The Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute (CHLI) held its annual Future Leaders Conference in Washington D.C. on June 13, 2024, for speakers to share their success stories to inspire and encourage the audience as they embark on their career. Thank you to everyone who joined to gain insight from influential leaders.
The conference aimed to inform, educate and provide young adults with tips for success, who are interested in working for Congressional offices, non-profits, and the private sector.
The conference began with inspiring remarks by The Honorable Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, CHLI Chairwoman, providing interns with words of encouragement for their future endeavors.
Pictured: The Honorable Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, CHLI Chairwoman (Akin).
During the Internship Do’s and Don’ts panel, moderated by Marisa Sanchez, Legislative Correspondent, Senator Martin Heinrich (NM) speakers reflected on the profound impact of their professional experience and provided meaningful insight for interns to apply these lessons in their career pursuits. The panel included Paola Arrellano, Director of Operations, Congressman David Valadao (CA); Kelvin Bencosme, Staff Assistant, Committee on House Administration; Jeyben Castro, Community Outreach and Engagement Director, Office of the Chief Administrative Officer; and Maggie Mahfood-Bradley, Director of Special Projects, Office of the Chief Administrative Officer.
Pictured: Jeyben Castro; (Office of the Chief Administrative Officer) Paola Arellano; (Congressman David Valadao (CA), Kelvin Bencosme; (Committee on House Administration), and Maggie Mahfood-Bradley; (Office of the Chief Administrative Officer).
CHLI President & CEO, Mary Ann Gomez Orta, proceeded to present the top 10 tips for a great internship experience.
The conference continued with the Career Pathways panel moderated by Omar Franco, Managing Director, Becker, where panelists offered advice on how to navigate career opportunities and utilize networking. Panelists included Nora Venegas, Director Federal Government Relations, Tyson Foods; Sara Towles, Director, Government Affairs, PepsiCo; and Melissa Alvarado, Director of Government Affairs, Delta Air Lines.
Pictured from left to right: Nora Venegas; (Tyson Foods), Melissa Alvarado; (Delta Air Lines), Omar Franco; (Becker), and Sarah Towles; (PepsiCo).
The program concluded with CHLI Alumni Association Board Member, Sara Garcia, presenting the Wendy Martinez CHLI Alumni Community Engagement Award to Eliza Ramirez. This award encourages emerging leaders to work hard to achieve their professional and personal goals.
![Pictured from left to right: Mary Ann Gomez Orta, (CHLI President & CEO); Omar Franco, (Becker); Sarah Towles, (PepsiCo); Eliza Ramirez, (USAID); Sara Garcia, (Rep. Bice [OK]); Nora Venegas, (Tyson Foods); and Melissa Alvarado, (Delta Air Lines).](https://chli.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Picture8.jpg "Thank you for Joining the Annual CHLI Future Leaders Conference 4")
Pictured from left to right: Mary Ann Gomez Orta, (CHLI President & CEO); Omar Franco, (Becker); Sarah Towles, (PepsiCo); Eliza Ramirez, (USAID); Sara Garcia, (Rep. Bice [OK]); Nora Venegas, (Tyson Foods); and Melissa Alvarado, (Delta Air Lines).
CHLI is immensely proud of our attendees and influential speakers. We eagerly anticipate witnessing their achievements in their future endeavors.
To view the CHLI Future Leaders Conference livestream, click here