Established in 2012, the Stephen D. Vermillion III Award commemorates the legacy of Stephen D. Vermillion, a Capitol Hill staffer instrumental in founding CHLI in 2003. Steve was a passionate advocate for leadership development and entrepreneurship within the Hispanic community. His dedication to bipartisan collaboration and civic engagement continues to inspire future generations of leaders.

The award is presented to two congressional members who support the advancement of the Hispanic community in the United States, have demonstrated support for CHLI’s programs and activities, and share CHLI’s dedication to bipartisan leadership.

Steve Vermillion was a sixth-generation Washingtonian whose early life abroad, due to his father’s CIA career, instilled in him a profound interest in U.S.-Latin American relations, particularly concerning Cuba. He pursued higher education at Loyola University and the University of Miami, earning degrees in Political Science, Spanish, and International Affairs with a focus on Latin American Studies.

His professional journey began in 1986 as Director of Communications for the Republican Study Committee. He later served as Legislative Director and Chief of Staff to Congressman Lincoln Díaz-Balart, where he played a pivotal role in shaping U.S. foreign policy in the Western Hemisphere. Notably, he contributed to the codification of the Cuban embargo and the passage of the Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act (NACARA), which provided legal status to Nicaraguan, Cuban, and other Central American refugees.

Steve’s dedication to public service and his belief in the power of bipartisan collaboration left an indelible mark on Capitol Hill and continue to inspire the work of CHLI.