Jonathan Dromgoole is the founder of Juntos Por Virginia, or Juntos, which works toward building political resilience, power, and representation at all levels of government. This is the first time in Virginia’s history that an organization was created with the purpose of identifying, preparing, and supporting Latinos for office.
Since December 2023, he has also served as a political appointee within the Biden-Harris administration, first as the deputy White House liaison at the US Department of Transportation and currently as deputy director of economic agency personnel at the White House Office of Presidential Personnel. In the latter role, he has overseen the recruitment, placement, and engagement of more than 1,400 appointees—nearly one-third of all political appointees.
What is your greatest career accomplishment to date?
To say that serving the American people as an appointee in the most diverse administration in history and walk the halls of the White House isn’t my greatest career accomplishment to date would be a lie. However, the administration did not become the most diverse overnight, and I am just as proud to have played a critical role in making this the most LGBTQ+ inclusive administration in our nation’s history in my former role leading the Political Appointments Program at LGBTQ+ Victory Institute.
In my three years leading this work I helped place over four hundred qualified LGBTQ+ appointees at all levels of government. This includes historic firsts such as a cabinet secretary, my former boss Secretary Pete Buttigieg; to the first transgender Senate-confirmed appointee and four-star officer, Admiral Levine. It also includes eleven federal judges, thirteen ambassadors, one special envoy, and countless individuals all serving out and proud on behalf of all Americans. All in all, 15 percent of the administration is comprised of diverse LGBTQ+ appointees, myself and my husband included.
Having this level of impact has been if not my greatest career accomplishment at least the one with the greatest impact.
What is your greatest personal accomplishment to date?
I am the first in my family to graduate college and then get a master’s degree, both from Georgetown University—Hoya Saxa! While I will be paying back my student loans for decades—we need to fix this broken system—my time at Georgetown reinforced my foundation and gave me the tools to open doors and hold them open, entering spaces that our ancestors could only dream of. Georgetown is also where I met my husband, Juan, so I owe that university more than any degree is worth.
I also wrote a book: Out to Lead, Shaping Queer Leadership.
What do you do today to impact your community?
My impact is centered around building leadership and increasing representation for the Latino and LGBTQ+ community in policy and public service. This is with a focus on social good and people-centered policies that enhance equity, uplift communities, and increase representation for marginalized communities. Outside of my day job, founding Juntos, and mobilizing Latinos behind Democratic candidates, this has been through my previous roles such as
president of the Democratic Latino Organization of Virginia, state director for LGBTQ+ Affairs for Virginia LULAC, LULAC National LGBTQ+ Committee member, Governor Northam appointee as an inaugural member of the Virginia LGBTQ+ Advisory Board, UVA’s Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership Alumni Council, and founding member of Georgetown’s LGBTQ+ alumni group, Hoyas with Pride.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
If you had asked this question five years ago I would have a detailed multistep plan. In the last five years alone, I got my master’s degree, married my husband, wrote a book, founded Juntos, ran for office, lost my first race, and joined the Biden-Harris administration. None of these were in my five-year plan. In the next five years, I truly hope to be happy and open to the possibilities. Maybe that looks like writing another book or running for office again, but for now, I am taking it day by day and trying my best to enjoy these moments.
What is the biggest issue that you want to help solve, and why?
Representation in government at all levels from elected to appointed office. Our policymakers must reflect the full scope of the communities they represent. We cannot pretend to create and implement good policy if we, the people, don’t have a seat at the decision-making table. It’s time to expand those tables, pull up a chair, or get ready to create new ones.
What is a surprising hobby or interest that helps you stay creative and energized?
Culinary tourism! From local eats to planning entire international trips around what we need to try, my husband and I are big foodies.
What is your Latino background?
I am Mexican American. I was born in Guadalajara, Mexico, and immigrated to the US at the age of five. My father is American, born in Laredo, [Texas], but raised in Guadalajara by his grandmother. My mom was born and raised in Guadalajara.
What song do you listen to that motivates you?
Anything written or sung by Elena Rose. If I had to pick one, I would go with “No Voy A Cambiar.”
