CANDIDATES for CHCI-AA DC Metro Chapter Elections
2021-2022 Term

Click to review the Regional Chapter Officer Position Descriptions.

President

ANTONIO “TONY” HERNANDEZ
Spring 2018 Congressional Intern

Antonio “Tony” Hernandez was born in Texas, raised in Mexico, and returned to the U.S. when he was 16 years old. When he enrolled in high school, some of his school credits did not transfer, and he was pushed a year back. Tony participated in an after-school program, called A+, to recover his credits. Meanwhile, he took college-entry exams to enroll in Advanced Placement and community college courses to make up for the lost time. The next year, he graduated with honors and earned the Gates Millennium Scholarship to attend college. He earned two bachelor’s degrees, one in government and one in rhetoric and writing, from the University of Texas at Austin’s Liberal Arts Honors Program in 2018. In college, Tony tutored students on and off campus, mentored incoming freshmen, conducted research, studied abroad in Paris, France, interned in Washington D.C. on Capitol Hill, later worked as a press assistant for Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer. Tony currently works for TIME’S UP as a communications associate, and is passionate about public service and hopes to have a positive impact on his community and the world. For the 2019-2020 term, Tony served as the DC Chapter’s Director of Membership.

Candidate Statement

When I first came to D.C., CHCI opened its doors to me—through professional development on Capitol Hill, life-long friendships, and mentors. In fact, when I came back to D.C. after graduating college, CHCI alumni took me into their home. The support the alumni association gave me inspired me to serve as Director of Mentorship for this chapter. For nearly two years, I’ve connected CHCI fellows to mentors in our network, created spaces for celebrating our Latinidad, and provided professional development opportunities. When the pandemic hit in March, I organized an online resume review and mock interview workshop to help fellows navigate the job application process. Since then, I’ve continued to provide resources to fellows and help them build community. I’m running for President of the DC Chapter because I can lead this chapter through our national crises and continue driving change and fighting for our community.

Candidate Video

Vice President

ALIZA AUCES
2016-2017 Public Policy Fellow

Aliza Auces is the Medicaid Senior Policy Analyst at Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. In this capacity, Ms. Auces helps Blue Medicaid and CHIP plans understand the program’s landscape and impacts of state and federal legislative and regulatory efforts on program implementation, operations, and business opportunities. Previously, Auces worked for the National Association of Community Health Centers spearheading federal legislation that supported health center priorities and health equity policies. She began her career in health policy through the CHCI Fellowship where she completed her placements at the Association of American Medical Colleges and the Senate HELP Committee under Ranking Member Senator Patty Murray. From 2018-2020, Auces also served as Director of Professional Development and Programming for the DC Society of Health Policy Young Professionals. Aliza received her Bachelor in Health Science and Spanish from the College of Idaho and was born and raised in Nampa, ID with roots from Mexico.

Candidate Statement:

It is with great enthusiasm that I announce my candidacy for Vice President of the CHCI Alumni Association DC Metro Chapter. The Alumni Chapter has played an important role in fostering a diverse and supportive Latinx community in my life. As VP, I will build on the work of past leaders to increase the events and resources for incoming CHCI program participants and Alumni to connect with one another during COVID and beyond, while finding meaningful ways for Alumni to give back to and get involved in the local DC community. I also plan to expand the Chapter’s outreach to more policy experts and diverse leaders in Washington, DC so they will speak to our Alumni and share their insights. Additionally, I will work with the Executive Board to pursue partnerships focused on providing ongoing career development opportunities for Alumni. Lastly, I plan to collaborate with the National Alumni Board and CHCI to develop an Alumni Directory so Alumni may stay connected globally.