Yvette Ollada is the owner and principal consultant of Tionchar Global, a boutique consulting firm specializing in public affairs and policy. She has a long list of successful political and public affairs initiatives including an unprecedented victory in Massachusetts, where despite the opposition’s 48-point lead when she joined the Massachusetts Against Doctor Prescribed Suicide-No On 2 committee, they emerged with a stunning upset on election day. Some of her clients include the APCO Worldwide, SolarCity, United Way, Los Angeles County Business Federation and the Washington Hospitality Association. Her work has been featured in media publications throughout the US including: Bloomberg, LA Times, New York Times, San Francisco Chronicle, Seattle Times, Boston Globe, and many more. Her academic research has been published by the U.S. Department of Labor, and she is co-founder of the Patients’ Rights Action Fund, a national 501 c(4) non-profit, where she served as the organization’s first Executive Director. Yvette’s ability to repeatedly exceed expected targets and goals; her keen knack for translating complex facts and data into compelling, digestible sound bites; and her ability to develop rapport and maintain strong relationships to build coalitions and secure strategic alliances with people from diverse backgrounds are the hallmarks of her work. Among her numerous community service endeavors, Yvette has served two years in AmeriCorps in children’s health and education programs, and has been recognized by the Orange County Register for her volunteer service with the homeless. She also serves as President of the Board of Director for the Black Card Circle Foundation. Yvette is currently pursuing a Master in Bioethics degree at Harvard Medical School, and holds a Master of Public Affairs degree from Sciences Po-Paris and a BA from the University of Southern California.

Featured Winner Interview:

AAPC: What does being a 2018 AAPC 40 Under 40 Award winner mean to you?
Yvette: It is really an honor to be recognized by my peers in the political consulting world. It is another confirmation that all the years of blood, sweat and tears are paying off.

AAPC: What’s next for you this year?
Yvette: Campaign season is in full swing, but I am looking forward to wrapping it up, then graduating with my second masters degree from Harvard. After that I’ll head back to the west coast and hopefully join a larger firm—I’m open to referrals for and suggestions on that…

AAPC: Who do you look up to in the industry and why?
Yvette: I have four: First and foremost: Moises Merino (Merino, Barajas, and Allen), because he is simply the best in the business when it comes to strategy and he is the most upstanding ethical professional you’ll ever meet. Julie Griffiths (GOCO), because she makes me proud to be a woman political operative; she is definitely a mentor—and, man is that lady smart! Justin Matheson (Axiom): he’s an animal; he works hard; gets the job done, no matter how big or small; and LOVES to win—mad respect for that guy. Last but not least: Rhonda Rohrabacher, because she is a true believer and makes you always feel like it is always worth the fight—she is truly inspiring!

AAPC: Tell us about something you’re most proud of accomplishing in your professional career.
Yvette: Winning the No on 2 ballot question campaign in 2012 in Massachusetts, which inspired me to start the Patients’ Rights Action Fund and go on to study bioethics at Harvard Medical School.

AAPC: To what do you credit your success at such a young age?
Yvette: The encouragement and inspiration of my mentors and friends; along with an unfailing unconditional support of my family, who had to sacrifice a lot, especially my sister, she always ended up being my go-to campaign volunteer; and my nephew Alex, who had to endure countless central committee meetings in the corner reading a book and sleeping in a sleeping bad on the floor of campaign headquarters.

AAPC: What advice would you give to a young professional who has their eye on being a future 40 Under 40 Award winner?
Yvette: Learn to prioritize what is most important in life. It took me a long time to do that. I was well into my 30s when I woke up and realized that there is more to life than the job or the next big win. Work hard and don’t sell yourself short, because politics is a rough business, to put it lightly. Slave for what matters most in life not for the job.