The Purple Line

Gabriella Boffelli grew up under the authoritarian dictatorship of Daniel Ortega in Nicaragua which helped shape Gabriella’s view of on politics, international relations, and the value of freedom. Gabriella now serves as Chief of Staff for Congresswoman Jenniffer González-Colón of Puerto Rico. Listen to Gabriella discuss her career growth from staff assistant to the Honorable Ileana Ros-Lehtinen t...

Keith Fernandez, outgoing host of the CHLI Purple Line Podcast Series and President of the CHLI Alumni Association, gives new Purple Line host CHLI Senior Communications Advisor and 2021 Vermillion Honoree Emily Benavides, tips, encouragement, and shares entertaining anecdotes about interviewing CHLI Chairman Emeritus the Honorable Lincoln Diaz-Balart and current CHLI Chairwoman, the Honorable Ile...

Host Keith Fernandez sits down with CHLI Chairman and Founder, The Honorable Lincoln Diaz-Balart. They discuss his impactful career in Congress, the importance of bipartisanship, and CHLI’s mission.

Join us on The Purple Line, Episode 29, featuring the incredible Cesar Prieto, Chief of Staff to Representative Tony Gonzales and a distinguished 2019 CHLI Global Leader. In this insightful episode, they discover how Cesar's CHLI Global Leader internship ignited his career in Washington, D.C., and learn about his philosophy as the "Chief of Culture," striving to foster an inclusive and dynamic wor...

This Women’s History Month, we are doing a special re-release of our podcast featuring the Honorable Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, who now serves as CHLI Chairwoman. Hosted by Keith Fernandez the pair dive into her trailblazing journey from the heart of South Florida to the halls of Congress, her pivotal role in U.S. foreign policy, and her unwavering commitment to democracy and human rights.

This #WomensHistoryMonth, CHLI is honored to feature Elaine Coronado, a remarkable businesswoman and philanthropist, on the Purple Line Podcast with host Keith Fernandez. From lessons learned from her military dad to the global experiences that shaped her outlook on life, Elaine opens up about her journey. As CEO & Chief Strategist of Argus Events + Marketing, she shares her zeal for crafting even...

In CHLI’s latest episode of The Purple Line Podcast, we're honored to be joined by David Olivencia, CEO of Angeles Investors and author of 'NetWORKing Excellence. Tune in to hear about David's influential work as an angel investor supporting Latino business leaders, strong support of STEM education, and the lessons he's learned throughout his successful career. #TheCHLI #ThePurpleLinePodcast #NetW...

On this episode of The Purple Line host Keith Fernandez sits down with the inspiring Angela Anderson Guerrero, the executive director of Lideramos, a national Latino leadership development organization.   Angela’s passion for cultivating Latino leaders and her pursuit to increase their representation across the United States is a remarkable effort. She shares how incorporating cultural values and...

Sara Guerrero, who is a Communications Director for Congressman Robert Garcia, talks with Keith Fernandez about her career journey, experiences living in Capitol Hill and the importance of relationships and networking in the field of politics. Sara shares her experiences of making tough career decisions and how she's grown more comfortable with them over time. The conversation focuses on Sara Guer...

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, Keith Fernandez sits down with Colonel Gil Coronado, the father of Hispanic Heritage Month. They discuss the history of expanding the celebration from a week to a month and why we celebrate it. Learn more about the Colonel's life story and achievements in this month's episode of The Purple Line. Gil Coronado retired from the United States Air Force on August 1,...

In this month’s episode of The Purple Line, Keith sits down with CHLI Treasurer John Hoel. He shares his journey of success that started with an internship. He also shares his points of view on diversity of thought, public and private sector work, and advice for people interested in a career in Washington, D.C. John Hoel is Director, Federal Government Affairs for Altria Client Services. John has...

In this month’s episode of The Purple Line, Keith sits down with Alejandro Alba, Public Affairs Specialist at FEMA’s Office of External Affairs and a 2014 CHLI Global Leader. He shares his experience being a CHLI intern and his career working in the nation's capital at FEMA. He also offers insight into furthering one's education in a postgraduate setting.

In honor of Women's History Month, Keith sits down with Rep. Sharlett Mena - the first CHLI alumna elected into public office at the state level. Rep. Mena represents Washington's 29th district in the Washington State House of Representatives. She shares her story of the path to public service, her humble beginnings through CHLI's internship program, and what she hopes to succeed during her tenure...

In honor of American Heart Month, Keith sits down with Jeff Holden, founder of Multipoint Content Strategies and the host of Imperfect Heart. He shares the personal story behind his diagnosis of a Myocardial Bridge and offers insight into how people of all ages and backgrounds can improve their livelihood. Imperfect Heart is a podcast designed for, hosted by and recorded with those affected by or...

In this month's episode of The Purple Line, Keith sits down with Dina Siegel Vann, Director of the American Jewish Committee (AJC) Belfer Institute for Latino and Latin American Affairs. She discusses her career in building global Latino-Jewish bridges and shares advice on how young leaders can take action to help the community combat antisemitism. In her AJC role, DIna has traveled widely and dev...

In this month's episode of The Purple Line, Keith sits down with Rafael Bernal, a Staff Writer at The Hill. He discusses the importance of Latino representation in politics and journalism that affects the community nationally. Rafael Bernal is a Staff Writer for The Hill, where he covers Hispanic politics by focusing on Latino leaders, issues that affect the Latino community at a national level, i...

In this month's episode, Keith sits down with Juan Carlos Martinez Jr., Vice President of The Wendy Martinez Legacy Project. They discuss the foundation's history, Wendy's legacy, and mission. Juan Carlos Martinez Jr. is the brother of Wendy K. Martinez, a CHLI alumna who lost her life in Washington, D.C., on September 18, 2018. He and his family created The Wendy Martinez Legacy Project in honor...

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, Keith Fernandez sits with CHLI Chairman and Founder, The Honorable Lincoln Diaz-Balart. They discuss his impactful career in Congress, the importance of bipartisanship, and CHLI’s mission.

In loving memory of Colonel Gil Coronado. Keith Fernandez sits down with Colonel Gil Coronado, the father of Hispanic Heritage Month. They discuss the history of expanding the celebration from a week to a month and why we celebrate it. Learn more about the Colonel's life story and achievements in this month's episode of The Purple Line. Gil Coronado retired from the United States Air Force on Augu...

In this month's episode, Keith Fernandez sits down with Danny Vargas, an award-winning noted business and community leader, accomplished media commentator, and marketing/public relations professional. They discuss the successful effort in passing the authorization bill in Congress to establish the National Museum of the American Latino and the importance of telling Latino stories in the nation's c...

In this month’s episode, Keith Fernandez sits down with CHLI Award winners Emily Benavides, recipient of the Stephen D. Vermillion CHLI Congressional Staff Appreciation Award, and Tony Flores, recipient of the Wendy Martinez CHLI Alumni Community Engagement Award. They discuss their experience working on Capitol Hill and provide insight for future Hispanic leaders. Emily Benavides is a Republican...

In this month’s episode, Keith Fernandez sits down with Janelle Perez, candidate for the Florida State Senate, to discuss her inspiring story of running for public office as a first-time candidate. Janelle Perez is a mother, small business owner, and cancer survivor at the forefront of the fight for equality. Born and raised in Miami, Janelle saw her parents become successful entrepreneurs after f...

In this month’s episode of The Purple Line, Keith Fernandez sits down with former Congresswoman, The Honorable Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, to discuss her political career representing South Florida. The Honorable Ileana Ros-Lehtinen served for almost three decades as a member of Congress representing a congressional district in South Florida and was the first Hispanic and Cuban-American woman to serve in...

In the relaunch episode of The Purple Line Podcast, Keith Fernandez sits down with CHLI President & CEO, Mary Ann Gomez Orta, to discuss her experience and background from corporate America to the non-profit world.

Mauricio Villacres is the Programs Assistant at the Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute (CHLI). Previous to his current role, he was hired remotely in July 2020 as Programs Fellow. Soon he will be relocating to Washington D.C. to work alongside the rest of the CHLI team in-person once COVID-19 restrictions allow.  Eric Di Monte is the Director of Talent Acquisition at Warner Music Group. W...