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LAist Interview with Jamie Denenberg
I interviewed Jamie Denenberg, International Marketing Exec for Sony Pictures Home Entertainment and Democratic Fundraiser (currently for Senator Obama's Presidential Campaign) to find out how she got started in fundraising, her political influences and what she thought were the best things about the LA political arena.
What's your background in Los Angeles politics, how'd you get started fundraising?
I first came out to LA in 1999 where I got my master's degree in journalism from USC, this was my first entree into the LA scene. I returned to LA after having lived in London and getting a second master's from the London School of Economics and Political Science. It was when I was at LSE that I decided to make a career change to politics and get back to LA. I had started working for Kerry directly after my stint at LSE in the DC headquarters and then after a few months was promoted to Deputy Finance Director for the western region. The rest, as they say, is history.
Favorite LA politician?
LA City Council President Eric Garcetti; he's tremendously accomplished and is a star on the rise in LA politics.
Least favorite?
Ha, I know better than to answer this question...
Political heroes, influences, when you were younger? Now?
It's funny, I didn't grow up in an overtly political family but my parents were always very well informed. It wasn't until post 9/11 that I felt a desire to change gears from my broadcasting ambitions and enter into the political fray. I then realized that my dream was to combine my love of politics with my interest in the media and entertainment biz. I'm fortunate to be in that exact position now. That's the beauty of our democratic society, you can be involevd at whatever level makes sense to you. What drives and influences me now are the people I've gotten to know through the course of my fundraising days, people that seem to balance a thriving career, family, and also have time to try and make the world a better place
in a meaningful and substantial way.
How do you go about choosing those you raise funds for, pure ideological, a combo of ideals and winning potential...?
There are certainly a number of factors to consider, fundraising is an extremely difficult job, I think a lot of people don't fully realize just how hard it is. For that reason, I personally couldn't do the job if I wasn't completely passionate about the person or issue I was supporting. You of course think about the chances the person has of winning; it's just not the only thing to consider.
In your opinion, the most politically aware organization in Los Angeles?
Hmm, that's tough as we are lucky to have a plethora of fantastic groups out here. I would have to go with the Hollywood Hill. They are an up and coming "social change" organization that I was fortunate enough to have seen built from the ground up. For them, it's not about what side you are on, it's about sharing information and ideas. This philosophy should be the
wave of the future and how we will be able to cut through this intense partisanship that's prevalent in politics today.
Best things about the LA political arena?
Wow, so many things. The best part for me is the amazing cross section of life that you get to meet via the political scene out here, from actors to developers to bankers to philanthropists, the list goes on and on. LA draws such a diverse and interesting crowd there are many elements of society that you get exposed to. I wouldn't want to raise money anywhere else! Ok maybe New York would be fun......
Photo provided by Jamie Denenberg