Jesse Aman

Position: President

Program: Congressional Internship Program

Program year: 2015

Resume/CV

Statement of Interest: 

I am interested in running for National President of the CHCI-AA because I want to lead the AA to be a more connected, empowered, and emboldened community. Since completing the program in Fall of 2015, I have dedicated time and energy into giving back to CHCI and the AA because of the invaluable impact it has had on my life since then. CHCI opened the doors for a lot of opportunities to come true that I could not even have imagined — and most importantly, gave me the gift of many lasting, loving friendships. Because of all of that, I felt called to bring back the CHCI-AA to NYC post-pandemic. It has been an honor to serve our local NYC alumni in the last 2 years as NY Chapter President and I am ready to bring my tenacity and dedication to our national alumni community.

Amaris Benavidez

Position: Vice President, Leadership Development

Program: Graduate Fellowship Program

Program year: 2021

Resume/CV

Statement of Interest: 

I am honored to announce my candidacy for National Vice President of Leadership
Development. I am the current President of the DC Chapter and served as the 2021-2022 Post-Graduate Education Fellow. Since joining the CHCI community, I have seen first-hand how alumni lift each other up through leadership development.
As the Vice President for Leadership Development, I will embody CHCI’s mission through transforming the lives of alumni and creating opportunities for personal and professional growth. Specifically, my three main goals are to:

I have extensive experience leading organizations and designing leadership development curricula. I am passionate, dedicated, and creative, and I will always uplift the work of my team and fellow alumni. I am #HereToLead and support our alumni!

Edward Carlson

Position: President

Program: Congressional Internship Program

Program year: 2005

Resume/CV

Statement of Interest: 

I’m excited to be running for CHCI Alumni National President and am asking for your vote! I was a summer 2005 intern in Nancy Pelosi’s Office and that experience changed my life. I now want to give back to the CHCI alumni community what it has given me for so many years in terms of friendship, mentorship, and professional development. Really quickly, I believe I would be a great alumni President because:

Angélica César

Position: President

Program: Congressional Internship Program

Program year: Fall 2019

Resume/CV

Statement of Interest: 

My vision for the CHCI-AA is rooted in unity, empowerment, and fostering engagement across generations. As a proud alumna of the 2019 CIP and an experienced leader who has served both regionally and nationally, I’m committed to ensuring that our familia remains connected and empowered—no matter where our journey takes us.

My priorities include:

CHCI opened doors that transformed my path. The connections I gained shaped me both personally and professionally, and I want all alumni to feel that same continued support. Together, we will continue to uplift and support alumni leadership!

Un abrazo,
Angélica

Yesenia Lopez

Position: Vice President

Program: Public Policy Fellowship Program

Program year: 2013

Resume/CV

Statement of Interest:

I am Yesenia López and I am running for Vice President of the CHCI National Alumni
Association Board to continue advancing CHCI’s mission of empowering Latino leaders and communities. I am committed to building a stronger, more unified alumni network that empowers us all to contribute meaningfully to our communities. By continuing in this role, I aim to deepen connections among alumni, create more opportunities for collaboration, and ensure we are actively supporting the next generation of Latino leaders. Through mentorship, strategic engagement, and a shared commitment to service, we can amplify our collective impact and continue advancing the mission of CHCI. As a CHCI Public Policy Fellowship alumna, my career in public service has been shaped by the experiences and networks I gained during my fellowship in Washington, D.C., and I am committed to giving back to the organization. My work in government and community organizing is driven by a commitment to advancing equity and representation. Since serving as National Board Vice President, I have had the opportunity to connect and work with alumni across the country, learning from their experiences and helping to strengthen our alumni community. I hope to continue building on this on the next two years as the National Board Vice President.

JD Mazuera Arias

Position: Vice President, Civic Engagement

Program: Public Policy Fellowship Program

Program year: 2020

Resume/CV

Statement of Interest: 

Dear CHCI Alumni Association,

I am excited to express my candidacy for the position of Vice President of Civic Engagement within the CHCI Alumni Association (CHCI-AA). As a proud CHCI alumnus, I have consistently been inspired by CHCI’s commitment to empowering Latine leaders and driving social change. My own journey as a queer Colombian immigrant, former DACA recipient, and advocate for immigrant rights and Latine empowerment has fueled my dedication to fostering civic engagement within our community, and I am eager to expand this work as part of the CHCI-AA leadership team.

Additionally, I profoundly reflect a deep commitment to community engagement and advocacy. I currently serve as the Latino Outreach Volunteer Coordinator for the Mecklenburg County Democrats, where I focus on mobilizing the Latino vote and engaging our community in the political process. Additionally, I serve as
an advisor for the NC Latinos con Harris Advisory Council and am working to relaunch the Mecklenburg County Democrats Hispanic Caucus as an advisor and potential Vice Chair, further amplifying Latino voices in local political spaces.

My qualifications and history with CHCI reflect my deep commitment to this mission. From 2021 to 2022, I served as the Director of Programming for the DC Chapter of the CHCI-AA, where I organized a range of impactful events, including a Gala Watch Party and panels featuring Latine experts in immigration, business, and housing. These experiences reinforced the importance of creating spaces for our community to engage in critical conversations and participate in civic action. Through my career, including my work as a Lead in Global Government Affairs & Policy at Kyndryl, where I focus on tech and cyber regulation, and my policy advocacy as a former immigration staffer as a CHCI Public Policy Fellow for Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, I have honed the skills necessary to organize, strategize, and lead initiatives that drive real change.

Running for Vice President of Civic Engagement is a natural extension of my passion for creating pathways to civic participation for Latine individuals. As someone who has personally experienced the challenges of being underrepresented, I understand the importance of ensuring that all voices in our community are heard. My goal is to empower CHCI alumni to become even more engaged in the political process, whether through voting, policy advocacy, or community organizing.

If elected, I will work to expand CHCI-AA’s civic engagement initiatives, leveraging my experience in grassroots organizing, policy development, and community building. Together, we can inspire and equip our alumni to take action, advocate for change, and strengthen the impact of our network across the country.

Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to the opportunity to continue serving our incredible community in this new capacity.

Sincerely,
Juan Diego “JD” Mazuera Arias

Adriana Salazar

Position: President

Program: Graduate Fellowship Program

Program year: 2006 – 2007

Resume/CV

Statement of Interest: 

I am excited to submit my candidacy for the CHCI Alumni Association National Board
President. My unwavering CHCI leadership in the San Antonio Alumni Chapter and commitment in advancing CHCI’s mission while balancing my responsibilities as a mother and a corporate professional is a demonstration that with passion there’s no limit to what can be accomplished.

As the eldest daughter of Mexican working-class immigrants, my personal journey fuels my passion. I recognize the opportunities my daughter will have, and I feel a deep responsibility to uplift the Latine youth who, like me, grew up without privilege. This drives me to be a fierce advocate for change.

What sets me apart is my resilience in the face of challenges that many “seasoned” alumni encounter, like feeling overlooked. My work in the San Antonio Chapter has demonstrated the ability to merge passion with operational excellence to create real, measurable outcomes.

As the National Board President, I will bring a ‘win-win’ mindset that not only benefits alumni but also elevates the CHCI brand and empowers Latine youth across the country. My leadership is more than hope—it’s about accountability, growth, and taking meaningful action to expand CHCI’s impact nationwide.

Brenda Sanchez

Position: Vice President, Leadership Development

Program: Congressional Internship Program

Program year: Fall 2017

Resume/CV

Statement of Interest: 

As the Director of Leadership Programs for LatinoLEAD, I cultivate cross-sector partnerships, lead leadership development initiatives, and design impactful curricula to empower the Latine community. I manage high-performance programs such as the Avanzando Liderazgo Leadership Fellowship and the Conecta y Celebra mentorship program, ensuring they reflect equity-centered and antiracist principles. Through research, public engagement strategies, and public private partnerships, I create and adapt leadership programs to tailor the needs of the Minnesota Latine workforce. These functions align closely with CHCI-AA’s mission of fostering professional
development and civic engagement.

Having completed the CHCI internship, I understand the transformative power of these initiatives. As a public servant and leader in my community, I am dedicated to advocating for increased Latine representation and building collective power. I am well-positioned to engage alumni and stakeholders, promoting awareness and commitment to CHCI’s goals. By integrating these elements, I will strengthen CHCI-AA’s leadership pipeline for future generations.

Arely Navarrete Velazquez

Position: Vice President, Communications and Digital Media

Program: Congressional Internship Program

Program year: 2016

Resume/CV

Statement of Interest: 

Communications & Digital Media Professional with seven years of experience, specializing in project management, strategic communications, and storytelling. As a former CHCI Senate Legislative Intern, I have strong ties to the CHCI mission and a proven commitment to advancing its goals. At the Kansas Hispanic & Latino American Affairs Commission, I successfully led communications for key events such as the Kansas Latin Summit, engaging diverse stakeholders and fostering meaningful community dialogue. I’ve managed cross-platform social media strategies to elevate organizational missions and drive engagement.

Currently serving as the Media Director for Alce su Voz at Wichita State University, I lead efforts to make language accessible for Spanish and Indigenous speakers across Kansas. My experience spans government, public, and higher education sectors, equipping me to effectively represent CHCI-AA at the national level, collaborate with stakeholders, and promote alumni engagement through innovative digital campaigns. I am eager to develop social media strategies, create compelling content, and drive initiatives that support the CHCI AA mission of leadership development and civic engagement.

Resume/CV

Statement of Interest: 

Dear CHCI-AA Regional Chapter Selection Committee,

I am writing to express my intent to run for the position of Vice President/Vice President of Civic Engagement for the Chicago Alumni Chapter.

My journey with CHCI began as a participant in the Congressional Internship Program (CIP) in the summer of 2017. Currently, I serve as Treasurer for the Chicago Alumni Board and remain actively engaged in organizations like the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), Hermandad de Sigma Iota Alpha, Incorporada, and the National Museum of the American Latino Young Ambassadors Program (2013). I am committed to continuing the mission of these organizations, empowering other Latines to realize their potential through education and service.

Professionally, I serve as a Program Coordinator for Microsoft’s HR Talent Continuum PMO, where I help shape the organization’s HR technology strategy. My past roles include Recruiting Events Program Manager for Microsoft’s Data Center hiring and Technical Recruiter at Microsoft and Meta (Facebook), where I sourced top engineering talent. Additionally, I co-founded Code as a Second
Language (CSL) En Español, an initiative that introduces computer programming to English Language Learners from Spanish-speaking backgrounds via the Hispanic Heritage Foundation.

As Vice President/Vice President of Civic Engagement, I aim to build on my experience as a current board officer, helping guide the incoming leadership. I look forward to expanding the chapter’s impact by fostering strategic partnerships, increasing community engagement, and advancing civic
involvement. This new role would also allow me to further grow my leadership skills while contributing to the chapter’s development beyond finance, sponsorships, and partnerships.

I am excited to continue serving our community and fostering greater engagement for CHCI-AA.

Sincerely,

Ana I. Artiaga

Angel Rubi Navarijo

Position: President

Program: Congressional Internship Program

Program year: 2022

Resume/CV

Statement of Interest: 

I am excited to run for President of the Chicago Regional Chapter of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Alumni Association (CHCI-AA). My journey with CHCI began in the summer of 2022as a Congressional Intern in Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García’s office, where I strengthened my understanding of legislative processes and built lifelong connections with fellow Latino leaders. Since then, I’ve actively engaged with the Chicago chapter, attended numerous regional events, and welcomed CHCI alumni during the 2024 DNC.

As a native Chicagoan and proud CHCI alum, I am deeply committed to advancing the Latino community here. I’ve grown in my public sector leadership as a Commissioner and as the Director of Neighborhood Services for Chicago’s 48th Ward. Serving as chapter President would allow me to continue uplifting our community, engage our networks, and inspire the next generation of Latino leaders—mirroring my own path as a public servant.

In community,

Angel Rubi Navarijo

Jovahana Avila

Position: President

Program: Congressional Internship Program

Program year: 2018

Resume/CV

Statement of Interest: 

I believe I can contribute to CHCI-AA by bringing strategic insight, fostering collaboration, and leveraging my professional expertise to strengthen our local initiatives. Serving in this role would allow me to give back to the network that has profoundly impacted my personal and professional journey while helping to guide the next generation of Latino leaders in my hometown.

As a CHCI alum, I have actively participated in the alumni network and supported CHCI’s mission through various leadership roles within the community. I served as Treasurer and Vice President for the CHCI-AA Dallas Chapter, working to ensure the local alumni network remained engaged and connected. My involvement also extends to broader community initiatives, such as serving and mentoring young leaders through the North Texas National Hispanic Institute Chapter and UpKey (Virtual). These experiences have deepened my commitment to fostering opportunities for Latinos and furthering the impact of organizations like CHCI.

Guadalupe Roman

Position: Vice President

Program: Congressional Internship Program

Program year: 2022

Resume/CV

Statement of Interest: 

As a dedicated advocate for the Latine community in Dallas, I believe I would make an exceptional Vice President for the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute Alumni
Chapter in Dallas. My experience in the private and public sectors have equipped me with a wide network and ability to connect with a diverse set of professions. Additionally, my role as a Legislative Intern for Congresswoman Garcia honed my ability to research and recommend impactful policy actions, directly aligning with our mission. I have a proven track record in community engagement through my work with Dallas ISD and the Human Rights Council, where I successfully organized events and managed substantial budgets. My commitment to mentorship, particularly through the First Generation Initiative, demonstrates my dedication to empowering future leaders. I am excited about the opportunity to collaborate with fellow alumni to further our mission and enhance the impact of our community initiatives.

Airan Arellano

Position: Vice President, Civic Engagement

Program: Scholarship or Scholar-Intern

Program year: 2015

Resume/CV

Statement of Interest: 

I am deeply passionate about contributing to an organization that has played a significant role in shaping the future of Latino leadership. The mission of CHCI/CHCI-AA aligns closely with my commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in our communities. Having experienced the positive impact CHCI has had on young leaders, I want to ensure that future generations receive the same opportunities for growth, mentorship, and empowerment.

In terms of qualifications, I bring a robust background in leadership, community engagement, and strategic planning, which I have developed over the years in my professional and volunteer work. My ability to communicate effectively, build relationships, and manage initiatives will allow me to make valuable contributions to the CHCI-AA leadership team. I have been actively engaged with CHCI as a member and supporter of its initiatives, and I understand the importance of fostering connections within the alumni network to drive meaningful change.

Through my involvement with CHCI-AA, I have consistently participated in events and programs, helping to amplify its reach and influence. This ongoing engagement demonstrates my commitment to the organization and its goals, and I am confident that my skills and dedication will further enhance our collective efforts.

Marina Ramirez

Position: Vice President

Program: Congressional Internship Program

Program year: 2008

Resume/CV

Statement of Interest: 

I am running for the Houston Regional Chapter Vice President position to contribute to the growth of our local Latino/a professional network and collaborate closely with Dr. Gaby Sosa, the Chapter’s current President. Since transitioning to Houston, where I now spend the majority of my time, I have become deeply invested in empowering the Latino/s community here and collaborating with other Latino/a professional associations. My nine years of legal experience working for public agencies, coupled with my leadership as the former President of the SoCal Chapter, have equipped me with the skills and passion to represent CHCI-AA in another capacity and allowed me to create a network of professionals interested in collaborating and engaging with CHCI-AA. I am eager to bring my experience to the Houston chapter, working alongside Dr. Sosa to advance CHCI-AA’s mission and ensure we continue to uplift and empower alums in this region.

Gabriela Sosa

Position: President

Program: Graduate Fellowship Program

Program year: 2015

Resume/CV

Statement of Interest: 

I am running for the CHCI-AA President of the Houston chapter because I am deeply
committed to our mission and have a proven track record of leadership. As the founder of the Houston chapter in 2022, I grew our membership to 65 alumni and built valuable partnerships with local leaders and organizations. I want to continue this momentum, expanding our impact in the 4th largest city in the U.S. My focus for this term is to create stronger partnerships with colleges, increase applications to CHCI programs from Houston and Texas students, and grow the Latino leadership pipeline.

Sincerely,
Gabriela Sosa, PhD
Houston, Texas

Alexander Torres

Position: Vice President, Civic Engagement & Vice President, Communications and Digital Media

Program: NextGen Latino Leadership Program (formerly R2L Next Gen and the High School Latino Leaders Program)

Program year: 2021

Resume/CV

Statement of Interest: 

I am seeking to run for the position of civic engagement chair because I am deeply committed to advancing the mission of CHCI-AA by fostering a more inclusive and supportive network for our members. I believe that through this position, I can contribute to strengthening professional development opportunities and expanding our outreach to the broader community. My qualifications for this position stem from a blend of leadership and organizational skills developed through my experience in serving as the civic engagement chair for the Houston Chapter for the preterm. I have a track record of successfully managing three in personal networking workshops and bring expertise in social media literacy and audience engagement. I have been actively engaged with CHCI since 2021, initially as a R2LNextGen participant. Over the years, I have contributed by organizing events and leading alumni panels. These experiences have deepened my connection to the organization and have equipped me with insights to serve effectively in this new capacity.