Front Row (left to right): CHLI Advisory Council Member, Joanna Diaz Soffer, T-Mobile; Jasmine Torres; Maricarmen Vargas; Alyssa Franco; CHLI Chairwoman, The HonorableIleana Ros-Lehtinen; CHLI President and CEO, Mary Ann Gomez Orta; Jahselyn Medina; Sofia Giraldo; and Simon Estevez
On Wednesday, December 10, 2025, the Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute (CHLI) held a special reception in Washington, D.C., to celebrate the graduation of its Fall 2025 Global Leaders and Communications Fellow. The event was hosted by Florida International University in Washington, D.C.
The evening began with opening remarks from CHLI Chairwoman, The Honorable Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, who offered inspiring words as the graduates embark on their journeys as young professionals. This was followed by a warm welcome from our host of the evening, Associate Vice President of Government Relations at Florida International University, Carlos Beccera.
This year’s event celebrated six Global Leaders and CHLI communications fellow, who offered heartfelt reflections on their time with CHLI—expressing gratitude for the mentorship they received, the skills they developed, and the meaningful impact the programs had on their growth.
“This journey opened my eyes to Latino representation and greatness in our country, to the constant collaboration, ambition, and support our community rests on, and I want to keep building upon that and make our community shine further” – Victor Almazo, CHLI Congressional Placement: Rep. Tony Gonzalez (TX); Corporate Placement: Ferox Strategies
“I feel capable of facing challenges, holding meaningful conversations, and building genuine relationships.” – Simon Estevez, CHLI Congressional Placement: Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL); Corporate Placement: Crossroads Strategies
“Because of everything I’ve gained through CHLI—and the trust of the Congresswoman’s office placed in me—I’m excited to share that I’ve officially joined her D.C. staff” – Alyssa Franco, CHLI Congressional Placement: Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (NY); Corporate Placement: HP
“This program has been, without a doubt, life changing. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn, to grow, and to understand what it means to lead with intention and serve with passion.” – Sofia Giraldo, CHLI Congressional Placement: Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (FL); Corporate Placement: UPS
“Every space that I entered… I was constantly surrounded by amazing Hispanic leaders who empowered me and it was then when I began to see myself reflected in their likeness.” – Jahselyn Medina, CHLI Congressional Placement: Rep. Jasmine Crockett (TX); Corporate Placement: Ferox Strategies
“Because of CHLI, I stand here today more confident, more prepared, and more grounded in who I want to become.” – Jasmine Torres, CHLI Congressional Placement: Rep. Juan Vargas (CA); Corporate Placement: Cassidy & Associates
“I know I will find my way back to Washington, D.C. and continue building on everything I’ve learned. Thank you all for believing in us and for helping us dream bigger than we ever thought possible.” – Maricarmen Vargas, CHLI Congressional Placement: Senator Catherine Cortez-Masto (NV); Corporate Placement: The Home Depot
“Watching this team lead with excellence, grace, and heart has shaped the kind of professional and person I aspire to be.” – Telise Arce-Reed CHLI Communications Fellow
The reception concluded with Paola Arellano, CHLI Alumni Association’s Vice President of Communications who welcomed our Fall 2025 graduates to the Alumni Association.
Thank you to our sponsors: Altria Client Services, Amazon, American Petroleum Institute, Cassidy & Associates, Charter Communications, Chevron, Comcast | NBC | Universal, Corteva Agriscience, DoorDash, FedEx, Ford Motor Company, Gates Foundation, Televisa Univision, The Home Depot, UPS, and Walmart.
To view more pictures of the Fall 2025 Global Leaders Graduation reception, click here: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCE8g7
To learn more about the CHLI Global Leaders Program, click here: https://chli.org/global-leaders/
To learn more about the CHLI Communications Fellowship, click here: https://chli.org/communications-fellowship/
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.