In this episode of Direct Democracy Diaries, Caroline Sanchez-Avakian and Chris Melody Fields Figueredo speak with Leticia Martinez, partner at Mission Control, and Jess Grennan, founder of Simple Majority, about the role consultants play in ballot measure campaigns and movement work. Leticia and Jess discuss what makes consultant partnerships effective, where trust can break down, and why transparency, legal counsel, compliance, research, and early collaboration matter. They also examine the tension between campaign messaging and long-term movement goals, the importance of knowing when to lead or push back, and how campaigns can build lasting organizational capacity, skills, relationships, and infrastructure beyond Election Day.

Learn more about Mission Control and the work they're doing to support movement organizations and campaigns.

Learn more about Simple Majority and their work helping progressive organizations build stronger strategy, messaging, and organizational capacity.

Leticia Martinez on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leticia-martinez-1b7a6b10

Jess Grennan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicagrennan

Chris Melody Fields Figueiredo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-melody-fields

Caroline Sánchez-Avakian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolineavakian

BISC Official Website: https://ballot.org/

BISC on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ballotstrategy/

BISC on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ballot-initiative-strategy-center