Grace Vargas

Grace Vargas, born and raised in Chicago, IL, has always been driven by a passion for understanding people and serving her community. She earned her degree in Socio-Cultural Anthropology from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, with minors in Spanish, Marketing, Political Science, and Latino Studies. Her educational background reflects her dedication to cultural understanding and justice, which she carries into her professional work.

Throughout her career, Grace has gained extensive experience in public service, leadership, and communications. She worked in constituent services for Chicago Councilman Carlos Ramirez-Rosa, where she directly supported the needs of local residents. Later, she served as Chief of Staff and Political Director for Illinois State Representative Will Guzzardi, gaining invaluable experience in public policy and leadership. Most recently, she contributed to Congresswoman Delia Ramirez’s successful 2022 campaign, where she managed communications strategies and helped connect with diverse communities. Additionally, Grace conducted National Science Foundation-funded research in Disaster Anthropology, focusing on trauma and recovery after Hurricane Harvey—a testament to her ability to approach complex issues with empathy and insight.

At Pastrana & García, Grace serves as the firm’s Intake Coordinator, where she is the first point of contact for potential clients. She listens to their stories, identifies their needs, and ensures they are connected with the appropriate resources and support. Grace’s compassion, organizational skills, and dedication to justice make her an invaluable member of the team.

Outside of work, Grace enjoys exploring the outdoors through hiking, unwinding with a good book, and playing music. She loves spending time with her family in Mexico and Chicago and currently resides in Austin with her husband.