WHO WE ARE

Rooted in Justice.

Driven by Community.

Communities First Consulting is a mission-driven strategic advisory firm that partners with nonprofit organizations, coalitions, and grassroots leaders to build power, shape public policy, and center the voices of communities most impacted by systemic injustice.

Our firm was founded on the principles of inclusive policymaking and deep, authentic public engagement championed by the late Chairman Raúl Grijalva during his groundbreaking leadership on the House Natural Resources Committee. We believe that when communities are equipped, resourced, and centered in the policymaking process, transformational and lasting change is possible.

Whether you’re seeking to shape federal policy, strengthen coalitions, launch advocacy campaigns, or deepen your organization’s impact, Communities First brings decades of experience and trusted leadership to meet the moment with strategy, equity, and integrity.

Chris Espinosa

Founder and Principal

Chris Espinosa brings over 20 years of experience in public policy, coalition-building, and community-centered advocacy. He is a nationally respected strategist with a proven record of leading successful legislative campaigns, convening powerful coalitions, and creating space for frontline voices in the policymaking process.

Chris served as the Director of Outreach and Engagement for the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee under Chairman Raúl Grijalva, where he was instrumental in shaping the Environmental Justice for All Act and leading historic community engagement initiatives. His background includes senior leadership roles at Earthjustice, GreenLatinos, and the Hispanic Federation.

As the founder of Communities First, Chris continues to advance a legacy of participatory policymaking, supporting nonprofits, advocacy groups, and community coalitions in building power and making meaningful change.

Strategic Partners & Collaborators

Key Services & Expertise

Grant Writing
Strategic Planning
Program & Project Reporting
Meeting Facilitation
Culture, Technology, and Language Immersion & Integration

Victor Espinosa
Coastal Sage Consulting

Victor is the founder and primary consultant of Coastal Sage Consulting, supporting non-profit organizations in their work toward justice and equity through meeting facilitation, organizational development, program development, grant writing and reporting. Services are aligned in values of racial, environmental and social justice, and Indigenous community frameworks.

Victor grew up in Santa Paula, California and was raised with the value of community and the dedication to working toward justice. He spent time with family in Mexico who taught him the Indigenous ceremonial practices of Mexico and North America, which he continues to learn.

His experience in viewing community organizing began at an early age, volunteering in local campaigns, and continued through college and professional life through activism in support of people of color, migrant, houseless and Indigenous communities.

Victor received a Master’s Degree in Social Sciences at Humboldt State University’s Environment and Community Program, focusing on Indigenous social movements in Mexico and their lessons on organizing democratic spaces in support of migrant workers.

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