From the outside, it looked like I was thriving.

But on the inside, even though I loved my job and my family, I felt overwhelmed with my responsibilities at home and at the office. 

Something more was calling me. So I gulped, grabbed my own hand and made some big changes.

First, I requested a part-time schedule, which is largely unheard of in the political world. But when I realized even that wasn’t enough, I ultimately made the difficult decision to leave my once-in-a-lifetime job.

I started to rest and revisit the self-healing practices that I’d let slide when work got too busy, from mindfulness meditation to studies in loving kindness. I also enlisted the help of a  coach and eventually got back on track. I began to notice more and more how my self-talk and inner critic were making me suffer and impacting how I experienced and showed up in the world.

I've got my hand in the air, too. 

For years, I’d worked my way up to become one of the few Latinas in high-level policy positions in my area of expertise, and finally landed my dream job as a policy advisor to the California governor. 

I've got my hand in the air, too. 

For years, I’d worked my way up to become one of the few Latinas in high-level policy positions in my area of expertise, and finally landed my dream job as a policy advisor to the California governor. 

From the outside, it looked like I was thriving.

But on the inside, even though I loved my job and my family, I felt overwhelmed with my responsibilities at home and at the office. 

Something more was calling me. So I gulped, grabbed my own hand and made some big changes.

First, I requested a part-time schedule, which is largely unheard of in the political world. But when I realized even that wasn’t enough, I ultimately made the difficult decision to leave my once-in-a-lifetime job.

I started to rest and revisit the self-healing practices that I’d let slide when work got too busy, from mindfulness meditation to studies in loving kindness. I also enlisted the help of a coach and eventually got back on track. I began to notice more and more how my self-talk and inner critic were making me suffer and impacting how I experienced and showed up in the world.


Raise your hand if you’ve ever struggled with imposter syndrome, a lack of inspiring role models, and the pressure to be a role model when you don’t feel like one—especially when you’re the only one in the room who looks like you.

(Hello overthinking, fear of failure, and perfectionist tendencies!) 

But I can now take on what life throws at me with more joy and confidence. I am my authentic self more and more and that allows me to fully love what I do in life. Along the way, I discovered that I’ve always been good at being a leader and advocating for myself—I just needed the courage to do it more often.

As your coach, I want you to connect with your inner leader and advocate for yourself too—no matter how hard it may seem.

Am I perfect now? No way!

But I also know how stressful it can be.

With 20 years of experience in state government and nonprofits, I understand why you feel called to work for the greater good.

Coming back to my meditation practice and working with my own coach helped me clarify my deepest values and use them to show up in the world as my authentic self, every single day.

Today, I’m a women’s leadership coach, certified by the International Coaching Federation, the world's most respected organization for professionally trained coaches. I work with powerhouse women who are committed to changing the world and serving others—but who need to reconnect with their inner leader and recommit to standing up for themselves.

And I continue to work in public policy with greater joy and ease, only on projects I’m truly passionate about, where I get to show up as my full self: a Latina, a first-born child of immigrants, a working mama, and the first one on the dance floor at every party, whether its disco, 90’s hip hop or salsa. 

Current Work
* Founder, Giannina Perez Coaching and Consulting
* Leadership Coach and Consultant, Unidos for ECE
* Public Policy Consultant

Previous Executive + Leadership Experience
* Senior Policy Advisor for Early Childhood, CA Governor Gavin Newsom
* Board Chair, California Commission for Children and Families (First 5 CA) 
* Senior Director for Early Childhood Policy, Children Now

Education and Relevant Training:
*Certified Coach and Member, International Coaching Federation 
* Life Coaching Certification, Lumia
* Masters in Public Policy, UCLA 
* Dedicated Practitioner Program graduate, Spirit Rock Meditation Center and have sat for 59 non-consecutive days on silent meditation retreats

Certifications & Partnerships

Friducha is my “older sister” who led a fearless, authentic life and turned a life-threatening tragedy at age 18 into lifelong inspiration. Yes, I cringe seeing her image co-opted and her story sanitized but that's never changed how deeply she resonates with me. She is my go-to chingona when I need a reminder not to hold myself back from being as bold and badass as I know I can be.

Frida Khalo

My oh my, how motherhood has schooled me. Mothering has influenced my whole life including how I work on public policies that support working families and children. And my child is my biggest teacher, helping me walk my mindfulness walk and live up to my highest values. Like showing up with compassion and calm in my daily life—even when I see the dishes piled a mile high, my kiddo is negotiating (ok, yelling) for more screen time and I need to respond to a work text all at the same time.

motherhood

Having a daily mindfulness practice—both formal sitting meditation and checking in with myself throughout the day—has changed my life. It allows me to see how negative thoughts, feelings and emotions can cloud reality and create a lot of unnecessary suffering for myself and others. Special shout out to my Buddhist mindfulness teachers from afar, Tara Brach, Joko Beck and Pema Chödrön. 

Mindfulness

My Inspirations

Working with Giannina, I discovered that I was not ready to move on to another position so quickly after leaving a workplace of many years. She helped me realize I’d been neglecting my own health and wellbeing for far too long. With plenty of affirmation, skillful reflection and gentle guidance, she helped me tap into my inner wisdom and identify what was most important to me, in a time of great personal and professional change. 

jennifer

In the Words of BOLD WOMEN

Together we'll reflect on what habits may or may not be supporting your goals and pin down exactly what being a leader and having a “successful life” mean to you. Maybe that's serving your community, advancing equity, being more present with your family, or thriving professionally without burning out. 

Anything is possible. We just need to start.

YOU DESERVE TO THRIVE—HOWEVER THAT LOOKS FOR YOU.

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