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Recap of the CHLI Congressional Hispanic Leadership Reception

Pictured from left to right is CHLI Leadership: President and CEO, Mary Ann Gomez; John Hoel, Altria; Leo Muñoz, Comcast; Laura Berrocal, Verizon; Rep. Gabe Evans (CO); CHLI Board Member Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (NY); CHLI Chairwoman, The Honorable Ileana Ros-Lehtinen; Allie White, Walmart; Heather Kennedy, The Home Depot; Nora Venegas, Tyson Foods; and Michelle Fernandez and Rafael Fernandez, the Recording Industry Association of America.

Washington, D.C.—The Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute (CHLI) held its annual Congressional Hispanic Leadership Reception on Wednesday, February 4, 2026. Special thank you to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for hosting us.

The reception brought together members of Congress, non-profit leaders, corporate executives, partners, and alumni to celebrate the start of the Second Session of the 119th Congress and reaffirm CHLI’s commitment to advancing the Hispanic community’s diversity of thought.

Pictured: CHLI Chairwoman, The Honorable Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, alongside CHLI Board Member Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (NY).

CHLI Chairwoman, The Honorable Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, kicked off the program by introducing the distinguished members of Congress who joined us that evening.

Pictured: CHLI Board Member Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (NY) providing special remarks.
Pictured: Rep. Gabe Evans (CO) providing special remarks.

The program continued with CHLI Board Member Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (NY) and Rep. Gabe Evans (CO) providing special remarks. They shared how their Hispanic heritage informs their legislative work, highlighted the initiatives they are advancing, and the ways in which our community can continue to support and engage in this important work.

“The CHLI Congressional Hispanic Leadership Reception is a powerful reminder of the strength of Hispanic leadership and the importance of bringing diverse voices to the table. CHLI continues to create meaningful spaces where leaders can connect, collaborate, and help shape a more inclusive future,” said CHLI Chairwoman, The Honorable Ileana Ros-Lehtinen.

Thank you to our sponsors: The Recording Industry Association of America, AARP, American Sugar Alliance, Chevron, Dominion Energy, and Diageo.

To view pictures from the event, click here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/thechli/albums/72177720331870742/with/55081788915/

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.