Heritage: Cuban American
School: University of Michigan
Major: Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience; Minor in Philosophy
Hometown: Oakton, Virginia
Congressional Placement: Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (NY)
Meet CHLI’s Spring 2025 Global Leaders
Alyssa Franco
Alyssa is a recent graduate of the University of Michigan, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience, with a minor in Philosophy and a Certificate in Sales and Business Development from the Ross School of Business. Raised in Virginia, Alyssa’s proximity to the nation’s capital sparked her early interest in governance and public policy. Her diverse studies have allowed her to explore engaging topics and participate actively in discussions on human behavior, critical thinking, and decision-making. She also had the opportunity to expand her global perspective through a study abroad program in Barcelona, Spain, where she studied cross-cultural psychology and international marketing. Alyssa’s undergraduate experiences have led her to explore the intersection of legislation, business strategy, and community impact.
Growing up as a proud Cuban-American in a household that values integrity and community, Alyssa was inspired by her parents’ leadership, empathy, and ambition. Her father’s career as a federal lobbyist exposed her early to the importance of policy and advocacy. Her commitment to service is reflected in her volunteer work with Michigan Medicine’s Silver Club Memory Program, where she co-led memory and health-related activities for older adults, and in her role as a peer facilitator with the Wolverine Support Network, which aimed to foster inclusive spaces for mental health support among college students. Her leadership roles on the organization’s strategy committee have involved planning fundraising initiatives and collaborating with local Ann Arbor businesses to sustain free mental health resources for students.
Alyssa brings legislative experience through her role as a Legislative Intern at Becker & Poliakoff, Inc., where she drafted legal memorandums summarizing congressional hearings and conducted grant research to identify funding opportunities for clients. These responsibilities have given her hands-on experience in the legislative process and strengthened her ability to communicate complex policy developments effectively. Through the CHLI Global Leaders Program, Alyssa is eager to gain deeper insight into policymaking and the role of cross-sector collaboration in creating meaningful change. She aspires to build a career at the intersection of business and policy, focusing on developing strategies that enhance and empower the Hispanic community.
Jahselyn Medina
Heritage: Mexican-Salvadorean American
School: Washington University in St. Louis
Major(s): Political Science and Spanish
Hometown: Los Angeles, California
Congressional Placement: Rep. Jasmine Crockett (TX)
Jahselyn Medina Gonzalez is a first-generation college graduate of Washington University in St.Louis, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Spanish. She was born and raised in Los Angeles, California, by her single mother, and she also has 2 younger brothers.
As an undergraduate student, she had the opportunity to join communities that exemplified her commitment to paving a career dedicated to public service and leadership. She was part of the Taylor Family Center for Student Success – a program that provides first-generation, limited-income students with access to unique resources to help them succeed– where she served as a mentor to first-year students. At her college, she was part of the Civic Scholars Program, which supported her in obtaining an internship with the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, Hilda L. Solis, East Los Angeles’ District Office. Additionally, she was able to intern at Strategic Actions for a Just Economy (SAJE), where she supported a campaign that focused on informing tenants of their rights as renters through canvassing, to defend their homes and livelihoods.
Her personal experiences as a limited-income tenant, alongside her professional experiences, have deepened her passion for housing policy. She aspires to further her education to expand her knowledge on policy and learn how to convert that policy into positive social change for underrepresented communities.
As a CHLI Global Leader, Jahselyn looks forward to gaining hands-on experience on the inner workings of the government in both the private and public sectors. She looks forward to meeting Latino leaders in DC and building meaningful connections through our heritage, language, and storytelling. She is dedicated to continuing her journey as a public servant and creating spaces for underrepresented communities that are often left out of decision-making spaces.
Jasmine Torres
Heritage: Mexican American
School: Loyola Marymount University
Major: Political Science and Philosophy Minor
Hometown: Hemet, CA
Congressional Placement: Rep. Juan Vargas (CA)
Jasmine Torres graduated from Loyola Marymount University in May 2025 with a degree in Political Science and a minor in Philosophy. At LMU, she was involved in the Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Society, Mock Trial, and the Belles Service Organization. Outside of school, she was also a Mentee of the Hispanic 100 Foundation, where she was able to attend professional workshops and improve her networking skills. Before transferring to LMU, she attended Pasadena City College, where she served on the Lobbying Committee and traveled to Washington, D.C. to advocate for student issues. In her second year, she was elected Vice President for Student Equity of the Associated Students and chaired the Equity Committee. In these roles, Jasmine learned how to effectively work as part of a team and practice being an inclusive leader.
Jasmine also gained professional experience at Actum LLC, a political consulting firm. Her work included legislative tracking, media briefings, and developing a case study on the Section 14 Palm Springs restitution effort. She also drafted proposals for applying the lessons from that case study to other communities. The project was challenging but gave her valuable experience in research, policy analysis, and writing.
As a CHLI Global Leader, Jasmine looks forward to building connections and gaining skills that will help her grow personally and professionally. Coming from Hemet, where opportunities are limited, she is especially grateful for the chance to work in Washington, D.C. She hopes to learn as much as possible during this program and use these experiences to give back to her community. Jasmine plans to attend law school in the near future to combine her passion for advocacy, law, and policy to create meaningful change.
Mariacarmen Vargas
Heritage: Mexican American
School: University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Major: Bachelor of Science in Public Health Education with a concentration in Community Health
Hometown: Greensboro, North Carolina
Congressional Placement: Senator Catherine Cortez-Masto (NV)
Maricarmen is a first-generation Mexican American and a recent graduate from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where she completed her Bachelor of Science in Public Health Education with a concentration in Community Health. Raised in a community where access to healthcare, resources, and civic knowledge was limited, she developed an early understanding of how systemic barriers impact immigrant and first-generation families. These lived experiences shaped her passion for public service, equity, and community health.
Throughout her undergraduate career, Maricarmen has built a track record of leadership and advocacy across public health, education, and civic engagement. As a Case Management Intern at the New Arrivals Institute, she supported over 30 refugee and immigrant families in accessing government benefits and essential services—work that strengthened her commitment to culturally informed care and holistic support systems.
Her dedication to inclusive health education continued during her time as the Peacehaven Summer Program Lead for the State Employees Credit Union. There, she created and led more than 30 educational programs tailored to students with disabilities, promoting accessibility, inclusion, and empowerment. Most recently, she served as the Health and Wellness Coordinator at Duke Pre-College, where she administered medication, designed wellness programming, and supported the physical and mental well-being of middle and high school students.
Beyond her work in health, Maricarmen is deeply committed to civic leadership and representation. As a Democracy Fellow and Catalyst Leader at UNCG, she organized voter registration drives, facilitated educational workshops, and helped increase voter turnout in the Greensboro community. Her efforts have focused on ensuring that underrepresented populations, including students and immigrants, have the knowledge and resources to participate in the democratic process.
On campus, she serves as a Student Marketing Content Creator, where her targeted messaging has helped boost enrollment and highlight opportunities for first-generation students. Through this work, she has used storytelling and digital strategy to increase awareness and engagement across the university community. Her leadership extends to her role as an executive member of Chi Omega, where she has helped raise over $5,000 for philanthropic causes, mentored new members, and fostered a culture of service and inclusion. Through every role she’s taken on, Maricarmen has remained focused on creating equitable access to resources, education, and healthcare for historically marginalized communities. She is particularly passionate about addressing disparities in healthcare, reproductive rights, and civic participation within Latinx and immigrant populations.
Maricarmen is eager to further explore the intersection of public health, policy, and advocacy through the CHLI Global Leaders Program. She hopes to use this opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the legislative process and develop the tools necessary to drive systemic change. Looking ahead, she envisions a career at the intersection of community health and public policy, building inclusive, sustainable solutions that empower others—just as she has been empowered to lead.
Simon Estevez
Heritage: Colombian American
School: Florida International University
Major: Rehabilitation Therapy, minor in Labor Studies
Hometown: Miami, Florida
Congressional Placement: Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL)
Simon Estevez is a Colombian American student from Miami, Florida. He is currently studying Rehabilitation Therapy with a minor in Labor Studies at Florida International University (FIU). He previously earned an Associate of Arts degree in pre-medical sciences at Miami Dade College and maintained a 4.0 GPA at both institutions.
At FIU, Simon has served as a student ambassador in the Office of Accessibility, focusing on ADA compliance and training for faculty and staff. He participated in the Population Health and Emerging Technologies DC Fly-In, engaging with leaders on public health strategies. Additionally, he worked in commercial real estate at FCR, where he developed critical organizational and systematic skills.
This fall, Simon is beginning an internship with Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz.
Sofia Giraldo
Heritage: Colombian
School: Florida International University
Major: Political Science, minor in Public Administration
Hometown: Bogotá, Colombia
Congressional Placement: Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (FL)
Born and raised in Bogotá, Colombia, Sofia Giraldo’s story is defined by resilience, gratitude, and an unshakable commitment to justice. Now an Honors College student at Florida International University, she is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in Public Administration, building on her academic foundation as a Miami Dade College graduate with Highest Honors in Political Science. With determination and purpose, she accelerates her studies while devoting herself to leadership, advocacy, and community service.
Sofia’s path has been deeply influenced by her parents, whose sacrifices opened the door for her to pursue her education abroad. Their courage and resilience fuel her drive to honor their legacy, not only through personal success but by using her voice and skills to uplift others. For her, education is far more than an achievement; it is a responsibility to expand opportunities for those still facing barriers.
Her academic and leadership experiences have strengthened her commitment to equity and access. At Miami Dade College, she served as a Student Government Senator and Student Ambassador, advocating for her peers, leading initiatives to enrich campus life, and supporting students in need. As a Financial Aid Clerk, she guided students through the complexities of higher education access, reinforcing her belief that no one should be denied the chance to learn. Through Pre-Law Advocates for Community Engagement & Service and her role as a jury member in mock trials at FIU, she began to shape her legal lens, grounding her ambition to become an attorney in service and advocacy.
Guided by empathy and a profound sense of duty, Sofia aspires to be both a bridge and a catalyst, transforming challenges into opportunities and ensuring her community’s voice is heard. As a participant in the Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute (CHLI) Global Leaders Program, she seeks to deepen her legislative knowledge and corporate understanding, focusing on immigration, education, and international relations. She sees this experience as a pivotal step in her journey toward becoming both a lawyer and policymaker, equipped to represent her community and Colombia with pride on the national and international stage. Looking ahead, Sofia is determined to pursue law school with a focus on corporate law, uniting her legal expertise with policymaking to ensure that governments and businesses alike act with integrity and in service to society. For Sofia, leadership entails responsibility, service, and building a more just future.
Victor Almazo
Heritage: Cuban-Mexican American
School: Miami Dade College
Major: Economics
Hometown: McAllen, TX
Congressional Placement: Rep. Tony Gonzales (TX)
Victor Almazo is a sophomore at Miami Dade College pursuing a degree in Economics. He is a bicultural Mexican-Cuban American and was born and raised in McAllen, Texas. He is proud of his roots in Havana and Mexico City. Growing up in a border town, Victor has experienced first-hand the struggle his community faces, and it has changed his perspective on the importance of public service, leadership, and expanding opportunity and representation.
Victor previously interned in the district office of Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar, where he assisted with constituent services, casework, and community outreach. In this role, he learned the value of direct communication with the public and saw firsthand the impact of federal policy on everyday lives. Alongside his academic and political experience, Victor has also worked in tech service sales, where he developed partnerships and networks with local businesses to help improve their operations. These experiences further strengthen his aspirations for economics and politics, motivating him to keep learning and expanding his academics and knowledge in continued opportunities.
As a CHLI Global Leader in Washington, D.C., he aims to deepen his understanding of the legislative process, learn from influential mentors, and gain hands-on experience in national policymaking. He plans to leverage this opportunity to advocate for impactful policies while sharpening his leadership skills. Victor aspires to continue his education and eventually pursue a career that blends economics, policy, business, and advocacy, continuing and honoring his family’s legacy of perseverance while serving as a voice for his Latino roots.