Media Kit
Diana Maldonado
Public Speaker | Leadership Coach | Founder of Candidate School
Welcome to the official media kit for Diana Maldonado—former state representative, experienced campaigner, speaker, and the founder of Candidate School, a premier training program for first-time political candidates.
Diana is available for podcast interviews, media appearances, speaking engagements, panel participation, and guest articles. Please use the resources below to learn more or request an interview.
Quick Bio
Diana Maldonado is an award-winning leadership consultant, former Texas State Representative, and the founder of Candidate School, a program designed to help first-time political candidates launch successful campaigns.
With over a decade of experience in public service, community development, and strategic coaching, Diana combines heartfelt leadership with real-world insight to help aspiring candidates step confidently into public life.
She made history as the first Latina elected to represent her district in the Texas House of Representatives, and today, she uses her platform to train the next generation of diverse leaders to run—and win.
Signature Speaking Topics
Diana is available to speak on the following subjects:
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How to Run for Office with Confidence and Strategy
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Women in Leadership: Breaking Barriers & Building Coalitions
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Why Representation Matters in Local Politics
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Leading with Heart: Campaigning Without Compromise
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Personal Power, Public Impact: Finding Your Voice in Politics
About Candidate School
Candidate School is a high-impact coaching program that helps first-time candidates:
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Clarify their message
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Build a winning campaign strategy
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Raise money with confidence
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Navigate public visibility with grace
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Lead with integrity
It includes 20 bite-sized lessons, a 160-page downloadable workbook, and the option to upgrade to private coaching with Diana for one-on-one mentorship throughout a six-month campaign cycle.
Bestselling Author
2X bestselling author, Diana has shared pieces of her story in both,
Show Your Work, and Going Places.
She's proud to announce a full-length book to be released in 2025.
Book links:
Awards
JBL Award (Jane Bagley Lehman Award)Tides Foundation https://www.tides.org/blog/jane-bagley-lehman-awards-honor-5-immigrant-justice-heroes/
Thrive Leaders Network Kresge Foundation
Notable Media Coverage
Print:
Women to Watch: Dec 2024, Austin Woman Magazine
https://atxwoman.com/2024/12/03/woman-to-watch-diana-maldonado/
Things I Wish I Knew When Considering Public Office
Hispanic Executive: Publishers Circle
https://hispanicexecutive.com/things-i-wish-i-knew-when-considering-public-office/
"Leading in Business, Politics & Finance"
The Lone Star Parity Project, Bianca Martinez
https://www.lonestarparityproject.org/post/diana-maldonado-leading-in-politics-finance-and-business/
Featured Speaker:
Quince to the Polls
Mobilizing Latino Voters to the Polls
America Ferrera, founder of Harness
Fundraising 101 - How to get people to invest in your campaign?
Latinas Represent: Campaign Master Class, Stephanie Gabriella Lopez
Limitless Women
Limitless Women Business Conference, Laura Gisborne
https://limitlesswomenconference.com/#agenda
Podcast Guest:
The 1 Thing I Know for Sure, with Wendy Rosenthal
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEv6VkcKe1s
The Humble Rising: Empowering Women in Politics, with Arivee Vargas
https://humblerising.libsyn.com/132-empowering-women-in-politics-with-trailblazer-diana-maldonado
Empower Women to Run, Lead, Thrive
The Lioness Conversations Jen Porter
https://share.transistor.fm/s/890bad96
Walk With Me, with Mayor Steve Adler
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/honoring-hispanic-heritage-month/id1566137442?i=1000539064332
Sample Interview Questions
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Why did you create Candidate School, and what impact has it had so far?
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What’s the biggest misconception about running for office as a first-time candidate?
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How do you help women balance leadership with personal life?
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What role does mentorship play in preparing to serve in public office?
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What advice would you give someone who’s on the fence about running?
Approved Photos & Media Assets
APPROVED PHOTOS You are free to use these photos digitally with our and the photographer’s permission as long as you include the photographer’s credit and send us a link at dm@dianamaldonado.com the to where they are being used.
Press Contact
To book Diana for a media appearance, podcast, or speaking engagement, contact:
Diana Maldonado
Email: dm@dianamaldonado.com
Phone: 512-423-7227
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