Open to opportunities

Gael Luna

@gaelluna

Community relations and public involvement project leader delivering equitable, compliant outreach and strategic communications.

United States

Message

What I'm looking for

I’m looking for a role where I can lead community relations and public involvement work—using demographic/EJ/LEP analysis, strategic communications, and strong stakeholder outreach—to deliver compliant, equitable project outcomes and grow cross-functional teams.

I’m a community relations and public involvement professional with fifteen years of experience in public relations, graphic design, web design, strategic communication, marketing, and public involvement. I’ve planned and managed public involvement for thirty-nine transportation, and sixteen water and wastewater projects and programs—covering freeway improvements, light rail, arterial reconstructions, and rehabilitation programs—while keeping civil rights and compliance at the center of every decision.

As Community Relations Project Manager at the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), I planned and managed public involvement on 15 projects to ensure delivery of the state Strategic Transportation Infrastructure Investment Plan (STIIP). I oversee work by local agencies and consultants to ensure compliance with contracts and federal and state regulations, and I conduct demographic, EJ, LEP, and constraints analysis in full compliance. I also execute outreach to residents and organizations, translate public involvement materials into Spanish, and design graphics and content for social media and the ADOT website to expand awareness.

Previously, I led public involvement teams as a Public Involvement Account Supervisor and Public Involvement Project Manager, managing staff, conducting hiring interviews, and providing coaching and performance reviews to support organizational growth. I created websites and web and social media content for accessibility, designed print materials for comprehensive public information, and even launched digital advertising services—plus oversaw design of a mobile app prototype for a $776 million urban freeway improvement project. I’m driven by the same goal across every engagement: to build understanding, promote equitable participation, and deliver outcomes that communities can trust.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Community Relations Project Manager

Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT)

Nov 2023 - May 2025 (1 year 6 months)

Planned and managed public involvement on 15 projects to support delivery of the state STIIP. Ensured contract and federal/state regulatory compliance, conducted EJ/LEP demographic analysis, and translated outreach materials into Spanish.

Stakeholder Engagement EJ LEP Demographic Analysis Regulatory Compliance Spanish Translation Project Management

Public Involvement Account Supervisor

Torres Multicultural Communications

Sep 2021 - Jun 2023 (1 year 9 months)

Supervised staff delivering public involvement across rail, freeway, and workforce development projects supporting contract objectives. Conducted hiring, training, performance reviews, and coaching while leading outreach, EJ/LEP analysis, and Spanish translation of materials.

Staff Management Hiring Outreach EJ LEP LEP Analysis Spanish Translation

Public Involvement Project Manager

Your Project Marketing and Outreach

Jun 2018 - Aug 2021 (3 years 2 months)

Managed public involvement for 26 transportation and 16 water/wastewater projects supporting municipal improvement plans across Arizona. Delivered civil-rights-compliant demographic/constraints analysis, created web and social content for accessibility, oversaw construction-phase community relations, and supported growth initiatives including digital advertising and a mobile app prototype for a $7

Demographic & Constraints Analysis Construction Phase Community Relations Digital Advertising Strategy Mobile App Prototype Oversight

Public Involvement Project Manager

Method Social Kinetics

Nov 2016 - Jun 2018 (1 year 7 months)

Provided campaign planning, branding, and strategic communications for 15 political campaigns and developed earned media efforts with local, national, and international coverage. Managed a team of 14 employees and six contractors, created multi-channel digital content, and planned simultaneous fundraising events.

Strategic Communications Campaign Planning Branding

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

University of Michigan

Impacts of Environment on Public Health, Public Health

Completed a program/certificate titled "Impacts of Environment on Public Health."

California Institute of the Arts

Graphic Design Specialization, Graphic Design

Completed a "Graphic Design" specialization program.

Universitat Politècnica de València

Spanish Language (B1), Spanish Language

Completed Spanish language study at the B1 level.

International Association for Public Participation (IAP2)

Foundations in Public Participation, Public Participation

Completed "Foundations in Public Participation" training.

Peking University

Mandarin Chinese (HSK2), Mandarin Chinese

Completed Mandarin Chinese coursework aligned to HSK2 level.

Catalyst Inc.

Race, Gender, and Workplace Equity, Workplace Equity

Completed training titled "Race, Gender, and Workplace Equity."

Google Inc.

Google Analytics, Digital Sales, Google Ads Fundamentals, Digital Marketing

Completed Google analytics and advertising fundamentals coursework, including Google Analytics, Digital Sales, and Google Ads fundamentals.

Arizona State University

Bachelor of Science, Political Science

Activities and societies: Chair, General Assembly, Model United Nations of the Far West (MUNFW); Chair, Security Council, Arizona High School Model United Nations; Student Mentor, Steps 2 Success; President, Interfaith Students Alliance.

Earned a B.S. in Political Science with a minor in Religious Studies and a certificate in Study of Religion and Conflict. Served in student leadership roles including Chair (General Assembly) and Chair (Security Council).

Mesa Community College

Associate of Science, Political Science

Activities and societies: Executive VP, VP of Communications, At-large Senator, Associated Students of Mesa Community College; President, Interfaith Students Alliance; President, PRISM.

Completed an A.A. in Arts (General Studies) and an A.S. in Political Science. Participated in student leadership roles including Associated Students positions and serving as President of Interfaith Students Alliance.

Lamson College

Bachelor of Science, Political Science

Activities and societies: President’s List (GPA between 3.8 and 4.0).

Earned a B.S. in Political Science with a minor in Religious Studies and a certificate in Study of Religion and Conflict. Received President’s List (GPA between 3.8 and 4.0).