Midy Aponte-Vargas, founder of Civil Strategies

About Civil's founder

A visionary strategist dedicated to transformative progress

Midy Aponte-Vargas, founder of Civil Strategies

Midy Aponte-Vargas is a distinguished communication strategist and futurist at heart, whose professional journey has spanned over two decades in the public, private and philanthropic sectors. She is widely recognized for her strategic acumen and her dedication to tackling some of society's most complex issues. Her work often involves crafting sustainable, creative and smartly implemented strategies at local, state and national levels​.

A career built on addressing complex issues through community collaboration.

Early Career: Public Engagement and Crisis Solutions

Midy began her career in Miami with a strong focus on public health advocacy, particularly in combating the influence of the tobacco industry. At Golin and later the American Legacy Foundation, now the truth initiative, she developed impactful campaigns to inform young people and adults about the dangers of tobacco use. This experience highlighted her ability to address critical issues through strategic communication while fostering individual responsibility and healthier communities.

In 2004, Midy moved to Washington, D.C., where she excelled in high-stakes crisis communications. At The Walker Marchant Group, she advised Fortune 500 companies on managing litigation and safeguarding their reputations, often in the face of public scrutiny. Her work emphasized practical solutions and effective communication strategies to unify stakeholders and maintain corporate integrity during challenging times.

Professional Highlight: Preserving Latino History & Heritage

In 2011, Midy was appointed the founding executive director of the American Latino Heritage Fund (ALHF) of the National Park Foundation. In this role, she worked to highlight and preserve sites of importance to Latino heritage within the U.S. National Park System, reinforcing the rich diversity that contributes to America's cultural fabric.

Under her leadership, ALHF partnered with the National Park Service to ensure the inclusion of sites such as the César E. Chávez National Monument in California, a testament to the values of hard work and dedication embodied by America's labor movement.Additional accomplishments included recognition of Diego Rivera's Detroit Industry Murals in Michigan, a powerful representation of the dignity of industry and labor, and the home of Concha Melendez in Puerto Rico, a significant literary figure whose legacy highlights the broader contributions of American citizens from the island.

Midy also collaborated on efforts like the "American Latinos and the Making of the United States" theme study and educational initiatives such as the American Latino Expedition, encouraging greater public appreciation of the diverse contributions that have shaped the nation. These efforts reinforced a unifying message that celebrates the shared values and histories of all Americans.

Founding Civil: A New Ethos for Consultancies

Before founding Civil, Midy served as a senior leader at Spitfire Strategies, where she held the role of Chief Experience Officer. Her work spanned global initiatives in Latin America and Africa, focusing on strengthening organizations and their operations, while also expanding the firm’s presence in Denver and the Intermountain West.

In 2020, after witnessing inefficiencies in philanthropy and traditional consulting models in addressing complex challenges, she sought to create a new approach rooted in practical problem-solving and genuine collaboration. Her vision prioritized empowering organizations to deliver results that reflect the needs and aspirations of their communities.

In 2023, she founded Civil to help leaders and businesses build resilient infrastructures and achieve measurable success. Civil emphasizes shifting from simply being present at the decision-making table to shaping its direction, ensuring that communities actively lead efforts to secure their long-term prosperity and influence.

Personal Life and Education: Championing Community & Diversity

Midy lightheartedly refers to herself as a "geographical mutt," reflecting her diverse living experiences. Born in Washington Heights, raised in Miami, and having spent a decade in Washington, D.C., she later called Denver home before settling in Dallas. Each city has shaped her broad understanding of cultural and societal dynamics, enriching her perspective.

She credits her communication expertise to Florida International University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science from the School of Journalism.

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