Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute

The Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute (CHLI) Board of Directors, Advisory Council, Alumni Association, and staff extend our deepest condolences to the Díaz-Balart family on the passing of our beloved Founder and Chairman Emeritus, The Honorable Lincoln Díaz-Balart. Lincoln’s visionary leadership established CHLI as the only bipartisan and bicameral leadership development organization in our nation’s capital. His unwavering dedication elevated CHLI’s mission of advancing the Hispanic community’s diversity of thought, impacting over 300 alumni who now serve as elected officials, government leaders, nonprofit executives, and corporate professionals. As a public servant and later as an influential private citizen, Lincoln passionately defended freedom and democracy in Cuba with unmatched eloquence and moral clarity. His love for his homeland was only comparable to his devotion to the United States, whose democratic principles he championed tirelessly. We mourn this profound loss but take comfort in knowing his legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched. May he rest in peace. "Lincoln was a force to be reckoned with… We will miss your wise counsel, strategic thought, and inspiring words." – CHLI Chairwoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen "Lincoln's eloquence, guidance, and brilliance will be missed, but the countless lessons we learned from him will continue to be a guiding light." – CHLI President & CEO Mary Ann Gomez Orta La Junta Directiva, miembros del Consejo, la Asociación de Exalumnos y el personal del Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute (CHLI) expresan su más sentido pésame a la familia Díaz-Balart por la partida de nuestro querido fundador y presidente emérito, el Honorable Lincoln Díaz-Balart. Su liderazgo visionario estableció a CHLI como el único instituto de desarrollo de liderazgo bipartidista y bicameral en nuestra nación. Su determinación y dedicación elevaron la misión de CHLI de avanzar la diversidad de pensamiento de la comunidad hispana, impactando a más de 300 exalumnos que hoy sirven como funcionarios electos, líderes gubernamentales, ejecutivos de organizaciones sin fines de lucro y corporativos. Como servidor público y ciudadano privado, Lincoln defendió la libertad y la democracia en Cuba con elocuencia y claridad moral incomparables. Su amor por su tierra natal solo era comparable con su devoción a los Estados Unidos, cuyos principios democráticos defendió incansablemente. Hoy lamentamos su partida, pero su impacto perdurará. Que descanse en paz. "Lincoln era una fuerza sin medida… Extra?aremos tu sabio consejo, pensamiento estratégico y palabras de inspiración." – Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Presidenta de la Junta de CHLI "La elocuencia, guía y genialidad de Lincoln serán extra?adas, pero las innumerables lecciones que aprendimos de él seguirán siendo una luz para nosotros." – Mary Ann Gomez Orta, Presidenta y CEO de CHLI

This Women’s History Month, we celebrate the resilience, brilliance, and leadership of women who have shaped history and continue to pave the way for future generations. CHLI is especially proud to recognize the contributions of Hispanic women, whose leadership and impact have strengthened communities and inspired change worldwide. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/e4NZKr5

This #GlobalLeadersFriday, meet Ashley Marte: a proud Dominican American from New York, and a Mount Holyoke College graduate. Ashley is now interning with Congressman Darren Soto (FL) exploring her passion for social change and its intersections with public service. Through the CHLI Global Leaders Program, she aims to gain invaluable public policy experience to advance her advocacy efforts.

Today is the LAST DAY to apply for the CHLI Summer 2025 Law Fellowship program! This paid fellowship, created in partnership with the University of Miami, offers first- and second-year law students from across the country the chance to gain valuable legal experience in Washington, D.C. Program Dates: June 2 – August 1, 2025 Deadline: February 28, 2025 Location: Washington, D.C. Who: First- and Second-Year Law Students Fellows will have the opportunity to enhance their legal skills and build essential connections within CHLI's extensive network of congressional, corporate, and legal partners. Fellows will receive a monthly living stipend, free housing, a monthly public transportation allowance, and airfare to and from Washington, D.C. Apply now! https://lnkd.in/e98HVggc

Register now to join Ezra Garrett, Oportun, and other experts at the CHLI Congressional Public Policy Briefing on March 4th! Get all the details and register now! https://lnkd.in/epfPKkgj

Join us on The Purple Line with our new host Mary Ann Gomez Orta as Jorge Zamanillo, Founding Director of the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino, shares his incredible journey. From growing up as the son of Cuban immigrants to leading a museum honoring Hispanic contributions, Jorge’s story highlights the power of culture, community, and history. YouTube: https://lnkd.in/ebeAcRBw Audio: https://lnkd.in/eFQjzCHw

Register now to join, Dr. Brian David Mussington PhD CISSP Associate CCISO, University of Maryland School of Public Policy, and other experts at the CHLI Congressional Public Policy Briefing on March 4th! Get all the details and register now! https://lnkd.in/epfPKkgj

Register now to join Bob Pivoris, Intuit, and other experts at the CHLI Congressional Public Policy Briefing on March 4th! Get all the details and register now! https://lnkd.in/epfPKkgj

Congratulations to CHLI Alumnus Eduardo Arabu, MSPPM, CDMP for being recognized as a TITAN 100 CEO at the 2025 Chicago Titan 100!?? This prestigious honor highlights his exceptional leadership, dedication, and impact. Well deserved, Eduardo!

Register now to join our moderator, Aaron Armando Arriaga, Herren Associates, and other experts at the CHLI Congressional Public Policy Briefing on March 4th! Get all the details and register now! https://lnkd.in/epfPKkgj