The big news: Jennifer Vidales joined the Idaho Education Association in December as a statewide organizer, just in time for a busy legislative season.
A little about Jennifer (or Jen, or Jennie): Vidales has long had an activist streak.
• She completed her first lobbying training in high school and interned with a local nonprofit and United We Dream.
• As a student at Idaho State University, she created a Latine policy and activist club called Los Estudiantes Después.
• After graduating from ISU last year, she completed the prestigious Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute Internship Program in Washington, D.C.
• Vidales serves on the board of directors for ACLU Idaho.
A return home: Vidales was born and raised in Caldwell, and there was no question that she would come back to Idaho after her internship.
• “I have so much love for Idaho,” she said. “When I told people on the hill (in D.C.) that I’d be going back, it always seemed like that was a crazy concept. But I feel like there’s so much to be done here, and it’s not going to happen overnight.”
Where you’ll see her: Expect to see Vidales, along with statewide organizers Morgan Chaffee and Robert Bratley in schools around the state and at events, assisting members with their recruiting efforts.
• Lobby Day attendees: Say hi on Monday during her first-ever Lobby Day event!
