In episode 21, the Southern Comfort Podcast crew welcomes, Maria Andrade! A Venezuelan-born political consultant blazing the trail in the American South. From packing her life into two suitcases to founding her firm, Maria shares a riveting story of migration, mentorship, and making space for others. She discusses the challenges of starting over, the nuances of Latino identity in politics, and why she’s betting big on digital. Tune in to hear how community, courage, and creativity are reshaping what leadership looks like below the Mason-Dixon line.

📍01:57 - From Venezuela to Georgia: Maria’s Migration Story
Maria shares her journey immigrating from Venezuela to Aruba to Georgia at just 13, and how her aunt and uncle became her second parents in the U.S.

📍04:27 - Campaigns, Community, and Catching the Political Bug
A college internship throws Maria into her first campaign, where she meets her husband, Rich, and others who help shape her career in politics.

📍11:26 - Starting Her Firm and Filling the Latina Leadership Gap
Maria explains why she stepped into entrepreneurship, the lack of Latina representation in consulting, and the values driving her firm.

📍22:06 - The Power of Digital: Video, Targeting, and Voter Reach
The group discusses the rise of paid and organic digital strategy, why video matters more than ever, and how Maria and Jake keep production in-house.

📍32:14 - Listening Before Labeling: Strategy with Cultural Competency
Maria unpacks why consultants must understand cultural nuance within communities of color—and why lived experience is just as critical as data.

🏆 Mamba Mentality Award
This week’s Mamba Mentality Award goes to Maria Andrade for her courage, resilience, and trailblazing example. From stepping into leadership roles she once doubted she could fill, to launching her firm, Maria’s grit and integrity are an inspiration to the next generation of Latina political leaders.