Rosa Elena Diaz, MSW

Rosa Elena Diaz, a proud CHCI alumna, serves as the Chief of Staff at the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI), where she focuses on enhancing operational and programmatic efficiencies to advance CHCI’s mission of Developing the Next Generation of Latino Leaders.

Before her role at CHCI, Rosa dedicated 15 years to building the Nicholas Academic Centers (NAC), a successful college access and success program in Santa Ana, California. During her tenure, she held various roles, overseeing academics, programs, and operations, culminating in her appointment as Executive Director in 2014.

In addition to her professional commitments, Rosa actively contributes to her community. She serves on the board of Morningside University in Sioux City, Iowa, where she participates in the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion as well as the Life and Learning Committees. She also remains dedicated to the Nicholas Academic Centers as a board member.

Rosa’s core mission is to empower the Latino community, envisioning a society where Latinos enjoy equitable opportunities to succeed and lead in all aspects of life. As an immigrant from Nayarit, Mexico, she takes pride in being the first in her family to earn both a bachelor’s and master’s degree, holding a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Spanish Literature from Allegheny College and a Master of Social Work from the University of Southern California.