Testimonials
Kim Callinan
Principal at GSD Consulting
President and CEO of Compassion & Choices 2018-2024
“Samantha's work has been exceptional. Her remarkable ability to build relationships, mobilize and inspire volunteers, and raise funds is matched only by her skill in persuading lawmakers and managing complex projects with ease. She approaches every challenge with passion, commitment, dedication, and an unshakable can-do attitude, making her an invaluable leader and advocate”.
Patricia G. Portillo
Bilingual Award-Winning Communications Professional/Journalist.
“Sam Trad is a creative and resourceful advocate who does everything in her power to fight for the rights of the people she serves. She exhibits vision, passion, and confidence in team meetings. She is a master of working under pressure on very difficult topics.
Sam is a true leader, a fighter with a keenness of not letting anything stand in her way to advocate for what she believes in. She is highly skilled at conveying complex information in an understandable way, which greatly helps colleagues in any project.
Sam shows ownership and sound judgement with difficult decisions, especially around legislators reluctant to support a bill.
I especially appreciate Sam's inclusivity in her ideas for Latinos, African Americans, LGBTQ+ people and other underserved communities, including those with disabilities.
Sam is an ‘out of the box’ thinker, an outstanding, compassionate and a very respectful and dependable colleague. Her positive attitude is an inspiration to all of us who had the pleasure of working with her.”
Jim Barton
Partner at Barton Mendez Soto PLLCP
“I have a long history with Samantha Trad as she was at one point an intern working for me, who later became executive director of a firm client. She is amazing and I strongly recommend her.
First, Sam is brilliant. She understands complex ideas and how to apply them to real world situations. Whether we are talking about unwinding systems of injustice or removing barriers to participation, Sam gets it.
Next, she is unbelievably hard working. You never wonder for a minute whether she gave a project her full energy. She is always, completely engaged.
Finally, and this is important when doing movement work, she is a true believer. She is in it for the right reasons. I could tell that when she was researching campaign finance presentations for me as my intern, I could tell that when I was working for her on civil action plans when she was an executive director.
She is simply the best. You will not be disappointed working with Sam—whether you are canvassing a neighborhood, lobbying the legislature, or running a complex, multiphase campaign to address systemic injustice.”
Amy Sherman
Non-Profit Leader | Subject Matter Expert | Policy Advocate l Network Builder | Fundraiser
“I worked with Sam for five years and reported to her for two years. She was one of my favorite bosses and colleagues. Sam is a combination of brains, high EQ, commitment, and energy. I have learned a lot from her.
Sam is a tremendous project manager. She can start from scratch and develop a robust campaign or project. Sam is excellent at managing teams and volunteers. She works effectively with all levels, including senior leadership, legislators, key partners, funders, and internal staff.
Sam is highly analytical and understands policy. She connects the dots in complex situations and is someone I turn to when developing strategy. Sam balances practicality with values and goals. I view her as a valuable internal consultant.
Sam is also incredibly kind. She will put in the extra effort when you need her. Sam delivers”
Sean Crowley
Award-winning PR strategist, former journalist, presidential campaign and congressional press secretary with 30 years' experience
“I worked with Sam for 6-1/2 years at Compassion & Choices on several winning campaigns including California, Nevada, and Illinois. Sam is a gifted campaign director and supervisor who always emanates contagious positive energy that is critically important in maintaining her staff’s enthusiasm during challenge, long legislative campaigns. She always suggests the creative extra steps that often lead to success in winning legislative campaigns.
At the same time, Sam is very cognizant of her colleagues’ need for support when things are not going well. She regularly supervised and trained new campaign directors and staff members and made them feel special, so they achieved more than even they imagined was possible. Based on my 30 years in politics, it is rare in this rough and tough world to find someone who is not hard-bitten by the inevitable failures along the way, but rather than second guess her colleagues, Sam smartly views these losses as opportunities to learn and eventually win the legislative battle.
I am very thankful for the opportunity to work with Sam, I am confident our bills would have not have passed without her sunny leadership. I hope that I get to work with Sam again in the near future”.