When Marisa Moret was 12 years old she volunteered for the winning political campaign of Congressman Esteban Torres. She tagged along with her parents as they pushed to elect more Latinxs into government and unbeknownst to her then, the seeds were planted for what would be a one-of-a-kind career in policy.
“In retrospect, volunteering on political campaigns opened so many doors and played an integral part in my overall career path,” shares Moret. “Growing up I had no concept of what policy work entailed. But my exposure to elected officials, government and public service certainly influenced my path.”
A handful of years after volunteering for Congressman Torres, Moret was given the opportunity to intern in his office through the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute’s student program. It was both a full circle moment and a push towards a future career that would take her from traditional policy work to a role at Airbnb that married both tech and policy.
“I was drawn to the fast paced, often chaotic, environment and the excitement of the startup world,” explains Moret. “I was interested in the creative challenge of finding policy solutions that would encourage innovation. But, what was interesting about Airbnb specifically was that while it fit the description of all these things, there is also a deep rooted commitment to community and inclusion, which I personally aligned with.”
Now, Moret serves as Airbnb’s Public Policy Manager. Close to three years into her time at the startup, Moret has been able to empower hosts and create clear channels of communication between them and the cities they exist in.
“Our policy team works with cities, counties, states, and jurisdictions around the world to ensure that the Airbnb community can participate in, and benefit from, the sharing economy,” notes Moret. “I have worked with policymakers to pass laws to legitimize our business and craft legislation to enable our business and community to thrive. In my current role I am developing new tools for political engagement and empowerment of the Airbnb community.”
Below Moret shares more details on how her Latinidad influenced her career, what career advice she has for those who choose to pursue a career in politics, and her biggest lesson learned.
Vivian Nunez: How has your Latinidad played a role in your career?
Maria Moret: The values instilled by my family have definitely played a role. A strong work ethic, keeping my word, taking care of my family and friends have all contributed to the success I’ve achieved. For me, I never shied away from being one of the few Latinas in the room and instead saw it as a strength and a distinct value which I enthusiastically brought to my work and my team. I always found a way to keep ties to the Latino community and advocated for it in one way or another. We are currently living in some of the most divisive political times I’ve seen in my adult life and now, more than ever, it’s important to embrace our differences and build bridges from one diverse culture to another across our country and the world.
Nunez: You’ve checked off a lot of meaningful firsts as a Latina — first to make partner at your law firm, working for the first-elected Latino City Attorney — what does it mean for you that you’ve been able to trailblaze in such a way for future generations of Latinxs?
Moret: When I stop and think about my accomplishments, I am proud of course, but I don’t think about being a trailblazer because there is still so much work to do. I have never forgotten that many people helped me along the way and how important it is that I also help open the door for others , especially Latinas. I am optimistic for our future knowing that there is so much amazing talent in our community.
Nunez: What advice do you have for Latinxs who want to pursue a career in policy?
Moret: There are so many opportunities and career paths in policy that the first piece of advice is to know what subject matter excites you. With the current environment, now is a particularly exciting time to get involved which can open up career paths that may be less obvious. You may have to take calculated risks, whether it is interning without pay or moving to a new city. Regardless of the field, never forget that you are your biggest asset, financially and otherwise, so never stop investing in yourself . The average career is 40 years long so make it a priority to continue to learn and grow. Take classes within your field or learn a new skill. Attend conferences and networking events. Ask for constructive feedback. And of course work hard, help others, and don’t worry about recognition. The recognition will come if you just stay focused on the task at hand and achieving your goals.
Nunez: What has been the most difficult part about helping cities understand the value of the gig economy and laws that would make startups like Airbnb more feasible on a local level?
Moret: Each community is different, which presents a new set of challenges to work with policy makers and stakeholders on the ground. At Airbnb, we want to be good partners and are eager to work with local governments to find the right regulations and tax policies to ensure that hosts can continue to use what is often their most valuable asset — their home — to earn important supplemental income.
Nunez: What has helped you navigate impostor syndrome?
Moret: We all have times of doubt but the way I manage it is by staying on top of my game and there is no downside to being over-prepared. I also make sure to check in with my support network of friends and family and take care of my physical and mental health — working out, spending time with loved ones and of course mandatory siestas on weekends. Fortunately, age and experience have helped me to gain more confidence and perspective.
