Alumnus Joey Arellano strives to set strong example for others who share a similar first-generation Mexican American story

By Christian Ojeda

Joey Arellano walks through the bustling corridors of Florida’s Capitol with purpose, his warm smile lighting the way.

Arellano, then 27, became the youngest deputy director of communications in the history of the Florida House of Representatives minority leader’s office, and he embraces the weight of being a trailblazer.

A proud first-generation Mexican American, his academic and career achievements are rooted in an unwavering commitment to lifelong learning. This mindset and his desire to be an exceptional example for those who share a similar story to his fuels a career defined by service, community, and deep appreciation for the opportunity of working within the walls of Florida’s center of legislative power.

In the fall of 2024, Florida State University celebrated Arellano during its homecoming week with the Reubin O’D. Askew Young Alumni Award. Named in honor of former Florida Gov. Askew, the award honors his legacy by recognizing FSU graduates for their outstanding accomplishments built on their education at the university.

This kind of recognition and achievement is not new for Arellano, as the Florida House awarded him the Unsung Hero Award for the Office of the Minority Leader in 2022 to recognize his contributions made in the role and to the community, and in 2024, INFLUENCE Magazine named him as one of Florida’s “Great Communicators.”

With a dual degree in English-Editing, Writing, and Media and in international affairs, Arellano says he has done a lot of learning through the years.

As he begins to talk about where he is today, Arellano immediately pays respect to the family members and others who came before him. His father, a former construction worker and naturalized U.S. citizen from Mexico, taught Arellano the value of self-improvement and adaptability from an early age. When he accompanied his father to job sites, he would listen to his father’s advice.

“Mijo, don't be afraid to learn a new skill," his father would say, as the son watched him develop a knack for tiling.

His father’s message has stayed with Arellano and has guided his decision-making at every step of his professional journey. When he has looked for and planned any career move, Arellano echoes and expands on his father’s sentiments.

“Whenever I look for a new opportunity,” he says, “I always think ‘What I can learn.’”

In his current position in the minority leader’s office, Arellano says the lessons he learned in Williams Building classrooms have been invaluable.

Tasked with crafting policy messaging on key issues, for example, Arellano remembers how his rhetoric courses helped him understand persuasion and communication at a theory level. Whether it’s crafting a press release or choosing which medium is most effective for circulation, Arellano exclaims that the all-mighty rhetorical triangle guides many of his choices.

“Everything goes back to the basic philosophical understanding of rhetoric,” he explains. “You need the emotional input; you need the logistical standpoint. But more than anything, you need to think about the person being affected by policy.”

English-EWM major Kaley Hoppenworth began working with Arellano in February of this year as a communications intern.

"Each morning, Joey is ready to hit the ground running, and that kind of zeal inspires me," she says. "Despite the fact that I’m one of the newer interns, Joey has already shown tremendous faith in me by giving me opportunities to edit and provide feedback for the social media accounts. He’s ready and willing to give his interns the opportunity to learn and grow with his support."

Arellano says he supplements his formal education with YouTube tutorials and independent study on topics ranging from design principles to civil rights legislation, cultivating a versatile skill set what he proudly describes as the “millennial mindset.” For a person to be successful in any career, he adds, they must have the skills to complete a project from inception to completion.

Arellano’s career trajectory has been anything but conventional.

From his early days in the business and nonprofit sectors to his unexpected foray into politics, however, his willingness to do good work has remained steady, no matter how daunting the challenge.

Looking over Arellano’s resume is like browsing a list of carefully calculated actions. His career highlights include assessing housing discrimination cases, advocating for progressive candidates, and reestablishing an influential structure in a political office that has served 30 years in the minority.

Arellano has proven himself to be an efficient foot soldier for the causes he believes in, but it is his ability to lead that distinguishes him from other young professionals.

A key pillar of his leadership style is his ability to improve teams. Truly manifesting the idiom that “A rising tide, lifts all boats,” Arellano’s desire to be that tide is seen through his stint on the “Mood and Morale team” at Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) Tallahassee. When he worked for the company in 2017, he focused on instituting processes that promote cohesion and efficiency, believing that making effective interpersonal communication a priority cultivates an environment where he and his colleagues can thrive.

“A strong team is adaptable and nimble,” Arellano says, with emphasis. “That starts with creating and maintaining a workplace people enjoy.”

His leadership and habit of persistent learning were fostered within the classrooms and the greater FSU campus community. As a first-generation college student Arellano helped found the Mexican American Student Association to provide a space for cultural expression and solidarity.

”My entire career has been about finding my own way,” he says.

Now, Arellano wants to open doors for others at every opportunity, and his cultural heritage plays a vital role in his identity and work.

From playing rancheras and reggaeton in his office to introducing homemade tortillas at a team Thanksgiving, he finds subtle but powerful ways to connect his personal and professional worlds while staying true to himself no matter the environment.

Still, he’s candid about the challenges of working in spaces where few people share his background.

”When you walk into these exclusive spaces, you just have to remind yourself that you’re there for a reason,” he says, admitting that he has had to overcome imposter syndrome.

Arellano acknowledges that earning the Reubin O’D. Askew Young Alumni Award, as well as other awards he has won, feels surreal.

“It’s hard to process achievements sometimes,” he says, as a humble smile breaks through.

Yet, this recognition is less about personal accolades for him and more about inspiring the next generation.

“My mom always told me, ‘Never turn your back on your community.’ That’s what drives me,” he says.

And Arellano’s work—at the Capitol and in other environments—continues to echo this commitment. Whether advising urban development projects in Tallahassee, mentoring students, or serving on The Florida Bar’s Citizens Advisory Committee, his contributions reflect a dedication to uplifting others and ensuring that the next generation of first-generation professionals sees fewer barriers and more opportunities.

"Being relatively new to the political sphere, Joey has acted both as a supervisor and a teacher through the legislative process," says Hoppenworth, who also is editor in chief for Her Campus at FSU. "So far, I’ve been in the office during not just one, but two special sessions, a very uncommon occurrence during committee weeks. Simply watching all the moving parts required to assess and evaluate bills has already taught me so much. I have learned the power of rhetoric and language, and Joey has begun to show me how to wield that power. I am eager to keep refining my skills throughout this session."

In a world often defined by division, Arellano’s journey is a testament to the power of self-empowerment. His fuller story, though, is a reminder that success is not just about individual achievement; the path should be about finding and sharing your power with those around you.

Christian E. Ojeda is an English-Editing, Writing, and Media major, with a minor in hospitality.

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