Ruben J. Gonzales (he/him), a Principal at Penchina Partners, is an expert in fundraising, external engagement, organizational management, communications, marketing, program management, strategic planning, board development, volunteer management, event planning, and social media.

With over two decades of nonprofit and government experience, Ruben was the Associate Director for External Affairs at the Peace Corps, overseeing communications, marketing, grants management, congressional relations, and the alumni program for Peace Corps volunteers. Previously, he served as Special Assistant to the President for Domestic Agency Personnel, supporting the President's goal of building an Administration that looks like America. Before joining the Biden-Harris Administration, Ruben was the Executive Director of LGBTQ+ Victory Institute, an organization dedicated to advancing LGBTQ+ leaders in elected and appointed offices

He is also recognized as an authority in Latino philanthropy, presenting on the topic at various conferences and political events nationwide.

Ruben's prior roles include Vice President of Philanthropy at the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI), Chief Development Officer at United Cerebral Palsy (UCP), Deputy Vice President for Resource Development at UnidosUS (formerly National Council of La Raza), Director of Development at the Urban Assembly in New York City, and Director of Volunteer Management at the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD).

A native of South Phoenix, Arizona, Ruben holds a B.S. in Political Science from Santa Clara University and currently resides in Washington, D.C.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​