Meet CHLI’s Fall 2025 Global Leaders

Heritage: Cuban-Colombian American
School: Florida International University
Major: Philosophy
Hometown: Miami, FL
Congressional Placement: Congressman Tony Gonzales (TX)

Jorge Sanabria Jr., known affectionately by friends and family as JJ, is deeply passionate about leadership, community engagement, and personal growth. Raised in a close-knit immigrant family and coming from a community of law enforcement, with a father who serves as a police officer, Jorge’s upbringing instilled in him a strong sense of resilience and responsibility. These experiences have shaped his commitment to fostering meaningful change within his community and beyond.

Currently a philosophy student at Florida International University, Jorge has focused his academic journey on exploring questions of ethics, justice, and societal structures. Through these studies, he has developed a keen ability to think critically and engage with diverse perspectives—skills he believes are essential for ethical and impactful leadership.

Jorge’s passion for service is evident in his active involvement on campus, where he has dedicated himself to creating inclusive and empowering spaces for his peers. As the re-founding president of his fraternity, he has worked to rebuild a values-driven organization that prioritizes community service and leadership. In addition, Jorge has mentored first-year students, revitalized student organizations, and engaged in campus initiatives that promote collaboration and inclusion. These roles have allowed him to inspire others and lead by example, embodying his commitment to service.

With a growing interest in public service, Jorge aspires to advocate for policies that promote justice, equality, and the empowerment of underrepresented communities. His experiences have fueled his desire to make a positive impact through leadership rooted in compassion and thoughtful decision-making.

As a CHLI Global Leader Intern, Jorge is eager to expand his understanding of the intersection between public and private sectors, strengthen his leadership skills, and collaborate with peers who share his vision for a more just and equitable society. He looks forward to using this opportunity as a platform for growth and a step toward his goal of making a lasting difference in his community.

Born in Madrid, Spain, and raised in Ávila until he was 8, Luis Lopez Molina moved to the United States with his family and settled in Miami-Dade County. As a first-generation American, Luis has always been driven by a sense of gratitude and responsibility for the sacrifices his parents made to give him opportunities in the U.S. Their journey instilled in him a deep passion for public service and a belief that government should work to serve people.

Luis holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy and Administration from Florida International University. He recently served as a Legislative and Policy Aide for Miami-Dade County Commissioner Raquel Regalado, where he gained valuable experience in policymaking, stakeholder collaboration, and navigating the complexities of local government. His work focused on key issues like infrastructure, housing, and neurodivergent advocacy, helping him understand how government systems can better serve communities.
In addition to his role in local government, Luis has worked with organizations such as Unify America, Casa Familia, and CISV, where he helped build partnerships and develop community-driven solutions. These experiences reinforced his belief in the power of collaboration and the importance of inclusive policymaking.

Luis’s passion for government systems and their potential to serve all citizens has fueled his desire to continue learning and growing in the field of public policy. As a participant in the Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute, he is eager to expand his understanding of national politics, the federal legislative process, and the role of public-private partnerships in addressing societal issues. He aims to bring this knowledge back to Miami-Dade County, using it to strengthen the local community and improve government accountability.

Looking to the future, Luis plans to attend law school with a focus on public interest law. He is determined to contribute to a more transparent and accountable government, advocating for policies that protect and empower underrepresented communities. Luis is committed to ensuring that government systems work for everyone and that they are held accountable to the people they serve. His dedication to serving his community and improving the effectiveness of government continues to drive his work and aspirations for the future.

Melody Alexandra Moreno is an undergraduate senior at Middle Tennessee State University studying Political Science with a concentration in Public Policy and Management and a minor in Business Administration. Born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee, she is of mixed Mexican Salvadoran heritage, and her background as a second-generation American has deeply influenced her academic and professional aspirations. A dedicated student, she has earned multiple semesters on the prestigious Dean’s List and holds the Experiential Learning Scholar distinction, reflecting her commitment to hands-on learning and leadership. She has been actively involved in organizations such as the Student Government Association, FUTURO, and the Financial Management Association.

Melody is motivated by her early experiences being raised by two Latino entrepreneurs who showed her the inner workings of business management, fostering a strong work ethic and an appreciation for the importance of the Hispanic community’s socioeconomic progress. From a young age, Melody developed a strong moral conviction for being empathetic and willing to be a voice for those who needed it most. Whether by volunteering at the local animal shelter, at medical nonprofits, or by lending a helpful hand and providing guidance to immigrants with translation services, on bureaucratic matters such as filling out forms properly, understanding government procedures, and accessing essential services, she was always eager to serve others as a defender and ally. Her innate willingness to be of service to others solidified her desire to pursue a career focused on advocacy and defense.

Melody’s extensive work experiences, before and during university, in the hospitality industry led her to remain in front-facing roles where she honed in on her customer service abilities, an essential part of being able to effectively communicate with people of diverse backgrounds. Her background growing up in a Spanish-speaking community and her extensive travel history to 10+ international countries has honed her skills in cross-cultural communication and understanding of global politics.

As a CHLI Global Leader, Melody is eager to deepen her understanding of the legislative process and the critical role legal research and writing play in shaping effective public policy. She looks forward to gaining hands-on experience in navigating the intersection of public and private sectors, with the goal of learning how team efforts can drive meaningful systematic change in underrepresented communities.

Heritage: Venezuelan American
School: Florida International University
Major: Political Science
Hometown: Miami, FL
Congressional Placement: Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar (FL)

Sebastian Lopez is a Venezuelan American raised in Miami, Florida as well as an undergraduate senior pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at Florida International University. Before transferring to FIU, he attended Davis & Elkins College in Elkins, West Virginia on an athletic scholarship for swimming, where he developed leadership skills both in and out of the pool. During his time there, he held a significant role in the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity as Vice President of Communications, enhancing the organization’s outreach and fostering meaningful connections within the campus community.

With a strong passion for public service, Sebastian has gained valuable experience through roles such as Executive Intern for the Mayor of Doral and Constituent Service Aid for the Mayor & Commissioners Office in the City of North Miami Beach. His internship with Senator Marco Rubio’s Miami District Office inspired him to focus on the legislative process and explore how federal policy impacts local communities, sparking his interest in pursuing opportunities in Washington, D.C., to further engage with national policymaking.

Rooted in his upbringing in Miami and his Venezuelan heritage, Sebastian is inspired by his parents’ culture and values, which have instilled in him a commitment to fostering community connections and advocating for principles that promote opportunity and personal responsibility. He is particularly passionate about exploring the intersections of policy, community service, and international relations to empower marginalized communities and encourage civic participation.

As a CHLI Global Leader in Washington, D.C., this spring, Sebastian 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 and strengthen democratic institutions. After graduation, Sebastian aspires to pursue a career in public service, focusing on legislative solutions that address challenges in national security, economic development, and human rights, ensuring a lasting positive impact on communities.

Heritage: Mexican American
School: The University of Texas at El Paso
Major: Multidisciplinary Studies with concentrations in Engineering Leadership, Mathematics, and Communication
Hometown: El Paso, Texas
Congressional Placement: Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA

Tristan was born and raised in El Paso, Texas. He is a proud graduate of the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), where he earned a degree in Multidisciplinary Studies with concentrations in Engineering Leadership, Mathematics, and Communication. Tristan believes tackling complex challenges requires a blend of technical expertise and imaginative thinking.

Community service was instilled in him by his parents and grandparents, all devoted civil servants, who taught him the importance of giving back and helping others. Tristan was inspired by his family’s commitment to service, which led to his appointment to a local school board, making him one of the youngest board members in Texas. His leadership extended beyond the board, where he organized educational and fundraising events to support high school students in his community. He also conducted research highlighting the experiences of underrepresented students studying engineering. For all of his community efforts, the university recognized him with a Presidential Commendation during his graduation commencement.

While interning for the Government Affairs and Emergent Technology and Innovation teams, he analyzed complex legislation and identified community-based clean energy solutions. During his time interning with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute in the Office of Congressman Joaquin Castro, he deepened his understanding of federal policymaking and volunteered with the Smithsonian’s National Museum for the American Latino, which broadened his perspective on advocacy. Currently, he is co-authoring an article for the MIT Science Policy Review and collaborating with the Notre Dame Tech Ethics Lab to highlight the ethical implications of autonomous systems. Tristan’s professional journey illustrates his dedication to bridging the gap between technology, policy, and community needs.

Tristan is eager to begin his internship with the Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute, where he can continue exploring the intersection of technology and policy. He hopes to further build skills to advocate for meaningful change effectively.