January 26, 2021 • 40 mins
Please note this episode was recorded in October 2020 and is now posted in loving memory of Rep. Minjarez's Golden "Pino."
Welcome to Season Two of the Pink Granite Podcast!
In this episode, Texas State Representative Ina Minjarez talks with her good friend and politico Lauren Mandel all about why she got into politics and how losing her first race taught her to be a better leader. This episode also uncovers the Representative's back up dream career as a Peloton instructor and love of 90's rap music.
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Thank you for listening!
Guest: Representative Ina Minjarez
Host: Lauren Mandel
Editing: Amy Whited
Music: "Only the Brave Run Wild" Sounds Like Sander
Voice Talent: Sarah Keats
Executive Producer: Amy Whited
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Lauren Mandel (00:25):
Hi Pink Granite listeners. My name is Lauren
Mendel. I am here today withState Representative Ina
Minjarez, a dear dear friend ofmine and an elected official who
represents all the things thatare good in politics
representative before we start,I'm going to go ahead and read
your bio and maybe embarrass youa little bit and we will go from
(00:48):
there. So representative InaMinjarez was elected to serve
the constituents of Texas HouseDistrict 124. After a special
election victory in April 2015.
For the 86th legislativesession, she was appointed to
the House Committee onAppropriations. She oversees
natural resources, business andeconomic development as well as
(01:09):
regulatory agencies on thatcommittee and she is a know how
when it comes to transportation,and pretty much any policy issue
she's dealt in and she's wasactually recently selected to be
part of the very first criminaljustice reform caucus. So I know
she's been working on that. Inthe interim. During the 86
(01:31):
legislative session, shesuccessfully helped pass
legislation that activelyassists vulnerable citizens
pertaining to opioid andsubstance abuse, foster care,
theft, cybersecurity and directaccess to physical therapy
services. Furthermore, shesuccessfully co sponsored
legislation that enhances publicschool education, supports
(01:52):
transportation initiatives, andassist victims of sexual
assault. During the 85thlegislative session. She was
named Rookie of the Year byTexas Monthly and received a
certificate of appreciation fromthe Department of Defense for
her support of military servicemembers in the legislature.
She's also won countless otherawards for all of her work. In
(02:15):
the legislature, Ina was bornand raised in El Paso by two
hard working parents. Herbackground is deeply rooted in
the fight for social justice.
From an early age they she andher sister were taught that hard
work and education were the keysto opportunity. She attended the
(02:37):
University of Notre Dame for herundergraduate degree and
attended St. Mary's law schoolhere in San Antonio, where she
has been a practicing attorneyever since. Representative
Minjarez is married to herhusband Leo. They she has two
(02:57):
wonderful stepchildren. She is arunner and has run multiple
marathons and is a badass, butmost importantly, she has three
dogs. Pino, Pepe and Lily on andone of the reasons why you and I
bonded representatives isbecause we both have Golden
Retrievers old GoldenRetrievers, and, and you know, I
(03:20):
call you "golden" all the time.
And I think we should just takea second to just maybe one
minute to talk about our love ofgolden retrievers, so people can
really know who we are.
Rep. Ina Minjarez (03:31):
Well, I think Golden Retrievers are just
symbolic of all that is good inthe world. And all that is happy
and it is true, my friend,that's when we we really bonded
talking about our our Golden'smy Pino, I you know, she's gonna
be 14 next month. She's She'saged quite a bit, but she's been
(03:52):
with me through the best oftimes for the worst of times.
And she's just a really, she's ashining spot in my life. And I
mean, you know, my dear friend,representative, Steve Alison,
and he has a golden. I told himthat, you know, I knew he was
good people. He told me he had agolden retriever.
Lauren Mandel (04:10):
That's exactly, representative Allison's my
state rep. And I said, well,anybody who has a golden
retriever, I mean, regardless ofpolitics, how can you not
support them? But it's the thingwe share, and I love that. And I
always like to say that you andRepresentative Allison are like
Golden Retrievers, and peopleform because you're so warm and
(04:33):
caring, but you're, you'll messup the people who you're loyal.
And you represent yourconstituents and your friends
and your family, you know, tothe highest order and goldens
are a lot like that to you don'tmess with their people.
Rep. Ina Minjarez (04:49):
That's exactly right. And I think, you
know, I think it's just tellingI think, you know, Golden
Retrievers have a beautiful souland you're right, they're
completely loyal. But when youmess with something, if you mess
with them or someone orsomething they love, they will
show that side to them that, uh,that very protective dominant
side. And yeah, they're just thebest ever. They're the best.
Lauren Mandel (05:12):
And I think that's a great segue to begin
our interview, thank you so muchfor being here. And doing this
with us. I know that yourschedule is crazy. And we're
just so excited to have you.
Rep. Ina Minjarez (05:23):
I'm happy to be here. And the best part of it
is being able to do this withyou, Lauren, we've, we've been
friends for a while. And when Imet you, and I probably like the
second year, I think I was anelected representative. And,
and, you know, this is this isfun, and I'm glad to just enjoy
the time with you.
Lauren Mandel (05:39):
I know me too.
It's so great. I wish we weretogether in person, maybe next
time next time. So let's goahead and get started. Um, I
want to just start kind of in adifferent way than I had
originally thought about. Andthat's with by talking about
justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg,who's recently passed away, I
think women on all sides of theaisle with all ideologues, you
(06:01):
know, no matter what theybelieve in, have really
struggled with her passing. So Ijust wanted to start by asking,
how has it affected youpersonally, as well as
professionally?
Rep. Ina Minjarez (06:16):
Well, let me start with something that was
just very weird. A couple ofdays before she passed, I had
just woken up. And for somereason, I was thinking about how
I wanted, you know, to change upmy my capital office and
thinking, what kind of prints?
And what kind of style and motifdid I want to do for this coming
(06:36):
session? And so I woke up, youknow, that morning, and I
thought, you know, I think Iwant to do prints of a really
strong women that have just hadan impact on my life, I think on
the country. And I was thinking,maybe, you know, Barbara Jordan,
Ann Richards and I really satthere and thought about it and
thought about Ruth BaderGinsburg. And so that morning, I
(06:58):
ordered two prints. And I thinkone of them had one of her
quotes that talked about, youknow, if you want to be the
leader, the most important thingand I'm not saying it verbatim,
the most important thing is thatyou do it in a way that people
want to follow you. And and Ithink that really speaks to a
lesson that I learned theimportance of having that
(07:20):
mindset, because you've got tobring people different
Coalition's people that may notagree with you, but maybe if
there is something a commongood, you've got to bring them
along, and find a way to dothat. And so I have bought that
print, to print. And then youknow, a couple days later, she
passed away, and I, I justrecall being in denial, first
(07:42):
and shock, and then, of course,the sadness set in because, you
know, she's one of the reasonsthat I decided to get a law
degree and be a lawyer. Andbecause of her, I was, first of
all able to go to law school Iwas, I was able to do things
that historically before had notbeen an opportunity for women.
(08:03):
You know, having a credit cardin my name, leasing an apartment
in my name, not needing to do itin my husband's, you know, name
or, you know, she really was aforce and because of her, she,
she broke many ceilings forwomen everywhere. And so it's
been a it's been a really toughloss. You know, she's just
(08:24):
incredibly, incrediblyintelligent, and she's left an
imprint in this country, thatwill remain forever. And what I
will say too, is I really lovedher documentary where it talked
about her friendship, her realclose friendship with Justice
Scalia, her her two polaropposites. But the best of
friends, and I love that abouther, I love that, you know, you
(08:49):
could be different fromsomebody, but you can be the
best of friends and she just hadso many lessons to teach.
Lauren Mandel (08:58):
I couldn't agree with you more. And in this time
of such divide, you know, comingup on a presidential election,
to see people from all walks oflife come together, come
together to mourn this. Onewoman has really kind of been
inspiring for me, and I knowyou'd probably agree with it, as
well, especially because youare, in my opinion, one of the
(09:22):
most bipartisan representativesin the house today. It's one of
my favorite things about you.
You're a favorite of bothDemocrats and Republicans. How
have you been able to achievethis level of bipartisanship in
these incredibly partisan times?
Rep. Ina Minjarez (09:41):
When I got to the house, what I loved about
getting there was I noticed thatyou know, although we may
disagree on social issues, weare very much a family because
we spend so much time togetherduring session. And and really
we we really do have a desire toserve We have that in common
that we're doing this because wecare about public service. And I
(10:07):
did not come in thinking, youknow, I was not going to come in
with a mindset of, you knowwhat, we're two different
parties. So I'm just going tostick to my own kind. I didn't
believe in that I I've alwaysbelieved in maintain, you know,
developing and culturingdifferent relationships. I think
that's, that's so key. I waslike that I think about it now
(10:27):
is like that in, in elementaryschool and middle school, I was
never very cliquish. I just tryto be friends with everybody.
And I've learned a lot of thingsthat way. And I've learned
different perspectives. And, youknow, I think about, you know,
former speaker, former speaker,Joe Straus, he gave me so many
(10:49):
opportunities, and here I am amember of the opposing party,
and he didn't look at me in thatway. And, and I think, because I
cultivated a relationship withhim, and he knew that I was a
hard worker, and I was aboutgetting things done. And, and,
and being a team player, Iwasn't there to throw bombs and
obstruct, you know, the workthat we needed to get done, you
(11:11):
know, was about I was aboutsolidarity. And I think he
understood what my leadershipcapabilities were, and where my
heart truly lied, and, and hegave me incredible opportunities
that I don't think I ever wouldhave gotten otherwise, I just
think that, you know, we'reserving the public, and we all
need to work together.
Lauren Mandel (11:29):
Absolutely. And you are of that Straus-ian, you
know, elected official type thatreally just says, I'm here to
work, I'll talk to whomever. Youknow, my boss is a republican
county commissioner, and youguys have gotten a lot
accomplished together. And Ireally, so admire that about
you. And I'm glad we've had thechance to highlight it today.
(11:52):
All right, so let's pivot.
You're a state representative,how would you describe that job
or role? to somebody who's on adifferent planet? It has never
heard of state reps? Or thelegislature? How would you
describe it?
Rep. Ina Minjarez (12:07):
That's a really good question. I think,
you know, I think it's, you're avoice for the voiceless, you
know, you have to have awarewith all to develop strategy.
You've got to figure out what isthe goal that you want to
attain? And, and, and, and, youknow, carry a policy, carry a
(12:33):
goal and get it done? I thinkit's, it's really, it's all in
the key word of representative,you're representing either a
person you're representing afamily, you're representing a
community, and you are carryingout those wishes of that
community. And so that's areally good question. I would
(12:54):
just say you are just being thevoice of the voiceless.
Lauren Mandel (12:58):
So you heard it here. First, aliens. If you're
tuning in, from some alternateuniverse, this is what it means
to be a state rep right from thesource. Representative, how did
you get into politics? What drewyou to this kind of career?
Rep. Ina Minjarez (13:16):
I never saw this coming. I wasn't born into
a political family. I think onmy whole family, I'm the first
to hold elected office. Youknow, my mom was not a fan. She
didn't want me to run she, sheloves to watch politics. She
loves to watch CNN, she sheloves to watch debates, that she
(13:37):
never wanted me to get into it,because she felt it was just,
you know, there's a dirty sidesto politics, right. And she just
worried that it was somethingshe didn't want me to do. But
the story that I relate topeople in my mom, she didn't
graduate high school, she has aneighth grade education. Later
on, got her GED, but she's areader and she loves she loves
(14:00):
reading all the time. And sheloves learning and for me and my
sister were we wanted to gooutside and play with the
neighborhood kids she shewouldn't let us she would have
us watching the news. You know,here I am a little kid and a lot
of the news is going over myhead but she wanted me to know
about current events she wouldhave me read books and do book
(14:22):
reports and you know, copy wordsout of the dictionary and make
sentences out of thosevocabulary words and I remember
like vividly when summer she hadme watching the Iran Contra
affair hearings on c span and Ihad no idea I still remember
Oliver North I remember it alland not understanding one thing.
(14:45):
But I think I started eventhough the material was over my
head and I knew who those peoplewere and who they were by name.
And that you know, it justevolved over time and then I got
an interest in what was going onright Our state in our country.
And, you know, an opportunitycame where I am an I am a
(15:07):
lawyer. I'm a former prosecutor,I at one point had my private
practice. I've done a lot ofextensive cases in criminal law
and labor law. I've representedchildren in the Child Protective
Services system. Also parentsthat were, you know, facing
termination of their parentalrights. I've done a little bit
of everything representedbusinesses. And when this
(15:28):
opportunity came in, I thought,well, heck, I've litigated since
I got my law degree, every dayin the courts.
Lauren Mandel (15:35):
My guess is you were doing litigation before you
got your law degree, becauseit's just who you are as a
person. every conversation wasan opportunity, right?
Rep. Ina Minjarez (15:43):
And that's why my mom says I would fight
with her or in everything when Iwas little, I'd question
everything and just debater andshe knew this one's going to be
a lawyer. But you know, Idecided, you know, if I can
litigate in the courts, I canlitigate at the Capitol, I'm not
going to make the policy right.
And so an opportunity came and Ijust, you know, took a leap of
faith, and then it worked out.
Lauren Mandel (16:05):
Absolutely. And I love that a litigator from
birth, I'm sure your mom isgonna listen to this and be
like, I told you, you know,you've had so many successes in
your career, both before youwere elected. And since you've
been in the legislature, I'mgoing to kind of flip the switch
(16:26):
on that. Can you tell me about acareer failure that greatly
influenced you and really kindof pivoted the way you do
business?
Rep. Ina Minjarez (16:36):
Sure. You know, just as I've had many
successes I've had, of course,I've had my failures. And it's
it's a matter of trying to learnfrom those failures, right. And
so before I had run, what I wasa practicing attorney. And
really my goal in life, since Iwas little was I thought I
(16:58):
wanted to be a judge. I wantedto be a sitting judge on a
bench. And when my first run fora county court bench, I want to
say maybe that was like 2006, Ithink and I went up against at
the time a 20 year incumbent,not knowing anything about
campaigning, not knowing how youraise money, how do you put a
(17:20):
campaign together, really naiveto politics, you know, I had
just lost that race, but likeseven tenths of a percent, it
was so close. And so I was goingto do it again, here, I am going
to do it in four years, I'm justgoing to go ahead and get more
experience in other areas of thelaw, I'll get, you know, this
time, I'll be ahead, I will getbe fully prepared. And had
(17:45):
everything you know, in terms ofmy strategy in place, and ran
again for the same seat, and itwas an open seat and open bench
in 2010. And that was, you know,that was a lesson for me because
no matter how hard I tried, Igot all the endorsements, I had
the right team. That was a, Iwas a victim of the red wave
(18:08):
that came in into Texas, I justtook out all the democrats even
if you were a sitting electedofficial, if you were on the
ballot at that time, you weregone. And I at first I took that
as how unfair that was. And Ifelt, I really felt like a
failure because I went to lawschool. You know, this was my
(18:28):
dream. And just felt, I took itpersonally, that loss, it was
really, really tough. And Ithought I don't want to have
anything to do with politics.
I'm not doing this again. And,you know, after some time to
heal, and after a couple years,I needed to I needed to mature
and understand that was beyondmy control. And sometimes there
are some forces in nature thatare at play. And maybe that
(18:52):
wasn't right. For me at thetime, I kind of have a I have a
belief system, and I have a lotof faith. And I think I think it
wasn't for me that there wassomething bigger and I'm not
trying to sound hokey. But Itruly believe that now that I
was meant for something else.
And so I learned not to not tobe a bad loser. I learned to
(19:18):
embrace when life throws yousome curveballs and and then
here we are. So you can't takethe loss. Personally, and you
can't make it about being such afailure that you fail at life.
You got to change your mindsetand think of it as like a
challenge and just, you know,get over that mountain and find
(19:41):
another direction and find whereyou find some success somewhere
else.
Lauren Mandel (20:02):
And so much about politics is timing right,
either. I mean, as an electedofficial, like you are somebody
like me, who is, you know, playsa support role for an elected
(20:23):
official, so much of it is outof your control, because it's
just timing. And when you lostthat race, you know, the red
wave probably had a lot to dowith that. And at the time, I
can only imagine how devastatingthat must have been. That was,
and you had no control overthat.
Rep. Ina Minjarez (20:40):
Right. And the neat thing about it is when
I mentioned I had a differentplan, I had gotten all the
endorsements. Well, little did Iknow, I had already laid my
groundwork for the future when Iran for state rep, because I had
already known who the people,the players and the
organizations were, that weregonna be instrumental in me
(21:02):
running for state rep.
Lauren Mandel (21:03):
Yeah, absolutely.
Absolutely. And so you and I,like you said, have been friends
for a long time, you're somebodyI view as one of my mentors,
because you're open and you'rehonest. And I, whenever I'm with
you, I just try to be like asponge and soak up, you know,
whatever you're providing me anddepending on the day, who knows
(21:24):
what it could be? Who were someof your mentor mentors, and why
have they been so influential?
And I know, you know, this PinkGranite is focused on women, but
I know that there have been somemen in your life who have been
incredibly supportive of yourjourney, and other women who,
(21:45):
you know, they've come across.
Rep. Ina Minjarez (21:48):
It's Yeah, you know, definitely I wouldn't
be able to do this without myhusband being all in you know,
when you run for public office,you run as a family. And he has
been incredibly supportive attimes, when I've doubted myself
when I felt you know, publicservice is hard, as much as I
(22:10):
want to talk about how great itis. It has its moments it has
its its highs, and it has itsincredible lows, and he would
always tell me, you know, Havesome faith in yourself. And he
would be that support systemand, or I would get angry at
something or not know how tohandle a search situation. I
respect what he's done in hislife. And he has, he has
(22:30):
incredible leadership skills.
And he has, I mean, an amazingskill set to deal with people.
He's a very, he's a peopleperson. And his way of thinking,
he reads leadership books allthe time. So I look to Him, when
I feel like I need to be setstraight. Or I need to, or I
need to bounce off ideas. And Ieven though sometimes it may not
(22:52):
be something I want to hear, Ivalue his advice, because he
tends to steer me in the rightdirection. You know, I look at
Leticia Van de Putte was she,she reached out when I when I
won my initial special election,when I needed to talk to her
about her perspective, as anally as a female elected
(23:16):
official and what she's beenthrough when she ran for the
Senate, you know, and she's beenthere also, when I've needed a
pep talk or two. And then, let'ssee, you know, there's just
members of the businesscommunity, I love to sometimes,
you know, talk to Louis Barriosabout what's going on with me
and, you know, just electedsthat I work with that have been,
(23:40):
you know, in the house longerthan I have. So, it's just a
number of people. That's why Isay it's so important to have a
wide network. Everybody hasspecial talents, everybody has
different perspectives. And, youknow, I just choose who I want
to talk to, if it's a particularissue, but really in terms of
(24:01):
just life in general. I'm reallylucky to have my husband and the
fact that he he was he remindsme of Ruth Bader Ginsburg
husband. You know what he did toget her her federal benches and
then ultimately get her on theSupreme Court? That's what I
think of Leo in terms of how hehas guided me and helped me get
to where I am.
Lauren Mandel (24:23):
Well, let's give Leo a shout out right now. Thank
you Leo. For all you do to helpthe representative be
successful. The State of Texasis so grateful for your
sacrifice because we know thatit's you know, for the spouses
you guys are in Austin and plushe watches Pino
Rep. Ina Minjarez (24:40):
Yeah, he's you know, he's the dog sitter.
So aside from Pino, I've got twoother dogs. So he's got a he's
got a hold down the fort andtake care of the dogs and I'm
gone.
Lauren Mandel (24:50):
I know. He's the best. So Leo, we salute you. We
salute you and kind of on thetopic of mentorship You know,
pink granite is about bringingwomen together from all sides of
the aisle, whether they want tobe elected officials or just
work in the political realm.
What is your advice for youngwomen who are looking to break
into this world, either assomebody who runs for office one
(25:13):
day, or somebody, you know, likeme who has a chief of staff type
role, or even somebody who wantsto get into government relations
or lobbying,
Rep. Ina Minjarez (25:22):
I love this is why I love pink granite.
Because even though maybe I'm anelected official, I do get to
witness. So many women who arein governmental affairs are in
the lobby when I'm at the statecapitol. And I do see a
disparity, I wish I could seemore women in those areas in
those fields. And they and youknow, they, they have their own
(25:45):
challenges. You know, the, the,the Texas capital, as you know,
has been a good old boy systemfor a very long time, but things
are changing, and things areevolving, and, and, you know,
like everything else, it takescourage, what you've got to not
be afraid of challenges, and anddon't let the fear overcome you
(26:08):
that you feel while I shouldwait. And you start doubting
yourself and you start doubtingyour talents, and you doubt
whether you're smart enough, andyou doubt, you know, you just
think more about the negatives,right. And so I think one of the
things is really being fearlessand having confidence in
yourself. And the second thing,you've got to find support or
(26:30):
network of mentors, and and, youknow, it doesn't necessarily
have to be just women, you know,there are there are male allies
out there that are in theindustry, or an elected elected
office that do support and liftup women, right, that they want
to see women succeed. And it'sso I think critical, because you
(26:54):
can't do it alone. I can'timagine doing this type of work
and not having, like I said, myhusband not having the
incredible, incredible team Ihave I have a you know, Chief of
Staff who's who's incrediblysmart, who's strong, who's
wonderful lifts me up, I've gotmembers of my staff that are the
same way and you know, you youcannot do it alone. And and and
(27:17):
it's okay to acknowledge youcan't do it alone. I think
sometimes women want to feellike I'm strong, I don't need
anybody, I can do this on myown, and that can be a
detriment. So just have your,your, your network of support.
And again, build up thatconfidence and go after what you
want. And always understand youneed to be learning, whatever
(27:38):
field you're in, you need to beconstantly taking initiative to
learn, learn different, youknow, leadership styles, you
know, talk to people in thefield or related fields. Learn
and that's what better is yourcraft, because you have to
constantly always be betteringyourself.
Lauren Mandel (27:57):
Absolutely. I couldn't agree more with
everything you said. And I hopeall the young women out there
are listening. I mean,Representative has, you know,
walked the path and taking allthe help you can get in asking
more importantly, having thecourage to ask for help, because
it does take courage to say Ican't do this on my own. You
know, I don't know how will youguide me and I think a lot of
(28:20):
young women, I certainly feltthis way when I was younger, I
struggle with that. And I almostwant to shake my younger self
and say ask for help. You don'thave to do it on your own. So
hopefully women can hear whatyou've said and you know, really
take that to heart. Okay, I'mgoing to switch gears on you.
Okay, what's in your work bag,
Rep. Ina Minjarez (28:41):
my work bag.
So I have an interesting workbag. I knew I have a backpack
First of all, and the reason whyI have a backpack is because I
have not just my my Maccomputer. I also keep my workout
stuff in there. So I've gotthings like I've got like my
resistance bands in there. I'vegot band aids, because when I'm
(29:04):
lifting weights, I'll always cutmyself somehow. I've got bengay
in there. guys got myelectrolyte tablets. And then
I've got folders like foldersfor you know pieces of
legislation that I do researchon. So it's a bag of all tricks.
Lauren Mandel (29:24):
I bet you have a siesta metal in there as well,
I'm sure find random Fiestametals, like out of very pure Oh
San Antonio,
Rep. Ina Minjarez (29:34):
I found a water burger, Fiesta metal and
my car from like, you know,three years ago.
Lauren Mandel (29:39):
Well, that's the ultimate San Antonio. I mean,
that's, that's the ultimate. Youreally do find a way to
incorporate, you know, runningand staying healthy and being
fit with what you do in thelegislature and you know in some
of your volunteer efforts Canyou just talk super quickly
(30:02):
about how important an activelifestyle is to you and how it
helps you stay sane. You know,when the legislative session is
in full gear, and you haven'tslept in four days, and you
know, you're not going to get tosleep for another four, because
I know running is so importantto you. And it's such a huge
part of who you are.
Rep. Ina Minjarez (30:22):
Oh, it is I, you know, I've been a runner
for, I want to say maybe Istarted my marathon running in
2010. I wish I had startedearlier. I for some reason, just
got into it. And then reallyjust did it all out and did
marathons, you know, all overthe country when I had the time
and, but just realize, I know,for myself, the importance of
(30:47):
taking care of my health, and Ineed to take care of myself
mentally and emotionally, too,because this can be very
draining, you know, life ingeneral. And I just know, if I
do not exercise, if I don't taketime out for myself, I cannot be
productive, and I cannot takecare of the district I serve. I
(31:08):
just I'm not productive. I don'tdo well. It's just what I need.
It's my emotional release,right. And so one of the things
that I learned during my time asa state rep is, I still haven't
found the balance. And I tellpeople, I'm going to stop
telling people I balanced life.
So well, I found the balancethere.
(31:28):
There's nosuch thing. I try to do the best
Lauren Mandel (31:28):
So what do you think balance is? What is that?
that I can. And what I what I'veunderstood is, you know what,
you have to be on a veryregimented schedule. And so for
myself, what works for me, I'mup at 430 in the morning, and I
just I'm better, I'm productivein the mornings, right? So I'm
let that 430 to do a little bitof work. I'm exercising by six
(31:52):
in the morning. Get that out ofthe way and whether it's
running, whether it's my pelotonbike or orangetheory. And then
you know, I'm done with myworkout and I get ready and I'm
out the door. My endorphins arean all high, so I'm ready for my
meetings. But I have to be inbed by nine o'clock. Yeah. Yeah.
And so that's just I have tolive on a schedule. Now when I'm
(32:15):
in session, and I can't be inbed by nine o'clock, we're
working all hours a night, I'mgonna have to find a way and
tell my staff like, I'm gonnahave to find that hour somehow
to go exercise and it's just IfI don't take care of me, I can't
again, I can't be successful, Ican't be productive. I can't, I
can't take care of the district.
And I and I've come tounderstand that that's okay. To
(32:37):
give myself that hour. I used tofeel really guilty about it.
But, you know, I'm going to be alittle selfish and that's what I
need to do to be okay. And I butfor me, it's just important to
be healthy and to take care ofyou.
So my nextquestion, if you weren't a state
(32:58):
rep or an attorney, would you belike a personal trainer? And if
not, what would you be?
Rep. Ina Minjarez (33:06):
You know what I would love to be I would love
to be a peloton. Bikeinstructor, right? Oh, I love I
love them. I got my peloton inMarch. And I it's like, I feel
like I'm a stalker. I have myfavorite instructors. They all
have their own Instagrams andtheir own Facebook's and they to
me, you know, they they havetheir own different styles. They
(33:28):
give you motivation through thebike ride, but it's neat,
because they they live thatlife. They look incredible,
right. But they also you know,they, they sell products, they
have their own TV shows, they,you know, they have a whole
spectrum of stuff that they do,but I just think what an
incredible life. So I'd probablywhat I would want to do,
Lauren Mandel (33:52):
I could see it too. I could see it too. All
right. So to piggyback on that,what playlist would you play? If
you were leading a ride?
Rep. Ina Minjarez (34:01):
Oh, what do you think? What kind of music do
you think I like? I probablyshock you.
Lauren Mandel (34:07):
Well, I think you're like me, I think you've
listened to everything I did. Itjust depends on your day in your
mood. What I don't know is whatmusic really hypes you up. Like
there's a difference betweenlistening to something in your
car and listening to somethingas you're getting ready to work
out. Because most people I thinkyou're an exception, don't like
working out and would ratheralmost do anything else. So you
(34:29):
really have to get you know, youlike for me, I like to listen to
AC DC and like all those 80srock bands to really get me
moving. I could see you doingthat, but I could also see some
90s rap as being your jam.
Rep. Ina Minjarez (34:46):
Yeah, you got that. Yeah, I love 90s rap I
love like east coast. You know,like the East Coast. West Coast.
Yeah, it was my college thingwhen they had that. That big old
divide of like, Notorious BIGversus like 2PAC. The music was
incredible. The music wasincredible. So I love that era.
I love that like gangster rap. Ilove the 80s I love the 80s you
(35:10):
have no idea just straight popfrom the 80s is it's awesome.
Always the way to go. Right? Andthen I have you know, also like
black Latino, like Latino kindof techno club music too. I love
that. But I love everything. Ilove all kinds of music.
Lauren Mandel (35:28):
I know you'd be such a great peloton. I'm not
encouraging you to do that. Iwant you to be an elected
official for a long time. But Icould totally see that and I'm
sure Leo, your husband's gonnalisten to me like, Yeah, do
that. make me ride.
What is an animated character inyou know, a movie or a
(35:52):
television show can be a DisneyPrincess can whatever you want.
Who which one of thosecharacters do you feel like you
relate to most? And why? Andthis is a tough question because
I couldn't come up with ananswer for myself.
Rep. Ina Minjarez (36:07):
I you know what I would have to say, and
I'm not being hokey. I justthink Wonder Woman. That's who I
I've always loved, her. I'vealways loved that she was she
was strong. She's a fighter. Shefights for the common good. I've
never been one to be intoprincess stuff. Yeah, I don't
know. And so to me, it's she'sjust classic, classic Wonder
(36:32):
Woman strong, strong, smart. Youknow, kick your butt kick her
off. So she's probably it forme.
Lauren Mandel (36:43):
Yeah, she'd be a badass in the lege.
Rep. Ina Minjarez (36:45):
Oh, yeah.
You're right. Oh, yeah. Andthen has that you know, the
lasso?
Lauren Mandel (36:52):
It's amazing. So as we kind of start to wrap up
here, what is the number onething you want voters or Texans,
the electorate at large to knowabout you, and you know how you
go about your job? I guessanother way to say it is what do
you want your legacy to be whenit's all said and done?
Rep. Ina Minjarez (37:13):
I think for me, my legacy is that I truly
did this. I did this because Itruly care. I truly care about
the job that I do. I want tomake texas a better place. I
didn't come in here with anagenda. In terms of getting
(37:33):
ahead. I think one time Iremember attending. There was a
there was like a candidate, citycouncil candidate forum in San
Antonio a couple years ago. AndI remember one of the other
candidates said something like,if a politician ever tells you
that they're never planning forthe next for their next move,
right, their next biggestoffice, they're liars. And I
(37:54):
thought, yeah, you don't speakfor me guy. You know, I truly I
truly love being arepresentative. And, and I do
this with the purest of heart. Ifeel that I I do it with good
intentions. And I do it,understanding that I'm
(38:14):
privileged to be here that I'mprivileged to serve. And there
are good politicians out there.
Even there right now, it's atime where, you know, I don't
blame people. I don't blameAmericans for being disgusted
right with with politics rightnow. There's such a divide in
our country. But I want them toknow that there are a few of us
that love what we do, and we doit with good intention.
Lauren Mandel (38:39):
Absolutely. And I can't think of anything better
to close on because yourepresent everything that I know
you admire in an electedofficial, and you've just been
able to so eloquently. representthat to your constituents into
the state and we are so lucky tohave you serving and I'm so
thrilled you agreed to do thiswith me today. Thank you so much
(39:03):
for being here. And talking. Itwas so fun. I want to give Amy
and the pink granite team ashout out for giving us this
opportunity to have two goldenfriends just to chat about
politics in life. If you want toknow more about the
representative and her where sherepresents in San Antonio, or
(39:25):
her platform or anything likethat. You can visit her website
at vote4ina.org. RepresentativeThank you so much. I hope to see
you in person soon. Hug yourdogs and we'll talk soon.
Rep. Ina Minjarez (39:44):
Well I hope we get through, this pandemic,
then I can give you a big hugand thank you so much. I really
enjoyed my time with you.
Hi Pink Granite listeners. My name is Lauren
Mendel. I am here today withState Representative Ina
Minjarez, a dear dear friend ofmine and an elected official who
represents all the things thatare good in politics
representative before we start,I'm going to go ahead and read
your bio and maybe embarrass youa little bit and we will go from
(00:48):
there. So representative InaMinjarez was elected to serve
the constituents of Texas HouseDistrict 124. After a special
election victory in April 2015.
For the 86th legislativesession, she was appointed to
the House Committee onAppropriations. She oversees
natural resources, business andeconomic development as well as
(01:09):
regulatory agencies on thatcommittee and she is a know how
when it comes to transportation,and pretty much any policy issue
she's dealt in and she's wasactually recently selected to be
part of the very first criminaljustice reform caucus. So I know
she's been working on that. Inthe interim. During the 86
(01:31):
legislative session, shesuccessfully helped pass
legislation that activelyassists vulnerable citizens
pertaining to opioid andsubstance abuse, foster care,
theft, cybersecurity and directaccess to physical therapy
services. Furthermore, shesuccessfully co sponsored
legislation that enhances publicschool education, supports
(01:52):
transportation initiatives, andassist victims of sexual
assault. During the 85thlegislative session. She was
named Rookie of the Year byTexas Monthly and received a
certificate of appreciation fromthe Department of Defense for
her support of military servicemembers in the legislature.
She's also won countless otherawards for all of her work. In
(02:15):
the legislature, Ina was bornand raised in El Paso by two
hard working parents. Herbackground is deeply rooted in
the fight for social justice.
From an early age they she andher sister were taught that hard
work and education were the keysto opportunity. She attended the
(02:37):
University of Notre Dame for herundergraduate degree and
attended St. Mary's law schoolhere in San Antonio, where she
has been a practicing attorneyever since. Representative
Minjarez is married to herhusband Leo. They she has two
(02:57):
wonderful stepchildren. She is arunner and has run multiple
marathons and is a badass, butmost importantly, she has three
dogs. Pino, Pepe and Lily on andone of the reasons why you and I
bonded representatives isbecause we both have Golden
Retrievers old GoldenRetrievers, and, and you know, I
(03:20):
call you "golden" all the time.
And I think we should just takea second to just maybe one
minute to talk about our love ofgolden retrievers, so people can
really know who we are.
Rep. Ina Minjarez (03:31):
Well, I think Golden Retrievers are just
symbolic of all that is good inthe world. And all that is happy
and it is true, my friend,that's when we we really bonded
talking about our our Golden'smy Pino, I you know, she's gonna
be 14 next month. She's She'saged quite a bit, but she's been
(03:52):
with me through the best oftimes for the worst of times.
And she's just a really, she's ashining spot in my life. And I
mean, you know, my dear friend,representative, Steve Alison,
and he has a golden. I told himthat, you know, I knew he was
good people. He told me he had agolden retriever.
Lauren Mandel (04:10):
That's exactly, representative Allison's my
state rep. And I said, well,anybody who has a golden
retriever, I mean, regardless ofpolitics, how can you not
support them? But it's the thingwe share, and I love that. And I
always like to say that you andRepresentative Allison are like
Golden Retrievers, and peopleform because you're so warm and
(04:33):
caring, but you're, you'll messup the people who you're loyal.
And you represent yourconstituents and your friends
and your family, you know, tothe highest order and goldens
are a lot like that to you don'tmess with their people.
Rep. Ina Minjarez (04:49):
That's exactly right. And I think, you
know, I think it's just tellingI think, you know, Golden
Retrievers have a beautiful souland you're right, they're
completely loyal. But when youmess with something, if you mess
with them or someone orsomething they love, they will
show that side to them that, uh,that very protective dominant
side. And yeah, they're just thebest ever. They're the best.
Lauren Mandel (05:12):
And I think that's a great segue to begin
our interview, thank you so muchfor being here. And doing this
with us. I know that yourschedule is crazy. And we're
just so excited to have you.
Rep. Ina Minjarez (05:23):
I'm happy to be here. And the best part of it
is being able to do this withyou, Lauren, we've, we've been
friends for a while. And when Imet you, and I probably like the
second year, I think I was anelected representative. And,
and, you know, this is this isfun, and I'm glad to just enjoy
the time with you.
Lauren Mandel (05:39):
I know me too.
It's so great. I wish we weretogether in person, maybe next
time next time. So let's goahead and get started. Um, I
want to just start kind of in adifferent way than I had
originally thought about. Andthat's with by talking about
justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg,who's recently passed away, I
think women on all sides of theaisle with all ideologues, you
(06:01):
know, no matter what theybelieve in, have really
struggled with her passing. So Ijust wanted to start by asking,
how has it affected youpersonally, as well as
professionally?
Rep. Ina Minjarez (06:16):
Well, let me start with something that was
just very weird. A couple ofdays before she passed, I had
just woken up. And for somereason, I was thinking about how
I wanted, you know, to change upmy my capital office and
thinking, what kind of prints?
And what kind of style and motifdid I want to do for this coming
(06:36):
session? And so I woke up, youknow, that morning, and I
thought, you know, I think Iwant to do prints of a really
strong women that have just hadan impact on my life, I think on
the country. And I was thinking,maybe, you know, Barbara Jordan,
Ann Richards and I really satthere and thought about it and
thought about Ruth BaderGinsburg. And so that morning, I
(06:58):
ordered two prints. And I thinkone of them had one of her
quotes that talked about, youknow, if you want to be the
leader, the most important thingand I'm not saying it verbatim,
the most important thing is thatyou do it in a way that people
want to follow you. And and Ithink that really speaks to a
lesson that I learned theimportance of having that
(07:20):
mindset, because you've got tobring people different
Coalition's people that may notagree with you, but maybe if
there is something a commongood, you've got to bring them
along, and find a way to dothat. And so I have bought that
print, to print. And then youknow, a couple days later, she
passed away, and I, I justrecall being in denial, first
(07:42):
and shock, and then, of course,the sadness set in because, you
know, she's one of the reasonsthat I decided to get a law
degree and be a lawyer. Andbecause of her, I was, first of
all able to go to law school Iwas, I was able to do things
that historically before had notbeen an opportunity for women.
(08:03):
You know, having a credit cardin my name, leasing an apartment
in my name, not needing to do itin my husband's, you know, name
or, you know, she really was aforce and because of her, she,
she broke many ceilings forwomen everywhere. And so it's
been a it's been a really toughloss. You know, she's just
(08:24):
incredibly, incrediblyintelligent, and she's left an
imprint in this country, thatwill remain forever. And what I
will say too, is I really lovedher documentary where it talked
about her friendship, her realclose friendship with Justice
Scalia, her her two polaropposites. But the best of
friends, and I love that abouther, I love that, you know, you
(08:49):
could be different fromsomebody, but you can be the
best of friends and she just hadso many lessons to teach.
Lauren Mandel (08:58):
I couldn't agree with you more. And in this time
of such divide, you know, comingup on a presidential election,
to see people from all walks oflife come together, come
together to mourn this. Onewoman has really kind of been
inspiring for me, and I knowyou'd probably agree with it, as
well, especially because youare, in my opinion, one of the
(09:22):
most bipartisan representativesin the house today. It's one of
my favorite things about you.
You're a favorite of bothDemocrats and Republicans. How
have you been able to achievethis level of bipartisanship in
these incredibly partisan times?
Rep. Ina Minjarez (09:41):
When I got to the house, what I loved about
getting there was I noticed thatyou know, although we may
disagree on social issues, weare very much a family because
we spend so much time togetherduring session. And and really
we we really do have a desire toserve We have that in common
that we're doing this because wecare about public service. And I
(10:07):
did not come in thinking, youknow, I was not going to come in
with a mindset of, you knowwhat, we're two different
parties. So I'm just going tostick to my own kind. I didn't
believe in that I I've alwaysbelieved in maintain, you know,
developing and culturingdifferent relationships. I think
that's, that's so key. I waslike that I think about it now
(10:27):
is like that in, in elementaryschool and middle school, I was
never very cliquish. I just tryto be friends with everybody.
And I've learned a lot of thingsthat way. And I've learned
different perspectives. And, youknow, I think about, you know,
former speaker, former speaker,Joe Straus, he gave me so many
(10:49):
opportunities, and here I am amember of the opposing party,
and he didn't look at me in thatway. And, and I think, because I
cultivated a relationship withhim, and he knew that I was a
hard worker, and I was aboutgetting things done. And, and,
and being a team player, Iwasn't there to throw bombs and
obstruct, you know, the workthat we needed to get done, you
(11:11):
know, was about I was aboutsolidarity. And I think he
understood what my leadershipcapabilities were, and where my
heart truly lied, and, and hegave me incredible opportunities
that I don't think I ever wouldhave gotten otherwise, I just
think that, you know, we'reserving the public, and we all
need to work together.
Lauren Mandel (11:29):
Absolutely. And you are of that Straus-ian, you
know, elected official type thatreally just says, I'm here to
work, I'll talk to whomever. Youknow, my boss is a republican
county commissioner, and youguys have gotten a lot
accomplished together. And Ireally, so admire that about
you. And I'm glad we've had thechance to highlight it today.
(11:52):
All right, so let's pivot.
You're a state representative,how would you describe that job
or role? to somebody who's on adifferent planet? It has never
heard of state reps? Or thelegislature? How would you
describe it?
Rep. Ina Minjarez (12:07):
That's a really good question. I think,
you know, I think it's, you're avoice for the voiceless, you
know, you have to have awarewith all to develop strategy.
You've got to figure out what isthe goal that you want to
attain? And, and, and, and, youknow, carry a policy, carry a
(12:33):
goal and get it done? I thinkit's, it's really, it's all in
the key word of representative,you're representing either a
person you're representing afamily, you're representing a
community, and you are carryingout those wishes of that
community. And so that's areally good question. I would
(12:54):
just say you are just being thevoice of the voiceless.
Lauren Mandel (12:58):
So you heard it here. First, aliens. If you're
tuning in, from some alternateuniverse, this is what it means
to be a state rep right from thesource. Representative, how did
you get into politics? What drewyou to this kind of career?
Rep. Ina Minjarez (13:16):
I never saw this coming. I wasn't born into
a political family. I think onmy whole family, I'm the first
to hold elected office. Youknow, my mom was not a fan. She
didn't want me to run she, sheloves to watch politics. She
loves to watch CNN, she sheloves to watch debates, that she
(13:37):
never wanted me to get into it,because she felt it was just,
you know, there's a dirty sidesto politics, right. And she just
worried that it was somethingshe didn't want me to do. But
the story that I relate topeople in my mom, she didn't
graduate high school, she has aneighth grade education. Later
on, got her GED, but she's areader and she loves she loves
(14:00):
reading all the time. And sheloves learning and for me and my
sister were we wanted to gooutside and play with the
neighborhood kids she shewouldn't let us she would have
us watching the news. You know,here I am a little kid and a lot
of the news is going over myhead but she wanted me to know
about current events she wouldhave me read books and do book
(14:22):
reports and you know, copy wordsout of the dictionary and make
sentences out of thosevocabulary words and I remember
like vividly when summer she hadme watching the Iran Contra
affair hearings on c span and Ihad no idea I still remember
Oliver North I remember it alland not understanding one thing.
(14:45):
But I think I started eventhough the material was over my
head and I knew who those peoplewere and who they were by name.
And that you know, it justevolved over time and then I got
an interest in what was going onright Our state in our country.
And, you know, an opportunitycame where I am an I am a
(15:07):
lawyer. I'm a former prosecutor,I at one point had my private
practice. I've done a lot ofextensive cases in criminal law
and labor law. I've representedchildren in the Child Protective
Services system. Also parentsthat were, you know, facing
termination of their parentalrights. I've done a little bit
of everything representedbusinesses. And when this
(15:28):
opportunity came in, I thought,well, heck, I've litigated since
I got my law degree, every dayin the courts.
Lauren Mandel (15:35):
My guess is you were doing litigation before you
got your law degree, becauseit's just who you are as a
person. every conversation wasan opportunity, right?
Rep. Ina Minjarez (15:43):
And that's why my mom says I would fight
with her or in everything when Iwas little, I'd question
everything and just debater andshe knew this one's going to be
a lawyer. But you know, Idecided, you know, if I can
litigate in the courts, I canlitigate at the Capitol, I'm not
going to make the policy right.
And so an opportunity came and Ijust, you know, took a leap of
faith, and then it worked out.
Lauren Mandel (16:05):
Absolutely. And I love that a litigator from
birth, I'm sure your mom isgonna listen to this and be
like, I told you, you know,you've had so many successes in
your career, both before youwere elected. And since you've
been in the legislature, I'mgoing to kind of flip the switch
(16:26):
on that. Can you tell me about acareer failure that greatly
influenced you and really kindof pivoted the way you do
business?
Rep. Ina Minjarez (16:36):
Sure. You know, just as I've had many
successes I've had, of course,I've had my failures. And it's
it's a matter of trying to learnfrom those failures, right. And
so before I had run, what I wasa practicing attorney. And
really my goal in life, since Iwas little was I thought I
(16:58):
wanted to be a judge. I wantedto be a sitting judge on a
bench. And when my first run fora county court bench, I want to
say maybe that was like 2006, Ithink and I went up against at
the time a 20 year incumbent,not knowing anything about
campaigning, not knowing how youraise money, how do you put a
(17:20):
campaign together, really naiveto politics, you know, I had
just lost that race, but likeseven tenths of a percent, it
was so close. And so I was goingto do it again, here, I am going
to do it in four years, I'm justgoing to go ahead and get more
experience in other areas of thelaw, I'll get, you know, this
time, I'll be ahead, I will getbe fully prepared. And had
(17:45):
everything you know, in terms ofmy strategy in place, and ran
again for the same seat, and itwas an open seat and open bench
in 2010. And that was, you know,that was a lesson for me because
no matter how hard I tried, Igot all the endorsements, I had
the right team. That was a, Iwas a victim of the red wave
(18:08):
that came in into Texas, I justtook out all the democrats even
if you were a sitting electedofficial, if you were on the
ballot at that time, you weregone. And I at first I took that
as how unfair that was. And Ifelt, I really felt like a
failure because I went to lawschool. You know, this was my
(18:28):
dream. And just felt, I took itpersonally, that loss, it was
really, really tough. And Ithought I don't want to have
anything to do with politics.
I'm not doing this again. And,you know, after some time to
heal, and after a couple years,I needed to I needed to mature
and understand that was beyondmy control. And sometimes there
are some forces in nature thatare at play. And maybe that
(18:52):
wasn't right. For me at thetime, I kind of have a I have a
belief system, and I have a lotof faith. And I think I think it
wasn't for me that there wassomething bigger and I'm not
trying to sound hokey. But Itruly believe that now that I
was meant for something else.
And so I learned not to not tobe a bad loser. I learned to
(19:18):
embrace when life throws yousome curveballs and and then
here we are. So you can't takethe loss. Personally, and you
can't make it about being such afailure that you fail at life.
You got to change your mindsetand think of it as like a
challenge and just, you know,get over that mountain and find
(19:41):
another direction and find whereyou find some success somewhere
else.
Lauren Mandel (20:02):
And so much about politics is timing right,
either. I mean, as an electedofficial, like you are somebody
like me, who is, you know, playsa support role for an elected
(20:23):
official, so much of it is outof your control, because it's
just timing. And when you lostthat race, you know, the red
wave probably had a lot to dowith that. And at the time, I
can only imagine how devastatingthat must have been. That was,
and you had no control overthat.
Rep. Ina Minjarez (20:40):
Right. And the neat thing about it is when
I mentioned I had a differentplan, I had gotten all the
endorsements. Well, little did Iknow, I had already laid my
groundwork for the future when Iran for state rep, because I had
already known who the people,the players and the
organizations were, that weregonna be instrumental in me
(21:02):
running for state rep.
Lauren Mandel (21:03):
Yeah, absolutely.
Absolutely. And so you and I,like you said, have been friends
for a long time, you're somebodyI view as one of my mentors,
because you're open and you'rehonest. And I, whenever I'm with
you, I just try to be like asponge and soak up, you know,
whatever you're providing me anddepending on the day, who knows
(21:24):
what it could be? Who were someof your mentor mentors, and why
have they been so influential?
And I know, you know, this PinkGranite is focused on women, but
I know that there have been somemen in your life who have been
incredibly supportive of yourjourney, and other women who,
(21:45):
you know, they've come across.
Rep. Ina Minjarez (21:48):
It's Yeah, you know, definitely I wouldn't
be able to do this without myhusband being all in you know,
when you run for public office,you run as a family. And he has
been incredibly supportive attimes, when I've doubted myself
when I felt you know, publicservice is hard, as much as I
(22:10):
want to talk about how great itis. It has its moments it has
its its highs, and it has itsincredible lows, and he would
always tell me, you know, Havesome faith in yourself. And he
would be that support systemand, or I would get angry at
something or not know how tohandle a search situation. I
respect what he's done in hislife. And he has, he has
(22:30):
incredible leadership skills.
And he has, I mean, an amazingskill set to deal with people.
He's a very, he's a peopleperson. And his way of thinking,
he reads leadership books allthe time. So I look to Him, when
I feel like I need to be setstraight. Or I need to, or I
need to bounce off ideas. And Ieven though sometimes it may not
(22:52):
be something I want to hear, Ivalue his advice, because he
tends to steer me in the rightdirection. You know, I look at
Leticia Van de Putte was she,she reached out when I when I
won my initial special election,when I needed to talk to her
about her perspective, as anally as a female elected
(23:16):
official and what she's beenthrough when she ran for the
Senate, you know, and she's beenthere also, when I've needed a
pep talk or two. And then, let'ssee, you know, there's just
members of the businesscommunity, I love to sometimes,
you know, talk to Louis Barriosabout what's going on with me
and, you know, just electedsthat I work with that have been,
(23:40):
you know, in the house longerthan I have. So, it's just a
number of people. That's why Isay it's so important to have a
wide network. Everybody hasspecial talents, everybody has
different perspectives. And, youknow, I just choose who I want
to talk to, if it's a particularissue, but really in terms of
(24:01):
just life in general. I'm reallylucky to have my husband and the
fact that he he was he remindsme of Ruth Bader Ginsburg
husband. You know what he did toget her her federal benches and
then ultimately get her on theSupreme Court? That's what I
think of Leo in terms of how hehas guided me and helped me get
to where I am.
Lauren Mandel (24:23):
Well, let's give Leo a shout out right now. Thank
you Leo. For all you do to helpthe representative be
successful. The State of Texasis so grateful for your
sacrifice because we know thatit's you know, for the spouses
you guys are in Austin and plushe watches Pino
Rep. Ina Minjarez (24:40):
Yeah, he's you know, he's the dog sitter.
So aside from Pino, I've got twoother dogs. So he's got a he's
got a hold down the fort andtake care of the dogs and I'm
gone.
Lauren Mandel (24:50):
I know. He's the best. So Leo, we salute you. We
salute you and kind of on thetopic of mentorship You know,
pink granite is about bringingwomen together from all sides of
the aisle, whether they want tobe elected officials or just
work in the political realm.
What is your advice for youngwomen who are looking to break
into this world, either assomebody who runs for office one
(25:13):
day, or somebody, you know, likeme who has a chief of staff type
role, or even somebody who wantsto get into government relations
or lobbying,
Rep. Ina Minjarez (25:22):
I love this is why I love pink granite.
Because even though maybe I'm anelected official, I do get to
witness. So many women who arein governmental affairs are in
the lobby when I'm at the statecapitol. And I do see a
disparity, I wish I could seemore women in those areas in
those fields. And they and youknow, they, they have their own
(25:45):
challenges. You know, the, the,the Texas capital, as you know,
has been a good old boy systemfor a very long time, but things
are changing, and things areevolving, and, and, you know,
like everything else, it takescourage, what you've got to not
be afraid of challenges, and anddon't let the fear overcome you
(26:08):
that you feel while I shouldwait. And you start doubting
yourself and you start doubtingyour talents, and you doubt
whether you're smart enough, andyou doubt, you know, you just
think more about the negatives,right. And so I think one of the
things is really being fearlessand having confidence in
yourself. And the second thing,you've got to find support or
(26:30):
network of mentors, and and, youknow, it doesn't necessarily
have to be just women, you know,there are there are male allies
out there that are in theindustry, or an elected elected
office that do support and liftup women, right, that they want
to see women succeed. And it'sso I think critical, because you
(26:54):
can't do it alone. I can'timagine doing this type of work
and not having, like I said, myhusband not having the
incredible, incredible team Ihave I have a you know, Chief of
Staff who's who's incrediblysmart, who's strong, who's
wonderful lifts me up, I've gotmembers of my staff that are the
same way and you know, you youcannot do it alone. And and and
(27:17):
it's okay to acknowledge youcan't do it alone. I think
sometimes women want to feellike I'm strong, I don't need
anybody, I can do this on myown, and that can be a
detriment. So just have your,your, your network of support.
And again, build up thatconfidence and go after what you
want. And always understand youneed to be learning, whatever
(27:38):
field you're in, you need to beconstantly taking initiative to
learn, learn different, youknow, leadership styles, you
know, talk to people in thefield or related fields. Learn
and that's what better is yourcraft, because you have to
constantly always be betteringyourself.
Lauren Mandel (27:57):
Absolutely. I couldn't agree more with
everything you said. And I hopeall the young women out there
are listening. I mean,Representative has, you know,
walked the path and taking allthe help you can get in asking
more importantly, having thecourage to ask for help, because
it does take courage to say Ican't do this on my own. You
know, I don't know how will youguide me and I think a lot of
(28:20):
young women, I certainly feltthis way when I was younger, I
struggle with that. And I almostwant to shake my younger self
and say ask for help. You don'thave to do it on your own. So
hopefully women can hear whatyou've said and you know, really
take that to heart. Okay, I'mgoing to switch gears on you.
Okay, what's in your work bag,
Rep. Ina Minjarez (28:41):
my work bag.
So I have an interesting workbag. I knew I have a backpack
First of all, and the reason whyI have a backpack is because I
have not just my my Maccomputer. I also keep my workout
stuff in there. So I've gotthings like I've got like my
resistance bands in there. I'vegot band aids, because when I'm
(29:04):
lifting weights, I'll always cutmyself somehow. I've got bengay
in there. guys got myelectrolyte tablets. And then
I've got folders like foldersfor you know pieces of
legislation that I do researchon. So it's a bag of all tricks.
Lauren Mandel (29:24):
I bet you have a siesta metal in there as well,
I'm sure find random Fiestametals, like out of very pure Oh
San Antonio,
Rep. Ina Minjarez (29:34):
I found a water burger, Fiesta metal and
my car from like, you know,three years ago.
Lauren Mandel (29:39):
Well, that's the ultimate San Antonio. I mean,
that's, that's the ultimate. Youreally do find a way to
incorporate, you know, runningand staying healthy and being
fit with what you do in thelegislature and you know in some
of your volunteer efforts Canyou just talk super quickly
(30:02):
about how important an activelifestyle is to you and how it
helps you stay sane. You know,when the legislative session is
in full gear, and you haven'tslept in four days, and you
know, you're not going to get tosleep for another four, because
I know running is so importantto you. And it's such a huge
part of who you are.
Rep. Ina Minjarez (30:22):
Oh, it is I, you know, I've been a runner
for, I want to say maybe Istarted my marathon running in
2010. I wish I had startedearlier. I for some reason, just
got into it. And then reallyjust did it all out and did
marathons, you know, all overthe country when I had the time
and, but just realize, I know,for myself, the importance of
(30:47):
taking care of my health, and Ineed to take care of myself
mentally and emotionally, too,because this can be very
draining, you know, life ingeneral. And I just know, if I
do not exercise, if I don't taketime out for myself, I cannot be
productive, and I cannot takecare of the district I serve. I
(31:08):
just I'm not productive. I don'tdo well. It's just what I need.
It's my emotional release,right. And so one of the things
that I learned during my time asa state rep is, I still haven't
found the balance. And I tellpeople, I'm going to stop
telling people I balanced life.
So well, I found the balancethere.
(31:28):
There's nosuch thing. I try to do the best
Lauren Mandel (31:28):
So what do you think balance is? What is that?
that I can. And what I what I'veunderstood is, you know what,
you have to be on a veryregimented schedule. And so for
myself, what works for me, I'mup at 430 in the morning, and I
just I'm better, I'm productivein the mornings, right? So I'm
let that 430 to do a little bitof work. I'm exercising by six
(31:52):
in the morning. Get that out ofthe way and whether it's
running, whether it's my pelotonbike or orangetheory. And then
you know, I'm done with myworkout and I get ready and I'm
out the door. My endorphins arean all high, so I'm ready for my
meetings. But I have to be inbed by nine o'clock. Yeah. Yeah.
And so that's just I have tolive on a schedule. Now when I'm
(32:15):
in session, and I can't be inbed by nine o'clock, we're
working all hours a night, I'mgonna have to find a way and
tell my staff like, I'm gonnahave to find that hour somehow
to go exercise and it's just IfI don't take care of me, I can't
again, I can't be successful, Ican't be productive. I can't, I
can't take care of the district.
And I and I've come tounderstand that that's okay. To
(32:37):
give myself that hour. I used tofeel really guilty about it.
But, you know, I'm going to be alittle selfish and that's what I
need to do to be okay. And I butfor me, it's just important to
be healthy and to take care ofyou.
So my nextquestion, if you weren't a state
(32:58):
rep or an attorney, would you belike a personal trainer? And if
not, what would you be?
Rep. Ina Minjarez (33:06):
You know what I would love to be I would love
to be a peloton. Bikeinstructor, right? Oh, I love I
love them. I got my peloton inMarch. And I it's like, I feel
like I'm a stalker. I have myfavorite instructors. They all
have their own Instagrams andtheir own Facebook's and they to
me, you know, they they havetheir own different styles. They
(33:28):
give you motivation through thebike ride, but it's neat,
because they they live thatlife. They look incredible,
right. But they also you know,they, they sell products, they
have their own TV shows, they,you know, they have a whole
spectrum of stuff that they do,but I just think what an
incredible life. So I'd probablywhat I would want to do,
Lauren Mandel (33:52):
I could see it too. I could see it too. All
right. So to piggyback on that,what playlist would you play? If
you were leading a ride?
Rep. Ina Minjarez (34:01):
Oh, what do you think? What kind of music do
you think I like? I probablyshock you.
Lauren Mandel (34:07):
Well, I think you're like me, I think you've
listened to everything I did. Itjust depends on your day in your
mood. What I don't know is whatmusic really hypes you up. Like
there's a difference betweenlistening to something in your
car and listening to somethingas you're getting ready to work
out. Because most people I thinkyou're an exception, don't like
working out and would ratheralmost do anything else. So you
(34:29):
really have to get you know, youlike for me, I like to listen to
AC DC and like all those 80srock bands to really get me
moving. I could see you doingthat, but I could also see some
90s rap as being your jam.
Rep. Ina Minjarez (34:46):
Yeah, you got that. Yeah, I love 90s rap I
love like east coast. You know,like the East Coast. West Coast.
Yeah, it was my college thingwhen they had that. That big old
divide of like, Notorious BIGversus like 2PAC. The music was
incredible. The music wasincredible. So I love that era.
I love that like gangster rap. Ilove the 80s I love the 80s you
(35:10):
have no idea just straight popfrom the 80s is it's awesome.
Always the way to go. Right? Andthen I have you know, also like
black Latino, like Latino kindof techno club music too. I love
that. But I love everything. Ilove all kinds of music.
Lauren Mandel (35:28):
I know you'd be such a great peloton. I'm not
encouraging you to do that. Iwant you to be an elected
official for a long time. But Icould totally see that and I'm
sure Leo, your husband's gonnalisten to me like, Yeah, do
that. make me ride.
What is an animated character inyou know, a movie or a
(35:52):
television show can be a DisneyPrincess can whatever you want.
Who which one of thosecharacters do you feel like you
relate to most? And why? Andthis is a tough question because
I couldn't come up with ananswer for myself.
Rep. Ina Minjarez (36:07):
I you know what I would have to say, and
I'm not being hokey. I justthink Wonder Woman. That's who I
I've always loved, her. I'vealways loved that she was she
was strong. She's a fighter. Shefights for the common good. I've
never been one to be intoprincess stuff. Yeah, I don't
know. And so to me, it's she'sjust classic, classic Wonder
(36:32):
Woman strong, strong, smart. Youknow, kick your butt kick her
off. So she's probably it forme.
Lauren Mandel (36:43):
Yeah, she'd be a badass in the lege.
Rep. Ina Minjarez (36:45):
Oh, yeah.
You're right. Oh, yeah. Andthen has that you know, the
lasso?
Lauren Mandel (36:52):
It's amazing. So as we kind of start to wrap up
here, what is the number onething you want voters or Texans,
the electorate at large to knowabout you, and you know how you
go about your job? I guessanother way to say it is what do
you want your legacy to be whenit's all said and done?
Rep. Ina Minjarez (37:13):
I think for me, my legacy is that I truly
did this. I did this because Itruly care. I truly care about
the job that I do. I want tomake texas a better place. I
didn't come in here with anagenda. In terms of getting
(37:33):
ahead. I think one time Iremember attending. There was a
there was like a candidate, citycouncil candidate forum in San
Antonio a couple years ago. AndI remember one of the other
candidates said something like,if a politician ever tells you
that they're never planning forthe next for their next move,
right, their next biggestoffice, they're liars. And I
(37:54):
thought, yeah, you don't speakfor me guy. You know, I truly I
truly love being arepresentative. And, and I do
this with the purest of heart. Ifeel that I I do it with good
intentions. And I do it,understanding that I'm
(38:14):
privileged to be here that I'mprivileged to serve. And there
are good politicians out there.
Even there right now, it's atime where, you know, I don't
blame people. I don't blameAmericans for being disgusted
right with with politics rightnow. There's such a divide in
our country. But I want them toknow that there are a few of us
that love what we do, and we doit with good intention.
Lauren Mandel (38:39):
Absolutely. And I can't think of anything better
to close on because yourepresent everything that I know
you admire in an electedofficial, and you've just been
able to so eloquently. representthat to your constituents into
the state and we are so lucky tohave you serving and I'm so
thrilled you agreed to do thiswith me today. Thank you so much
(39:03):
for being here. And talking. Itwas so fun. I want to give Amy
and the pink granite team ashout out for giving us this
opportunity to have two goldenfriends just to chat about
politics in life. If you want toknow more about the
representative and her where sherepresents in San Antonio, or
(39:25):
her platform or anything likethat. You can visit her website
at vote4ina.org. RepresentativeThank you so much. I hope to see
you in person soon. Hug yourdogs and we'll talk soon.
Rep. Ina Minjarez (39:44):
Well I hope we get through, this pandemic,
then I can give you a big hugand thank you so much. I really
enjoyed my time with you.
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