From working her way through college in her hometown of Albuquerque, New Mexico, to optimizing millions of dollars for community impact, to being on the front lines fighting for civil rights and in the halls of Congress, Catherine Pino, Co-founder & CEO of D&P Creative Strategies, is devoted to creating a more prosperous future for communities of color.

As the keeper of the creative vision for D&P, and the architect of the firm’s philanthropic strategy, Catherine brings her passion for social justice, equity, and philanthropy to the heart of the firm’s work. Her track record includes a variety of invaluable experiences:

• Developing the Familia es Familia campaign to build bridges between the Latino and LGBTQ+ community.

• Establishing Poder PAC, the first-of-its-kind political action committee dedicated to increasing Latina representation in Congress.

• Creating Freemind Beauty Productions, dedicated to telling stories about marginalized communities.

Catherine’s fuels her success with know-how crafted through expertise, and a deep network of partners and collaborators. Whether she is creating initiatives to improve marginalized communities’ life opportunities, advising corporate leaders on winning legislative and diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies, or leveraging resources to advance initiatives that effect social change, Catherine leads with heart and enthusiasm. Her ability to execute exceptional advocacy to exceed clients’ goals sets D&P apart from other government affairs professionals. Her long-lasting working relationships and dependable friendships within key communities on Capitol Hill and across the country complement her creative, innovative policy solutions and strategies.

Before co-founding D&P, Catherine worked for Carnegie Corporation of New York and DeWitt Wallace-Reader’s Digest Fund, where she managed multi-million-dollar portfolios focused on improving life opportunities for young people. She led the Future Leaders Initiative, and served as the Assistant Director of Government Relations for Independent Sector in Washington, DC. Catherine started her career in the Office of Senator Jeff Bingaman, and at the National Council of La Raza (now UnidosUS). She is passionate about giving back to and supporting organizations that empower young Latinx professionals to work and thrive in Washington, DC, and Congress–where she got her start.

A proud alumna of the University of New Mexico and New York University, Catherine also studied at the Institute d’Etudes Politiques de Lyon, Harvard University, and the Center for Creative Leadership. Catherine is the recipient of several prestigious awards, including the New York State Special Civil Rights Award, UnidosUS Inaugural LGBTQ Leadership Award, Latino GLBT History Project’s Latina Leadership Award, National Hispana Leadership Institute Alumna of the Year Award, Hispanic Women’s Corporation Leadership Award, Working Mother’s Multicultural Women’s National Legacy Award, and United States Hispanic Chamber LGBTQ Advocate of the Year Award. In 2014, Latino Magazine recognized her as one of the Top 10 Leaders in the Latino Community, and Latino Leaders named her as one of the Most Influential Leaders in the United States in 2020. Catherine has served as a board member of several organizations, including the Arcus Foundation, Greater Washington Community Foundation, the Victory Institute, Victory Campaign Board, and UndiosUS Action Fund.

Catherine loves spending time with her wife and partner, Ingrid, and their dog-child Allegro Pino Duran (also known as Prince Pino). She enjoys cooking, boating, superb wine, and exceptional art. Her chosen motto? Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire!