George Mason University Alumni Association President presenting Raq G. (left) with the 2022 "Graduate of the Last Decade" award.
George Mason University
"...They were truly a terrific partner in helping to rebuild and reshape some existing structures, as well as identifying gaps that our programming needed to fill. Raq was adept at matching the big picture goals with the practical elements...I hope to work closely with Raq again! Personally, I really admire their tenacity, commitment to excellence, and the care they show to others."
- Maria Sinew, Director of Development at the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution
Members of Latinos44 Board and 2017 Leadership Conference Steering Committee, including Raq G. (third from right)
Latinos 44
"Raq developed the infrastructure for the organization that has allowed it to provide opportunities for members while ensuring continued connectivity, including participation from former Obama Latinx cabinet officials. Without their leadership, Latinos 44 would not have been able to mobilize around various southern border crises and the 2019 El Paso terrorist attack."
- Nate Synder, Former President of the Executive Board of Directors (pictured, fourth from left)
New Leaders Council's NY Capital District's Chapter Co-Directors presenting Raq G. (center) with recognition for completing the 2018 Fellowship.
New Leaders Council
"I witnessed Raq's keen ability to facilitate complex and difficult conversations within a diverse group of individuals regarding the intersection of various policy areas and their impacts on society. They are exceptionally adept at navigating organizational politics, being assertive when necessary, while maintaining professional composure and motivating others to support their cause."
- Meghan E. Keegan, Former National Curriculum Co-Chair & NY Capital District Chapter Co-Director (pictured, far left)
U.S. Representative Paul Tonko (D-NY 20) welcomes new SAPA Members, including Raq G. (front row, third from right).
New York State Academy for Public Service
"It was evident early in their tenure that Raq brought a level of leadership and energy sorely needed by our organization through their recruitment of new members and their ideas for programs and positive changes...I believe they are a visionary who inspires others to make needed changes."
- Paul Shatsoff, Former Executive Director
Public Leadership Education Network staff presenting Raq G. with the 2022 "Community Mentor Award", for training next-gen public policy leaders.
Public Leadership Education Network
"Their expertise effortlessly bridged the gap between high-level strategies and intricate best practices, resonating deeply with our program participants who consistently lauded Raq's practical advice. Recognizing their immense impact, we repeatedly invited Raq back over the subsequent two years and honored them with a well-deserved 'Community Mentor' award."
- Marwa Odeh, Former Senior Programs and Development Manager (pictured, far right)
Truman National Security Project staff presenting Raq G. (second from left) with the 2024 "EverTru: Unite Award," for fostering inclusion and belonging for all.
Truman Center for National Policy
"Their efforts have become the foundation of critical work our organization is proud to commit to now and for the future - continuing to foster a space that truly elevates and celebrates the rich diversity of our community. We simply wouldn’t be where we are today without Raq Gonzalez."
- Katie Babits, Former Membership Services Manager
"Their remarkable ability to build teams, nurture talent, and lead with heart was clear right away...But what stood out most was how personal their leadership was. Raq’s hands-on guidance wasn’t just about professional growth; it came from a place of passion and care, and they made the work feel purposeful and even joyful....Raq, you've given me skills, confidence, and, most importantly, the courage to step into a career that challenges and empowers me in equal measure."
- Tracy Wadlington, Community Organizer and Startup Builder
"...Raq helped me articulate my purpose, explore next steps, refine my resume, and navigate the full-picture of emotional and practical steps to move through this time with confidence and empowerment. Every point of connection with Raq felt incredibly impactful and insightful, and left me feeling that I was being seen as a whole person, not just my professional self. I can't recommend working with Raq highly enough."
- Holly Rippon-Butler, Former Land Policy Director at National Young Farmers Coalition
"Most notably, Raq taught me sophisticated negotiation strategies that balanced stakeholder interests while maintaining program integrity... Raq's consulting methodology emphasizes systematic thinking and cultural competency. They helped me understand that effective government consulting requires translating between different institutional languages while maintaining focus on measurable outcomes. Their critique of my early work was direct but constructive, identifying gaps in my stakeholder analysis while providing concrete tools for improvement."
- Georquel Goodwin, Former Fellow at Govern for America
"I cannot stop recommending Raq's resume revision services to all my colleagues, friends, and family members. They were quick and diligent with their edits and made me feel comfortable every step of the way. I am extremely pleased with the final product and would recommend their services to anyone who would like to give their resume a real makeover."
- Johanna Martinez, Former Program Analyst at U.S. Department of State
"Raq's advice and perspective have been incredibly helpful in building my skill set, network, and learning more about possibilities and opportunities that are out there for myself and my career that I otherwise would not have been aware of. Practical, hands-on advice is given along with future goal setting and higher level discussions on a wide range of subjects that fit your current concerns/needs. Raq is incredibly knowledgeable and engaging, will keep you accountable, and is a pleasure to learn from and work with. I greatly appreciate the coaching I have received and would wholeheartedly recommend Raq."
- Alexia Holden, Former Legislative Liaison at New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities