Diego Jauregui
Staff Assistant
Rep. Maxine Waters
Want to meet the Staff Assistant whose dream vacation is the International Space Station?
Oh, you should talk to Diego Jauregui!
Diego Jauregui is Staff Assistant for Rep. Maxine Waters, Ranking Member of the House Financial Services Committee, where he has already been making an impact as a dedicated and kind-hearted staffer.
Originally drawn to D.C. to be closer to “where decisions are made,” Diego was working on Sen. Bernie Sanders’ 2020 campaign and at the National Air and Space Museum. These experiences pushed him towards public service, eventually moving him into his current role with Ranking Member Waters.
“I’m proud to work for Ranking Member Waters because her office is deeply focused on delivering for working people through both policy and constituent services. I also appreciate being in an environment where the expectation is to take the work seriously, show up for the community, and treat people with dignity,” he says.
Diego credits his journey to the Hill to his ability to show up prepared and follow through. When he was interning with CHC BOLD PAC, he attended an event and struck up a conversation with a senior political figure. He had printed copies of his resume in his suit pocket and, the next morning, he was sitting in an interview for his future job on the Bernie 2020 campaign.
In the long-term, Diego wants to continue building his career “at the intersection of public service, economic justice, and tech/AI policy,” while continuing to support strong staff communities – particularly Latino staffers.
🐈 After hours, you can find Diego strength training, resetting his brain with a chess puzzle, or chilling with Minnie Meow, his cat.
His Backstory
🏠 Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
🎓 College & Major: James Madison University (Engineering)
💭 Favorite D.C. Memory: “Mentoring interns and getting to serve as a panelist for CHCI (Congressional House Caucus Institute) orientations. The panels are meaningful on their own, but what really sticks with me is what comes afterward: interns and fellows reaching out, grabbing coffee, asking for advice, and staying in touch."
🔗 CNCT with Diego about…
3D printing
Strength training 💪
Getting involved with a staff association
Playing a game of chess ♟️
Diego’s Dream Vacay 🚀
The beach? Mountains? Abroad? Nah, Diego’s dream vacation is the International Space Station. Emphasis on “dream”.
“I’d love to experience Earth from orbit and see what that perspective does to the way you think about humanity and our priorities,” says Diego.
🇮🇹 If we’re talking on-Earth vacations though, Diego really enjoyed a previous trip to Italy. He notes the food, of course, but it was the people that really left an impression on him
“The pace of life and work-life balance seemed to give everyone more room to actually live” he says.
Jeff Bezos, if you’re reading this (we know you are), help send Diego to space!
❤️ Diego’s Favorites
Coffee Spot: Common Grounds by Black Crown Collective
Bar: Midlands Beer Garden
Happy Hour: MetroBar
Lunch Spot: Shemalis
TV Shows: Andor: A Star Wars Story & Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
Movie: The Battle of Algiers (1966)
📚 Diego’s Reading List
Cosmos, by Carl Sagan
Capital in the Twenty-First Century, by Thomas Piketty
Fratelli Tutti, by Pope Francis
Diego’s Guide on How to CNCT
As a rule of thumb, Diego tries to lead and live with authenticity and consistency – a CNCT-approved way of making connections.
“I want colleagues to feel like the Diego they’re talking to is the same sincere person everywhere else,” he says.
Making yourself useful to your team is also a great way of connecting, but Diego likes to look at it as a way of building trust, goodwill, and genuine relationships – not future transactions.
“Relationships matter, but your reputation is built on follow-through. If you say you will do something, do it,” Diego says.
🟣 With those in the opposite party…
Here’s where Diego’s staff association work really comes into focus! He credits many of his “best” bipartisan connections to being involved in spaces devoted to professional development rather than politics, like mentorships and CHSA.
“I’ve also built strong relationships through AI and staff fellowship programs, where the work is collaborative and problem-solving focused. Starting human, staying respectful, and finding shared interests outside of partisan fights goes a long way,” says Diego.
Diego’s Capitol Corner
💎 D.C. Hidden Gem: Smithsonian Gardens
🥙 Favorite Restaurant & Dish: Falafel Wrap Meal from Falafel Sam
🍽️ Cafeteria Order: A breakfast burrito and French toast sticks
👔 Hill Closet, Sponsored by: Ross (Dress for Less)
🙏 Hill Holy Grail: Homemade, dark roast iced coffee.
Staffer Advice
“Be the person everyone can count on and write everything down. On the Hill, follow-through is a superpower, and consistency builds trust faster than any title.”
- Diego Jauregui