The Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute (CHLI) is proud to announce the CHLI Alumni Association (CAA) Board of Directors to serve from 2025 to 2027. Established in 2016, the CHLI Alumni Association supports distinguished alumni reach their professional goals and connect across corporate, nonprofit, and government sectors nationwide and internationally. As the CAA transitions in leadership, we extend our gratitude to the departing board members for their significant contributions, which have played a key role in advancing CHLI’s mission.
The incoming board comprises seven accomplished professionals who will guide the organization’s strategic initiatives in the coming years:
President- Lucinda Borque, CHLI Class of Spring 2016
With over a decade of experience in program management, executive administration, and strategic professional development, Lucinda currently serves as a Senior Executive Assistant and Political Consultant at Worldwide Legal Services. In this role she manages
high-level operations, advises on strategic initiatives, and fosters professional development among legal and administrative teams.
Lucinda has previously contributed to healthcare advocacy as a Senior Executive Assistant & Researcher at the Global Healthy Living Foundation, where she led a nationwide study on Rheumatoid Arthritis in underserved Hispanic communities. She’s also held key roles at U.S. Customs and Border Protection (DHS), the U.S. House of Representatives, and various leadership positions in corporate and academic settings.
Originally from Queens, New York, Lucinda received a Master’s in Political Management from George Washington University in 2019 and a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice from Rutgers University in 2015.
Vice President- Sophia Jaimes, CHLI Class of Fall 2022
Sophia currently serves as an Executive Assistant at Concordia working directly with the CEO and the Executive Office to ensure the strategic vision of the organization by managing both the day-to-day and longer-term operations and strategic direction of the organization.
Before joining Concordia, Sophia worked as a Libra Group intern under Chief Relationship Officer Correa. She also has experience working in Washington, D.C., at UPS Public Affairs and was a CHLI Global Leader, during which she worked in the office of Rep. Henry Cuellar (TX) and at Home Depot Government Affairs. Raised in Miami, FL, Sophia graduated summa cum laude from The Honors College at Florida International University in 2023 with a Bachelor’s in International Relations, a minor in Political Science, and a certificate in Women’s and Gender Studies.
Secretary- Kelvin Bencosme, CHLI Class of Fall 2023
Kelvin is currently a Professional Staff Member at the U.S. House Committee on Administration, where he provides strategic guidance and detailed analysis for communication directors—maximizing resource allocation, strengthening members’ political brands, expanding their audiences, and safeguarding their reputations.
Prior to his current role, he participated in the CHLI Global Leaders program with the office of Rep. Vern Buchanan (FL) and Ferox Strategies. Following his completion in the program, he interned for the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee and FIU in DC.
A Miami, FL native, Kelvin graduated from Florida International University in 2024 with a Bachelors in Political Science and Finance.
Treasurer – Andres Velasco, CHLI Class of Fall 2022
Andres currently works on the Government Affairs team at the Partnership for Public Service, where he monitors legislative activities and assists with policy strategies. He fosters strong relationships with key government officials and industry stakeholders.
Originally from Miami, FL, Andres moved to D.C. in 2021 to pursue his passion for policy. He graduated from The Honors College at Florida International University in May 2023 with a Bachelor’s in History and a Minor in Economics
Membership Director – Dianly Perez Mulet, CHLI Class of Spring 2024
Dianly is currently working as a Legal Assistant at a personal injury law firm. Prior to her current role, she participated in the CHLI Global Leaders Program where interned for Jenniffer González Colón, who served as the 20th resident commissioner of Puerto Rico and for Home Depot’s Government Relations Team.
Born and raised in Miami, FL, Dianly graduated from Florida International University in 2024 with a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. She expects to begin law school in the Fall of 2026.
VP of Professional Development – Ian Rios, CHLI Class of Spring 2024
Ian is currently working as an Administrative Assistant at the Puerto Rico Department of Education, actively engaging with Puerto Rico’s legislature and government agencies to shape public policy and drive social impact.
With over seven years of experience advocating for older adults, Ian has interned at the Puerto Rico State Legislature and the U.S. House of Representatives, where he gained firsthand insight into the power of public administration to drive large-scale impact.
A Río Piedras, Puerto Rico native, Ian graduated magna cum laude from the Inter-American University of Puerto Rico in May 2023 with a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and a minor in Business and Management Development.
VP of Communications – Paola Arellano, CHLI Class of Spring 2022
Paola is currently the Executive Business and Operations Manager at Rivet Industries. Prior to her current role, Paola was the Director of Operations for Rep. David G. Valadao (CA) and was with the Congressman since 2022.
As a CHLI alumna, Paola has been an active participant in CHLI events and played a key role in encouraging the Congressman to support the organization and provide opportunities for interns.
Originally from El Paso, Texas, Paola graduated from St. Mary’s University in May 2022 with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a minor in Communication Studies.
Quote from CHLI Chairwoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen:
“As we thank the outgoing board members for their dedicated service, we look forward to the incoming board’s leadership in guiding CHLI’s initiatives. Together, we will continue to support Latino leaders, advocate for our community, and shape public policy.”
Quote from CHLI President and CEO Mary Ann Gomez Orta:
“This talented group of professionals will help shape the future of CHLI, building on the strong foundation laid by the departing board members. Their leadership will continue to drive initiatives that empower our alumni and expand CHLI’s impact across sectors.”
ABOUT CHLI:
The Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute (CHLI) is the premier organization founded by former Members of Congress to advance economic prosperity with a focus on social responsibility and global competitiveness. CHLI is dedicated to advancing the Hispanic community’s diversity of thought and fostering a broad awareness of the heritage, interests, and views of Americans of Hispanic and Portuguese descent.
For more information about CHLI and its programs, please contact Mary Ann Gomez Orta, @mgomezorta@chli.org
ABOUT CHLI ALUMNI ASSOCIATION:
The CHLI Alumni Association (CAA) is the premier resource founded by the CHLI Alumni to advance the professional and leadership development of future Hispanic leaders by fostering a culture of leadership, community, and continued investment. The CAA is dedicated to promoting a broad awareness of the diversity of thought, heritage, interests, and views among Hispanics in the U.S.
To learn more about the CHLI Alumni Association, click here