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CALTRAVEL / MEMBER SPOTLIGHT / OCTOBER 2020
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An Interview with Jean Paul (JP) Zapata, Director of Public Relations at Visit Oakland
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BY SHANNON BROOKS, PRINCIPAL AT FORWØRD
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When we sat down to discuss the ideal candidate to feature in the first edition of CalTravel’s Member Spotlight series reboot, it was unanimous that we wanted Jean Paul (JP) Zapata. If you tuned into our “Voices Carry: a Conversation on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion” virtual series in September, you heard from JP, who offered valuable insights as a featured panelist and passionate advocate for advancing DEI in the travel industry. With over 12 years of experience in English and Spanish-speaking roles across travel, politics, and fashion, today he specializes in media relations, crisis communications, and social media strategy.
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Currently channeling his talents into his role of Director of Public Relations at Visit Oakland, JP draws on his well of global experience and perspective gained throughout a dynamic career in hospitality. Read on to learn more about his professional journey and to find out what makes JP tick, from who inspires him to what advice he’d give his younger self.
How did your career in hospitality begin?
My father owned a construction business and my mother was a property manager, so my earliest hospitality experience was learning how to deal with their more difficult clients. I took my first restaurant job at 15, and worked in restaurants and bars in Los Angeles, New York, and London for another 15 years, so the restaurant industry will always have my heart. Being behind the bar or a restaurant kitchen always feels like home—sometimes I can’t help but slip into “work mode” when I’m out having dinner!
Who are your heroes or the most influential individuals in your life, personal and/or professional?
I attribute a lot of my professional success to my parents. As immigrants from South America, they were adamant about me being bilingual, going to school, and working hard. Understanding their journey before me made me very aware of the journeys of other immigrants I met working in restaurants, in school, and throughout life. I later came to understand the immigrant experience myself when I moved to London for my master’s degree and lived abroad for six years. In that sense, I am very inspired by the stories of immigrants and have a deep respect for that path.
I am also blessed to have been influenced by a number of amazing women. My mother, who taught me to be soft in an often-rough world. Lori Baker-Schena, my college counselor who introduced me to PR when I dropped out of med school. Cynthia Semon, who gave me my first job out of college and showed me the influential power of the tourism industry.
What advice would you give your 20-something self, getting started on your journey into adulthood?
- Recognize your privileges.
- Connect with your ancestors.
- Saying “no” is healthy. So is rest.
- What does your gut say? Go with it.
- Don’t be afraid of money: making it or managing it.
- Be gentle with yourself, and others.
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What are you most passionate about?
I am most passionate about stories—hearing them, learning them, sharing them—and I get the most joy out of helping others. With my professional and personal development has come an awareness of my privileges—as a cis male, as a son of Latinx immigrants who has had access to education, as a member of the queer community who is targeted less than others. And so, with that awareness, has come a desire to use my privileges to help others who look like me, who love like me, to do everything I can to make sure I send the elevator back down.
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What accomplishments are you most proud of?
I am extremely proud of leaving my home in LA for New York, and then leaving my dream of New York for London. The challenges I faced, the people I’ve met, and the places I’ve seen have given me such a rich life already, and I wouldn’t trade those experiences for anything.
I am also most proud of the work I have done to support young female professionals. I grew up with my mom and my sisters, never really aware of my gender privilege until recently. I am extremely humbled and proud to say there’s young women all over the world who I supported, coaxed, and advised—as an editor, publicist, or friend—to offer them the support I could see they weren’t getting from our common circles.
I’m also proud of how I’ve performed under pressure this year—particularly during live TV interviews and with the multiple dogs I’ve had the pleasure of fostering.
How has the pandemic changed your perspective?
Such a good question! The first thing that comes to mind is I’ve been focusing a lot more on quality than quantity. Maybe not necessarily in regards to chardonnay and food portions, but definitely with friends, family, and work that needs to be done. I read an article inspired by “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck” that spoke about making two lists: one of the only people that matter to you, and the second with the only things (hobbies, joys, etc.) that matter to you. It’s been illuminating.
I have also noticed a lot more about who and what I identify as. So much of my identity has been wrapped up in travel, both as a traveler and someone who works in the travel industry. This is the longest period in about a decade that I’ve stayed in one place and not gotten on a plane, so I’ve been working on shifting my identity from a fixed notion and instead focusing on the traits that I associate with my travels (i.e. someone who is self-sufficient, kind, inventive).
What is something you can share about yourself that might surprise people?
I think people might be surprised to find out I am actually an introvert, or an extroverted introvert. I am actually quite shy and prefer to be reserved until I feel comfortable. I don’t know where my ability to jump in front of a camera or a microphone and be charming (I hope!) came from. I can also mimic bird whistles in a way that I can communicate with them.
What’s on your travel bucket list?
I’ve never been and want to go to: Japan, Brazil, and as many national parks around the world as possible. I’ve been to and continue to dream about returning to Bali and Burning Man.
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Have a suggestion for a future Member Spotlight? Submit it to bnewton@caltravel.org
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