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Policy Briefs

One of the distinguishing features of CHCI’s Graduate Fellowship Program is the Capitol Hill Policy Briefing Series. As part of the program, Fellows research a public policy issue that relates to the Latino community in their specific area of study and write an analytical policy paper on it that is presented during the Capitol Hill Policy Briefing Series. Each fellow identifies relevant subject matter experts to serve as panelists, organize their briefing, and moderate the session.

2023 Graduate Fellows Policy Briefs

The 2023 CHCI Capitol Hill Policy Briefing Series is the culmination of CHCI’s premier, nine-month Graduate Fellowship Program, which offers exceptional Latinos unparalleled exposure to hands-on experience in public policy. This unique fellowship program seeks to enhance participants’ leadership abilities, strengthen professional skills, and increase the presence of Latinos in public policy areas. Each fellow organized and moderated a public policy roundtable discussion comprised of Members of Congress, congressional staffers, public policy experts, and national leaders from their specific areas of study, tackling some of the most pertinent health, law, and housing issues affecting the Latino community and the nation.

2022 Graduate Fellows Policy Briefs

The 2022 CHCI Capitol Hill Policy Briefing Series is the culmination of CHCI’s premier, nine-month Graduate Fellowship Program, which offers exceptional Latinos unparalleled exposure to hands-on experience in public policy. This unique fellowship program seeks to enhance participants’ leadership abilities, strengthen professional skills, and increase the presence of Latinos in public policy areas. Each fellow organized and moderated a public policy roundtable discussion comprised of Members of Congress, congressional staffers, public policy experts, and national leaders from their specific areas of study, tackling some of the most pertinent health, law, and housing issues affecting the Latino community and the nation.

Child Welfare

“Culturally Responsive Child Welfare Practices: Hispanic Children in Foster Care”
Aaron Campos, CHCI-Child Welfare Graduate Fellow

Education

“Y’all Ready for This: Addressing Racial Gaps in Postsecondary Readiness Opportunities in P-12 Education”
Amaris Benavidez, CHCI-Walton Family Foundation Education Graduate Fellow

Energy

“USMCA and Mexico’s Energy Industry”
Angel Vallejos, CHCI-American Petroleum Institute Graduate Fellow

Health

“The Effects of Food Insecurity on Child Development: A Focus on Hispanic and Latino Children Living in the U.S.”
Isabella Paz Baldrich, CHCI-PepsiCo Nutritional Health Graduate Fellow

“Quality of Care for All: Addressing the Gaps in Quality of Care for Undocumented Immigrants in the U.S. Health Care System”
Michelle Paucar, CHCI-CVS Health Graduate Fellow

“Undocumented and Uninsured: The Road to Equitable Health Insurance for Undocumented Immigrants”
Omar Alejandro Ibarra, CHCI-AHIP Health Graduate Fellow

“Mass Injustice: The Mental Health Crisis in the U.S. Criminal Justice System”
Tania Calle, CHCI-DaVita Health Graduate Fellow

Housing

“Rethinking Policy: The Effect of Zoning Laws and Land-Use Regulations on Hispanic Homeownership Rates”
Fatima Sierra Vargas, CHCI-Wells Fargo Housing Graduate Fellow

Social Equity

“Racializing Immigration: The Targeting and Criminalization of Latino Communities in the U.S.”
Dulce Dominguez, CHCI-Social Equity Graduate Fellow

Tech

“A Smarter, More Humane Solution? Why the Digital Border Wall Warrants Bipartisan Skepticism”
Charles Orta, CHCI-Facebook Graduate Fellow

2021 Graduate Fellows Policy Briefs

The 2021 CHCI Capitol Hill Policy Briefing Series is the culmination of CHCI’s premier, nine-month Graduate Fellowship Program, which offers exceptional Latinos unparalleled exposure to hands-on experience in public policy. This unique fellowship program seeks to enhance participants’ leadership abilities, strengthen professional skills, and increase the presence of Latinos in public policy areas. Each fellow organized and moderated a public policy roundtable discussion comprised of Members of Congress, congressional staffers, public policy experts, and national leaders from their specific areas of study, tackling some of the most pertinent health, law, and housing issues affecting the Latino community and the nation.

2020 Graduate Fellows Policy Briefs

The 2020 CHCI Capitol Hill Policy Briefing Series is the culmination of CHCI’s premier, nine-month Graduate Fellowship Program, which offers exceptional Latinos unparalleled exposure to hands-on experience in public policy. This unique fellowship program seeks to enhance participants’ leadership abilities, strengthen professional skills, and increase the presence of Latinos in public policy areas. Each fellow organized and moderated a public policy roundtable discussion comprised of Members of Congress, congressional staffers, public policy experts, and national leaders from their specific areas of study, tackling some of the most pertinent health, law, and housing issues affecting the Latino community and the nation.

Health

“Harm Reduction Programs to Address Infectious Disease Challenges Among Marginalized Communities that Inject Drugs”
Emmanuel De Jesus Gaeta, CHCI-Bristol-Myers Squibb Health Graduate Fellow

“Discrimination Is Limiting TGNC People’s Access To Good Nutritional Health”
Steph Niaupari, CHCI-PepsiCo Foundation Nutritional Health Graduate Fellow

“Chilling Effects and Grumbling Stomachs The Impact of Public Charge Rule Changes On Nutrition Assistance Access Among Children in Immigrant Families”
Allyson Rose Pérez, CHCI-PepsiCo Foundation Nutritional Health Graduate Fellow

“Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs): How Anti-Immigrant Policies Negatively Impact Latino Children’s Health”
Maria Isabel Rangel, CHCI-DaVita Health Graduate Fellow

Education

“Cultural Competency: Educating the “Whole” Student”
Pamela Sanchez , CHCI-Walton Family Foundation Education Graduate Fellow

Tech

“Technology For The People: Increasing American Voter Access Through Pro-Voter Policies and Blockchain Technology”
Miranda Hernandez, CHCI-Facebook Graduate Fellow

Housing

“Struggles with Affordable Housing and Nutritious Food: Latino Community Issue”
Rodrigo Avila, CHCI-PepsiCo Foundation Nutritional Health Graduate Fellow

“Opportunities Denied: Analyzed HUD’s proposed rule to disqualify mixed-immigration status families from federal housing”
Flavio Bravo, CHCI-Wells Fargo Housing Graduate Fellow

“An Inside Look: Poor Nutritional Health in Migrant Detention Facilities”
Davíd Lopez, CHCI-PepsiCo Foundation Nutritional Health Graduate Fellow

2019 Graduate Fellows Policy Briefs

The CHCI 2019 Capitol Hill Policy Briefing Series were held on March 26th and April 2nd at the Rayburn Building in Washington, D.C. Each fellow organized and moderated a public policy roundtable discussion comprised of Members of Congress, congressional staffers, public policy experts, and national leaders from their specific areas of study, tackling some of the most pertinent health, law, and housing issues affecting the Latino community and the nation.

Health

“Advancing Health Equity: The Pathway to Reduce Health Disparities and Improve Patient Care”
Alexis Sandoval-Uribe, CHCI-DaVita Health Graduate Fellow

“The Intersection of Housing and Health: Paving Opportunities for Hospitals to Invest in Community Health”
Manuel Aviña, CHCI-PepsiCo Foundation Preventive Health Graduate Fellow

“Food Insecurity and Food Waste: We Are Feeding Landfills Instead of People”
María Cecilia Pfund, CHCI-PepsiCo Foundation Nutritional Health Graduate Fellow

Law

“Democracy Beyond 2020: Gerrymandering, Technology, and Fair Representation for All”
Gidget Gabriela Benitez, CHCI-PepsiCo Foundation Law Graduate Fellow

Housing

“Breaking Generational Poverty One Housing Voucher at a Time: Upward Mobility Through Education and Workforce Development”
Mayra Vazquez, CHCI-Wells Fargo Housing Graduate Fellow

White Papers

2017 Graduate Fellows White Papers

The 2016-2017 CHCI Graduate Fellows moderated the CHCI 2017 Capitol Hill Policy Briefing Series at the Cannon House Office Building during March and April 2017. Each fellow organized and moderated a public policy roundtable discussion comprised of members of Congress, Congressional staffers, public policy experts, and national leaders, tackling some of the most relevant issues affecting the Latino community. The briefings focused on the areas of Education, Natural Resources and Energy Careers, Housing, Law, and Health.

Education

“The Importance of College-Going Culture for Latinos Prior to High School”
By Griselda Guevara-Cruz, CHCI-Secondary Education Graduate Fellow

“Clearing the Path: Ensuring a Successful Transfer from a Two to Four-Year Institution for Latino Students”
By Mario Enriquez, CHCI–McDonalds Higher Education Graduate Fellow

Energy

“Lifting the Burden: Leveraging Existing Programs to Reduce Energy Costs in Low-Income Communities”
By Patricio Portillo, CHCI Shell Energy Graduate Fellow

Health

“In Retrospective: The ACA’s Individual Market Health Insurance Exchanges through a Latino Lens”
By Luis Arzaluz, CHCI DaVita Health Graduate Fellow

“Child Nutrition Reauthorization and Latino Childhood Obesity”
By Lanette García, CHCI-PepsiCo Foundation Nutritional Health Graduate Fellow

“Mi Mente Mi Salud: The Need for Mental Health Services and Awareness in Schools”
By: Stephanie Pozuelos, MSW CHCI-PepsiCo Public Health Graduate Fellow

Housing

“Addressing the Racial Wealth Gap with Shared Equity Homeownership: A Latino Perspective”
By Alia Fierro, CHCI-Wells Fargo Housing Graduate Fellow

Law

“Unqualified Upon Reentry: Legal Protections against Discriminatory Hiring Practices & Criminal Convictions”
By Brenda Ayón Veduzco, Esq. CHCI-PepsiCo Law Graduate Fellow

STEM

“The STEM Pipeline: Teacher Diversity and Preparation”
By Jessenia Guerra, CHCI-Motorola Foundation STEM Education Graduate Fellow

2016 Graduate Fellows White Papers

The 2015- 2016 CHCI Graduate Fellows moderated the CHCI 20176Capitol Hill Policy Briefing Series at the Cannon House Office Building during March and April 2016. Each fellow organized and moderated a public policy roundtable discussion comprised of members of Congress, Congressional staffers, public policy experts, and national leaders, tackling some of the most relevant issues affecting the Latino community. The briefings focused on the areas of Education, Natural Resources and Energy Careers, Housing, Law, and Health.

Education

“Bankruptcy Discharge: A Second Chance”
By Mateus Baptista, CHCI Higher Education Graduate Fellow

“Un-housed and Unsupported: Homeless and Foster Youth in Higher Education”
By Sara Garcia, CHCI Higher Education Fellow

“Computer Science for All: Opportunities through a Diverse Teaching Workforce”
By Alejandra Montoya-Boyer, CHCI Secondary Education Graduate Fellow

Energy

“An Emerging and Diverse Workforce To Reclaim Abandoned Mine Lands”
By Gabriela Sosa, CHCI-API Energy Graduate Fellow

Health

“Unlocking the Power of Telehealth: Increasing Access and Services in Underserved, Urban Areas”
By Sara Agate, CHCI-PepsiCo Foundation Health Graduate Fellow

“Modelo Promotoras: Advancing Health Literacy through culturally competent health promotion and prevention strategies”
By Heydi Corea-Encarnacion, CHCI-DaVita Health Graduate Fellow

“Curative and Palliative Care: The Ethical and Economic Considerations of a Person-Centered Health Care Paradigm”
By Elisa Morales, CHCI-PepsiCo Foundation Health Graduate Fellow

Housing

“Beyond the Housing Crisis: Affordable Housing as a Platform to Address Issues Affecting Our Growing Senior Population”
By Arnold Lopez, CHCI Wells Fargo Housing Fellow

Law

“A Bridge to the American Dream: Revisiting the Digital Divide, Its Impact on Latinos, and Laws that Can Lead to Progress”
By Randy Abreu, CHCI-PepsiCo Foundation Law Graduate Fellow

STEM

“Securing Our Nation: Diversifying the Federal Cybersecurity Workforce Pipeline”
By Amber T. Seira, CHCI-Motorola STEM Graduate Fellow

2015 Graduate Fellows White Papers

The 2014-2015 CHCI Graduate Fellows moderated the CHCI 2015 Capitol Hill Policy Briefing Series at the Cannon House Office Building during March and April 2015. Each fellow organized and moderated a public policy roundtable discussion comprised of members of Congress, Congressional staffers, public policy experts, and national leaders, tackling some of the most relevant issues affecting the Latino community. The briefings focused on the areas of Education, Natural Resources and Energy Careers, Economic Development, and Health.

Economic Development

“Accessing Government Contracts and Developing the U.S. Economy: Leveling the Playing Field for Minority-Owned Businesses”
By Ana Pupo, CHCI-Ford Foundation Law Graduate Fellow

“The Earned Income Tax Credit Conundrum: The Unintended Exclusion of Latina/o Children”
By Israel Nery, CHCI-PepsiCo Foundation Law Graduate Fellow

“Spurring Economic Development in Latino Communities with Housing Policy as the Catalyst”
By Cheye-Ann Corona, CHCI Housing Graduate Fellow

Education

“One Size Does Not Fit All: Hispanic Serving Institutions and the Viability of a Federal Rating System”
By Félix Muñiz Jr., CHCI-McDonalds Higher Education Graduate Fellow

“Reaching for 2020: The Role of Latino Community College Success in National College Completion Goals”
By Tracie Sánchez, CHCI Higher Education Graduate Fellow

“College Knowledge as Cultural Capital (ESEA and Parent Engagement)”
By Braulio Salas, CHCI Secondary Education Graduate Fellow

Energy

“Agua es Vida: Innovative Solutions to Western Water Wars”
By Alesandra Nájera, CHCI-Shell STEM Graduate Fellow

Health

“Sobreviviendo la Adolesencia: The Inherent Value of Effective and Culturally Competent Mental Health Screening and Assessment for Youth in the Juvenile Justice System” 
By Margarita Chavez, CHCI-Davita Health Graduate Fellow

“Investing in Health to Achieve Equity: Integrating a Health in All Policies (HiAP) Framework to Advance the Promise Zone Agenda”
By Araceli Gutiérrez, CHCI-PepsiCo Foundation Health Graduate Fellow

“Funding Community Health Centers to Reduce Costs and Protect Vulnerable Populations”
By Grant Barbosa, CHCI-PepsiCo Foundation Health Graduate Fellow

Economic Development

“Accessing Government Contracts and Developing the U.S. Economy: Leveling the Playing Field for Minority-Owned Businesses”
By Ana Pupo, CHCI-Ford Foundation Law Graduate Fellow

“The Earned Income Tax Credit Conundrum: The Unintended Exclusion of Latina/o Children”
By Israel Nery, CHCI-PepsiCo Foundation Law Graduate Fellow

“Spurring Economic Development in Latino Communities with Housing Policy as the Catalyst”
By Cheye-Ann Corona, CHCI Housing Graduate Fellow

Education

“One Size Does Not Fit All: Hispanic Serving Institutions and the Viability of a Federal Rating System”
By Félix Muñiz Jr., CHCI-McDonalds Higher Education Graduate Fellow

“Reaching for 2020: The Role of Latino Community College Success in National College Completion Goals”
By Tracie Sánchez, CHCI Higher Education Graduate Fellow

“College Knowledge as Cultural Capital (ESEA and Parent Engagement)”
By Braulio Salas, CHCI Secondary Education Graduate Fellow

Energy

“Agua es Vida: Innovative Solutions to Western Water Wars”
By Alesandra Nájera, CHCI-Shell STEM Graduate Fellow

Health

“Sobreviviendo la Adolesencia: The Inherent Value of Effective and Culturally Competent Mental Health Screening and Assessment for Youth in the Juvenile Justice System” 
By Margarita Chavez, CHCI-Davita Health Graduate Fellow

“Investing in Health to Achieve Equity: Integrating a Health in All Policies (HiAP) Framework to Advance the Promise Zone Agenda”
By Araceli Gutiérrez, CHCI-PepsiCo Foundation Health Graduate Fellow

“Funding Community Health Centers to Reduce Costs and Protect Vulnerable Populations”
By Grant Barbosa, CHCI-PepsiCo Foundation Health Graduate Fellow

2014 Graduate Fellows White Papers

From April 8-9, the 2013-14 CHCI Graduate Fellows organized and moderated the 2014 Young Latino Leaders Summit Series (YLLSS). Experts from the fields of health, housing, education, law and STEM, gathered at the behest of the CHCI Fellows for a timely discussion on the issues that affect the Latino community. The first day of the summits, held at the Senate Visitor Center, featured Reps. Tony Cárdenas, Ted Deutch, Luis Gutierrez, Lucille Roybal-Allard, and CHCI Chair, Rubén Hinojosa, among the many expert panelists.

2013 Graduate Fellows White Papers

On April 15, the eight 2012-2013 CHCI Graduate Fellows moderated their respective public policy summit discussions on insightful and timely issues affecting the Latino community and the nation. This year, the areas of focus included—education, health, housing, law, or STEM. The summits where held on Capitol Hill, and were attended by members of Congress, Congressional staffers, public policy experts, national leaders, media and other industry leaders. The 2013 Young Latino Leaders Summit Series was the culmination of nine months of training in becoming better versed in the public policy formulation process.

2012 Graduate Fellows White Papers

On April 16 the nine 2011-2012 Graduate Fellows moderated their respective public policy roundtable discussions on insightful and timely issues affecting the Latino community and the nation. The areas of focus included—education, health, housing, law, and Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics (STEM).The discussions which took place on Capitol Hill, were attended by members of Congress, Congressional staffers, public policy experts, national leaders, media and other change makers. The summit was the culmination of months of training in becoming better versed in the public policy formulation process.

2011 Graduate Fellows White Papers

The CHCI 2010-2011 Graduate Fellowship class gathered national experts and members of Congress as they presented their white papers during the Young Latino Leaders Summit Series on April 13-14 at the U.S. Capitol Visitors Center. The fellows led a series of expert panels on critical issues impacting the Latino community in their respective areas of expertise – education, health, housing, law, and science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

2010 Graduate Fellows White Papers

The dynamic class of CHCI Graduate & Young Professional Fellows created the following research documents in conjunction with the 2010 CHCI Young Latino Leaders Summit Series held on April 21, 2010, at the U.S Capitol Visitor Center.

2010 Graduate Fellows White Papers

Health: “Cervical Cancer and Latinas: A Preventable Disease”
By Rebecca Medina, Davita Graduate Health Fellow

Housing: “Sustainable and Inclusive Growth: Housing Opportunities for Latino Communities”
By Ulises Gonzalez, National Association of Realtors Graduate Housing Fellow

Law: “Voter Identification Laws: The Impact on Latinos”
By Maria Mendoza, CHCI Graduate Law Fellow

STEM: “Intersection of STEM Education & the Green Economy: Incorporating the Latino Community” 
By Sandra Alcalá-Barraza & Jorge Madrid, Motorola Foundation Graduate STEM Fellows

2009 Graduate Fellows White Papers

The dynamic class of CHCI Graduate & Young Professional Fellows created the following research documents in conjunction with the 2009 CHCI Young Latino Leaders Summit Series held in April 2009.

2008-2009 Graduate & Young Professional Fellows’ White Papers

Health: “Protecting Our Future: HIV/AIDS Prevention Among Latino Youth”
Moderators: Craig Martinez & Stephen Perez, CHCI Health Fellows

Housing: “Latinos in 2030: Securing our Financial Future”
Moderators: Nicole Adair, Alejandra Louden, & Tonantzin Mitre, CHCI Housing Fellows

Law: “The Right Thing To Do, The Right Time To Do It, and The Right Place: A Latina/o United States Supreme Court Justice” 
Moderator: Zorayda Moreira-Smith, CHCI Law Fellow

International Affairs: “Aid, Trade and Integration: A Combined Approach to Mexican/U.S. Immigration”
Moderator: Roberto Fierro, CHCI International Affairs Fellow