Washington D.C. — An influential group of leaders and policymakers gathered at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel to celebrate leadership, service, and achievement within the Hispanic community during America’s 250th Anniversary, at the Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute’s (CHLI) 22nd Annual Gala and Leadership Awards
The event recognized individuals who have made a profound impact on Hispanic communities through their commitment to leadership, community, and diversity of thought — values that anchor CHLI’s mission.
“CHLI was honored to recognize the remarkable achievements of President Daniel Noboa Azín, Representatives Monica De La Cruz and Gil Cisneros, and CHLI alumna, Sara Garcia,” said CHLI Chairwoman, The Honorable Ileana Ros-Lehtinen. “Each honoree reflects CHLI’s enduring commitment to freedom and the values of family, community, and leadership that guide our mission.”
His Excellency Daniel Noboa Azín, President of the Republic of Ecuador, received the CHLI Founders International Leadership Award in recognition of his leadership in advancing security, stability, and democratic institutions in Ecuador. “We reduced the poverty index to 21.4%, which is the lowest in the history of the nation,” said Noboa Azín. “More young men and women were having an opportunity to have a loan, their own home, something that wasn’t possible for previous generations.”
U.S. Representative Monica De La Cruz (TX) was honored with the CHLI Leadership in Public Service Award. “I am humbled to receive the CHLI Leadership in Public Service Award. It is the honor of my life to serve South Texas, and this award belongs to the people who put their trust in me,” said De La Cruz. “Together, we’re working to keep the American Dream alive for all of our families and the next generation.”
U.S. Representative Gil Cisneros (CA) was also honored with the CHLI Leadership in Public Service Award.“I’m deeply honored to accept the 2026 Leadership in Public Service Award. My wife and I have made it our goal to uplift the next generation…we’ve sought to close the college attainment gap and build an accessible network of resources that empowers Latino students to pursue and achieve higher education,” said Cisneros. “I extend my sincerest gratitude to the Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute for this distinguished recognition, and I look forward to working together to continue to achieve this goal.”
Sara Garcia, former treasurer of the CHLI Alumni Association, received the CHLI Ambassador Award for her commitment to public service and the CHLI community. “CHLI gave me a space where my identity, experiences, and perspective were embraced,” Garcia said. “I’ve always deeply admired CHLI’s commitment to diversity of thought and creating spaces where different perspectives, experiences, and ideas are welcomed and valued.”
The gala attracted a wide array of elected officials, civic and corporate leaders, diplomats, and international guests such as Jennifer S. Korn, Deputy Assistant to the President
Faith Director of the White House Faith Office, and America 250 Chairwoman Rosie Rios.
Sponsors of the event included The Coca-Cola Company, Bristol Myers Squibb, Altria, Amazon, American Airlines, PMI U.S., Reynolds, T-Mobile, Wells Fargo, and many more; you can find them listed HERE.
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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.