences throughout the city and suburbs.
