Board Ready: Claudia Mercado on Leadership, Mentorship, and Taking Initiative
When Claudia Mercado picked up the phone to call the State of California and offer her continued service, she didn’t expect to be told how rare that was. “People don’t usually call us,” they said. But that one call led to her reappointment—this time to the California Board of Pharmacy—and reaffirmed a simple truth: leadership starts with showing up.
Claudia’s story launches Board Ready: A Guide to Public Service, an educational video series from the Latina Appointments Collaborative, a project of HOPE. The series highlights leaders through a Latina experience serving on boards and commissions across California, offering firsthand advice to help others follow in their footsteps.
Leading with Purpose and Intuition
Born in Mexico and raised in Oakland, Claudia brings more than a decade of experience in public health and consumer safety—including 11 years on the Osteopathic Medical Board of California—and the perspective of a community-minded entrepreneur. As founder of two businesses, Vervida™ (a science-backed supplement company) and CaliBueno (a cannabis lifestyle brand), she connects business, equity, and consumer protection in her leadership.
“Intuition is our superpower,” Claudia says. “Follow it. And when you’re ready, make the call. Don’t wait for permission to serve.”
Demystifying the Appointment Process
Claudia’s journey shows that the path to public service is within reach for any Latina willing to take initiative. Encouraged by HOPE, she pursued her first appointment, learning that curiosity and persistence are essential traits once you’re at the table.
She offers practical insight into navigating the process—from connecting with the Department of Consumer Affairs for onboarding to asking questions and learning through participation.
“You don’t have to be an expert to serve,” she says. “You just need commitment, common sense, and a willingness to learn.”
Why Representation Matters
Claudia’s message to other leaders in our community is clear: occupying the seat isn’t enough—you have to use your voice.
“Being quiet might get you recognition on LinkedIn,” she says. “But right now, we need leaders who will speak up and shape the future for our communities.”
For Claudia, diversity isn’t a checkbox; it’s a strength. She calls on leaders to build a pipeline of leadership—one that ensures future generations understand how systems work and how to improve them.
About the Series
Board Ready: A Guide to Public Service is produced by the Latina Appointments Collaborative to inspire, inform, and equip Latinas across California to pursue leadership roles on local and state boards and commissions.
Each episode features a Latina leader sharing her real-world journey and insights into the appointment process.
Upcoming Episodes:
- The Working Professional – Cynthia Grande (Long Beach): Balancing career, family, and civic duty
- The Emerging Voice – Stephanie Ruiz (Central Valley): Why youth representation matters
