What SE2 PowerMap® Is — and Why It Matters
At SE2, our work has always been rooted in one core belief: Real change happens through people, relationships, and trust. While today’s communications often focus on technology, platforms, and media channels, the most powerful driver of change remains human connection.
That belief is the foundation of SE2 PowerMap®, a strategic framework used at SE2 to understand how influence flows through communities and how trusted networks can be mobilized to advance meaningful social change.
For me, PowerMap is not just a methodology, it reflects decades of experience working in communities, in media, and in the political arena where relationships and trusted voices often determine whether a message truly resonates.
What SE2 PowerMap® Is
SE2 PowerMap® is a community-centered strategy that identifies and activates trusted networks, leaders, and influencers within communities to drive awareness, engagement, and action.
Rather than relying solely on traditional advertising or top-down messaging, PowerMap focuses on understanding how communities communicate internally who people trust, where information flows, and how influence spreads across relationships.
Through this process, we:
- Identify key community leaders and connectors
- Build coalitions and partnerships around shared goals
- Co-create messages with the community
- Deliver messages through credible voices
- Mobilize communities to participate in solutions
In essence, PowerMap helps ensure that communications efforts move through authentic, two-way human networks rather than simply broadcasting messages outward.
Where the Approach Comes From
My understanding of PowerMap grew out of years of experience across community organizing, media, and public affairs.
I have seen firsthand how important it is to meet communities where they are. Early in my career, I worked extensively in both Spanish-language and general-market media. That experience showed me how different audiences consume information and, more importantly, how trust shapes whether a message is accepted or ignored.
In broadcasting, the most effective communicators are those who understand their audience and reflect their audience’s lived experiences. The same principle applies to public policy and community engagement, people listen to voices they know, respect, and identify with.
Later, through my work in political campaigns and community organizing, I saw how critical these networks could be when mobilizing voters, advancing policy initiatives, or addressing complex public issues. Campaign success often depended less on paid media and more on trusted messengers within neighborhoods, faith communities, local organizations, and advocacy networks.
Those experiences reinforced a simple but powerful lesson: Influence travels through relationships.
Strengthening the Model: The PowerMap Advisory Council
As the PowerMap model continued to evolve and shape how we approach communications and community engagement at SE2, it became clear that the model itself should reflect the very principles it is built on, collective wisdom and trusted leadership.
To deepen this work, we established the PowerMap Advisory Council, a group of respected community leaders, advocates, and subject-matter experts who bring diverse perspectives and lived experiences to the table.
The Advisory Council helps ensure that PowerMap strategies remain grounded in the communities they serve. By bringing together voices from different sectors, community leadership, advocacy, public health, civic engagement, and education, the council provides invaluable insight into how messages resonate, how communities mobilize, and how trust is built.
The creation of the PowerMap Advisory Council represents an important evolution of the framework. It reinforces our commitment to collaboration, accountability, and community-centered strategy, ensuring that PowerMap is continually informed by the voices and experiences of the people closest to the issues.
Why PowerMap Matters in Today’s Communications Landscape
Today’s information environment is more crowded and fragmented than ever. Traditional media alone rarely reaches audiences in ways that inspire action. The rise of AI creates a tsunami of slop that is both overwhelming and alienating.
SE2 PowerMap® addresses this challenge by recognizing that people often rely on their personal networks, friends, community leaders, local organizations, and cultural institutions, as their most trusted sources of information.
By mapping these networks and engaging them intentionally, we:
- Build credibility and trust with communities
- Reach audiences that traditional media may overlook
- Deliver culturally relevant and authentic messages
- Strengthen coalitions around shared goals
- Drive sustained behavioral and policy change
In many cases, this approach turns communications campaigns into community movements rather than one-way messaging efforts.
How SE2 Uses PowerMap
PowerMap guides how we approach complex issues across public health, education, environmental sustainability, and civic engagement.
A PowerMap-driven strategy typically includes:
- Community listening and research | Understanding the needs, concerns, and cultural context of the communities involved.
- Identifying trusted messengers | Working with community leaders, educators, health professionals, advocates, and local organizations that already have credibility.
- Coalition building | Aligning partners and stakeholders around shared messaging and goals.
- Strategic communications integration | Combining community engagement with earned media, digital outreach, and paid media to amplify reach and impact.
This integrated approach ensures that campaigns are not only visible—but also inspire action.
SE2 PowerMap® and the Future of Community Engagement
As communications technology continues to evolve, the importance of human relationships becomes even more apparent. Algorithms and platforms may change, but trust remains the constant.
SE2 PowerMap® recognizes that communities themselves hold the power to create lasting change. When campaigns invest in authentic partnerships and elevate trusted voices, they do more than share information, they build momentum, ownership, and collective action.
That results in change for good.
For me, PowerMap represents the intersection of everything I have learned over more than two decades working in communications, media, and civic engagement. It reflects the belief that the most effective campaigns are built with communities, not just directed at them.
That philosophy continues to guide our work every day as we partner with organizations, leaders, and communities to create change that is inclusive, lasting, and driven by the people most affected.
Leadership in Action: Alvina Vasquez on Political Engagement and Networking
SE2’s newest Principal, Alvina Vasquez brings a wealth of experience and passion for community outreach. She reflects on her journey of professional growth, shares advice on how to make a meaningful impact in today’s political climate, and offers insights on building a strong, supportive network. Whether you’re looking to engage with your community or elevate your career, Alvina’s perspective offers real, actionable advice to help you succeed.
Q: Since joining SE2, what ways have you felt challenged/grown in?
A: I didn’t invent community outreach, but I’ve dedicated my career to professionalizing it. This approach is new to many, and one of the biggest opportunities I’ve encountered is inspiring others to see its significance. It’s immensely rewarding to communicate the importance of building strong relationships and to demonstrate how our efforts create positive, lasting impacts in our communities.
Q: In our current political climate, what advice do you have for folks to get involved and make a difference, outside of just voting? How can people get together? Especially post-election?
A: The easiest way to get started in working in and advancing political messages is meeting people where they are at, listening to their pain points and finding common ground. Hosting themed gatherings to bring awareness to issues that matter is a great way to help. Also not just voting but telling people that you are voting. Social pressure is a great tool to make others make time to vote. Colorado has the safest and most accessible voting process in the country, help a friend out on how to get registered and how to vote.
Q: What’s your advice for building up your network and connections?
A: My advice for building a network is to meet in person, make yourself valuable to others by asking them how you can help them succeed, and do it if it’s within your skill set. We are all trying our best to do our best work, and if you can help others feel good about themselves and the work that they do, your network will grow, and you will also be trusted and sought out.
Why Are Men Presumed More Qualified Than Women in the Business World?
Yesterday the political world was shaken when President Biden stepped aside and decided to suspend his campaign to run for a second term. In his announcement he did not specify who he would support as a candidate. Political commentators spent nearly an hour speculating on whether he would back the natural and logical choice of the Vice President.
He later announced his support for Vice President Kamala Harris. The first Indian and African American woman to run for the high office. Questions of her experience and her qualifications quickly spread across the internet.
This reaction unfortunately is very normal, from the ground floor to the top floor, from large business to small business, women are presumed unqualified while men are presumed qualified. It seems asinine to question whether the woman who has been the Vice President for the past three and half years would not be qualified over someone who has NOT been the Vice President for the past three and half years.
In today’s progressive society, one would expect that gender equality has made significant strides, especially in the business world. However, an enduring bias remains, tipping the scales in favor of men when it comes to perceived qualifications. This bias isn’t just an issue of fairness; it has real-world implications on hiring practices, career advancement, and workplace dynamics.
How Bias Manifests in the Workplace
Hiring Practices
Studies have shown that identical resumes with male names receive more callbacks than those with female names. Even in industries where women have a strong presence, such as human resources, men are often preferred for leadership roles.
Performance Evaluations
Men and women can perform the same task with similar outcomes, yet men are more likely to be rated higher in performance evaluations. This disparity often results in more promotions and greater earning potential for men.
Leadership Roles
Women make up nearly half of the workforce but occupy a much smaller percentage of executive positions. The “glass ceiling” is still very much in place, limiting the upward mobility of women in the corporate ladder.
The Impact of This Bias On Women
The presumption of male superiority affects women’s career prospects, earning power, and overall job satisfaction. Women may feel the need to work twice as hard to prove their worth, leading to burnout and job dissatisfaction.
On Organizations
Companies miss out on the diverse perspectives and innovative ideas that women bring to the table. A lack of gender diversity can result in a homogenous corporate culture, which stifles creativity and innovation.
On Society
When women are not given equal opportunities, society at large suffers. Gender equality in the workplace is not just a women’s issue; it’s a societal one. Ensuring that women are given equal opportunities benefits everyone by fostering a more just and equitable society.
Steps Toward Change
Awareness and Education
Organizations need to recognize and address the biases that exist within their culture. This starts with educating employees and management about unconscious biases and how they impact decision-making.
Mentorship and Sponsorship
Creating mentorship and sponsorship programs can help women advance in their careers. Having a mentor or sponsor who believes in their potential can make a significant difference in a woman’s career trajectory.
Policy Changes
Implementing policies that promote gender equality, such as flexible working hours, parental leave, and diversity hiring initiatives, can help level the playing field.
Accountability
Companies should hold themselves accountable by setting diversity and inclusion goals and regularly measuring their progress. Transparency in reporting these metrics can also drive change.
Conclusion
The presumption that men are more qualified than women in the business world is a deeply ingrained bias that requires concerted efforts to overcome. By acknowledging the problem and taking proactive steps, we can create a more equitable workplace where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
Are you ready to take action? Join the conversation and be part of the change. Sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on the latest insights and strategies for promoting gender equality in the workplace.
The Power of Collaboration: A Journey from Grassroots Advocacy to Strategic Partnerships
As I reflect on my journey from founding my public relations firm to joining forces with SE2, a Denver-based agency focused on creating positive change, I am struck by the transformative power of collaboration. What started as a dream to build a successful business has evolved into a commitment to make a meaningful impact on communities, particularly for Latina entrepreneurs like myself.
The landscape for Latina-owned businesses is both promising and challenging. On one hand, we see incredible growth and resilience, with millions of businesses generating substantial revenue across the United States. Yet, accessing capital and navigating the complexities of scaling a business remain significant hurdles. It’s a journey filled with highs and lows, victories and setbacks, but through it all, one thing remains clear: the importance of advocating for change, winning strategic battles, implementing policies, and advocating once again.
My own experience mirrors this cycle. Selling my business was not something I had envisioned, but it opened doors to new opportunities and possibilities. It taught me the importance of thinking big, staying open to new opportunities, investing in my network, and prioritizing education and research. These lessons have guided me as I navigate the ever-changing landscape of entrepreneurship.
But the journey doesn’t end with individual success. It extends to the broader community, where issues like access to resources, representation, and systemic barriers continue to ignite my passion. I believe in making a genuine impact on people’s lives by challenging existing systems and bridging gaps in support and resources. It’s about creating real alternatives that meet the needs of individuals and families, particularly those who have been marginalized or overlooked.
Joining forces with SE2 has been a natural evolution of this commitment. Together, we share a vision of creating Perpetual Movements: Change for Good®. We recognize the power of collaboration in driving positive change on pressing public issues, from health and education to economic empowerment and environmental sustainability. By integrating our talents, expertise, and networks, we can amplify our impact and reach new heights of success.
Central to this collaboration is a deep commitment to community engagement. Effective movements require pushing power out to diverse community leaders and organizations, leveraging their credibility and trust to drive meaningful change. As someone with deep roots in Colorado and extensive experience in community engagement and political strategy, I am excited to expand our network and elevate our commitment to serving diverse communities.
Looking ahead, I am energized by the possibilities that lie ahead. Whether it’s through my work with SE2, hosting my podcast, or serving on organizational boards, I am dedicated to making a difference in the lives of others. The journey from grassroots advocacy to strategic partnerships is a cycle of growth, learning, and transformation. And together, we can create a brighter, more equitable future for all.
As SE2 celebrates its 25th anniversary, I am proud to be part of this journey and excited to see where it takes us next. Together, we can build on our legacy of positive change and continue to make a lasting impact on communities across Colorado and beyond.
Three Questions with Alvina Vasquez, SE2’s Newest Principal and a Veteran Engagement Strategist
Q: What issues in our community ignite your inner fire, and how do you channel that passion into impactful action?
Alvina Vasquez: I strongly believe that making a genuine impact on people’s lives is more than just addressing specific issues. It’s about providing individuals and families with a real alternative to the societal systems that may not meet their needs.
There are countless tools and resources available to support individuals and families, but many people don’t take advantage of them because they don’t think they apply to their situation. I enjoy finding areas where we can improve and bridge those gaps. Supporting our community leaders and services is crucial, but it’s equally important to challenge the system and ensure we serve individuals and families in Colorado and beyond to the best of our ability.
Q: What excites you about joining forces to tackle community challenges? What unique blend of perspectives do you imagine creating together?
Alvina: Joining forces with a larger team and utilizing the right tools can significantly enhance your abilities. As a natural team player, I thrive on collaborating with others. When I first experienced working with SE2 in 2021, I immediately recognized its unique qualities. We share the same values and a deep passion for making a positive impact on the world.
My goal is to gain a deeper understanding of how major government projects are initiated and ensure that the services provided are truly beneficial. I aspire to be a catalyst within the SE2 team, expanding our network of stakeholders, strengthening our grassroots outreach, and consistently delivering creative, thoughtful, and impactful work that leaves a lasting influence on our country.
Q: When the clock strikes free time, what passion projects captivate your energy?
Alvina: I love hosting my podcast, Alvina Talks Shift.
With my background in broadcast media, radio has always been a passion of mine. So, I took the leap last year and started my own podcast.
The show dives into the shifts that occur in our lives, both ones we can control and ones we can’t. We cover everything from personal stories and transformations to important political and policy changes that affect our communities. It’s been so much fun!
PowerMap Ltd. and Alvina Vasquez join SE2, elevating the agency’s capacity to create positive change through communications, marketing and community engagement
DENVER — Alvina Vasquez and her company PowerMap Ltd. have become part of SE2, combining expertise and experience as the Denver-based agency looks forward to its next 25 years of creating positive change around pressing public issues.
Vasquez has joined Susan Morrisey, Brandon Zelasko, and Eric Anderson as a principal and shareholder of SE2, a 16-person integrated marketing and communications agency focused exclusively on pressing public issues.
Vasquez founded PowerMap Ltd. in 2019 with the mission to make Colorado “a place where every person can succeed and every community can thrive.” That mission aligns with SE2’s focus on creating Perpetual Movements: Change for Good®.
“Alvina and SE2 have collaborated for years on impactful campaigns to support healthy and successful communities. She’s established herself as a visionary leader in the field. We know that we will drive even more positive change by fully integrating our talents and expertise,” said Morrisey, SE2’s CEO.
“Our shared expertise in communications, policy, media and marketing is enhanced by Alvina’s proven leadership on community engagement, which will continue to become a growing element of SE2’s strategy for creating positive change,” Morrisey added.
“I am absolutely thrilled to join the team at SE2,” Vasquez said. “This incredible opportunity allows me to build on the impactful work I’ve been fortunate enough to do for my amazing clients for the past five years. It is a true honor to be recognized and valued, and to have the chance to become a leader in an organization that shares my commitment to informing and supporting communities across the state and beyond.”
“Our shared community engagement philosophy recognizes that effective movements require pushing power out to diverse community leaders and organizations. They know their audiences best and bring their credibility and trust to important causes. Key to this success is effectively engaging with ethnically and racially diverse communities, and Alvina will further elevate our commitment to and expertise in this area,” Zelasko added.
Vasquez is a tested and respected community leader and political strategist. In 2018, she served as political director on Jared Polis’s gubernatorial campaign, where she was responsible for building a statewide network of influential leaders and supporters that helped power Polis to his first term as Colorado governor. She also served as senior vice president in the Colorado office of Strategies 360, a public affairs firm, where she led coalition-building and messaging efforts on a variety of local and national initiatives.
“Alvina’s deep roots in Colorado ensure that she can connect with communities across the state, from frontier to rural to suburban to urban, with a wide network of established contacts in every corner of Colorado,” Anderson said. “We also will apply her proven community engagement strategies far beyond Colorado’s borders.”
Vasquez also brings to the table more than 20 years of experience in Spanish-language and general-market broadcasting, working with many of Colorado’s leading editors and reporters, with whom she maintains close ties.
Vasquez has been recognized as one of Denver’s 40 Under 40. She serves on various organizational boards focused on education, equality, and civic engagement. She is a trustee at Western Colorado University and a fellow at the Latino Leadership Institute Executive Program at the Daniels College of Business.
Since its inception in 1998, SE2 has focused exclusively on creating positive change on important public issues in Colorado and nationally. This includes health, the environment, education, housing, early childhood, substance use, economic empowerment, energy, and other pressing issues.
As SE2 marks its 25th anniversary, this announcement reflects the next step in a measured and sustained growth strategy that aims to expand and enhance the services SE2 offers existing and new clients to broaden its positive impact and build on its legacy.
