The Purple Line

Diego Area is the President and CEO of Global Americans, a nonpartisan think tank dedicated to reimagining U.S.–Latin America relations. Born and raised in Caracas, Diego came of age during the rise of the Chavez regime, becoming deeply engaged in student government at the Universidad Central de Venezuela—where his father also served on the faculty—and in the broader opposition movement, at times...

Maria Luisa Boyce serves as Vice President of Global Public Affairs for UPS, where she advances logistics, trade compliance, customs policy, and government affairs across Latin America. Born in Bogotá, Colombia, she grew up across five different Latin American countries—Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Ecuador, and Honduras—where her parents still reside. She later lived for 14 years in Phoenix, Ari...

In this encore episode of The Purple Line, Keith Hernandez sits down with CHLI Board Member 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 Service...

Paola Arellano serves as Executive Business and Operational Manager at Rivet Industries, a technology and equipment company focused on protecting frontline workers and military personnel. She also serves as Vice President of Communications for the CHLI Alumni Association (CAA). Originally from El Paso, Texas, Paola was raised in a border community, living in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, and crossing dai...

The Purple Line Podcast features a conversation with Omar Franco, Partner and Chair of the Government Law & Lobbying Practice at Becker. Hosted by CHLI CEO, Mary Ann Gomez Orta, this episode explores Omar's Cuban-American heritage, growing up in Miami amid the socialist diaspora, and the formative lessons from his immigrant parents that shaped his views on the U.S., socialism, and public service....

The CHLI Purple Line Podcast spotlights Patrick Herrera in an inspiring episode recorded in January 2026. Patrick, a proud third-generation Texan from Lubbock and Texas Tech graduate, serves as Senior Legislative Assistant for member of Congress and is President and Co-founder of the GOP Latino Staff Association. Patrick shares his path to Washington, DC, including his internship with Rep. Judge C...

The CHLI Purple Line Podcast features an engaging conversation with Leonardo Mendoza-Bernuy, recorded in December 2025. Leonardo shares how his family immigrated from Lima, Peru, to Houston, Texas, at age 13. He recounts his personal journey as he adapted to his new home—and the new culture and language during a pivotal time in his life. Leonardo expresses his gratitude to one inspired middle scho...

It’s no coincidence that Jonathan Martinez, Haleon’s Head of U.S. Federal Affairs, serves on CHLI’s Advisory Council. With deep roots in Washington, D.C., Jonathan brings decades of public policy experience and a shared commitment to service that aligns seamlessly with Haleon’s mission to advance everyday health. As the inaugural sponsor of the Purple Line Podcast, Haleon continues to demonstrate...

Ivelisse Porroa-Garcia serves as the current President of the Hispanic Lobbyists Association and is the Senior VP at Crossroads Strategies—two important organizations that are thriving due, in part, to her dedication and passion. Ivelisse’s dedication and passion are apparent in every aspect of her life, including in her journey from Lima, Peru to the lecture halls of UCLA and from the successful...

Jason Leon continues to take the “path less taken”. Born and raised in Bronx, New York, Jason’s parents hail from Puerto Rico. After realizing that his Spanish needed a little improving and that he need to better understand his roots, Jason left Bronx after high school and studied at the American University of Puerto Rico. Upon receiving his CPA Jason became a civil servant as the CFO of small pue...

Laura Maristany believes in giving credit where credit is due. Having moved from her beloved Puerto Rico to work on Capitol Hill, Laura quickly learned the value of collaboration, reaching across aisles, and yes, even compromise. She even quipped, her superpower is working well with others—even if they don’t agree on everything… and to share credit. This is very good. After Capitol Hill Laura work...

Heather Kennedy has proudly worn the Home Depot orange apron for over 25 years. What has kept Heather so committed to Home Depot—and Home Depot committed to Heather? It’s their combined commitment to growth and hard work. From her first position at Home Depot as a Government Relations Manager at the corporate offices in Atlanta, to opening Home Depot’s Washington’s Government Relations office, and...

Stephen Halloway is a Badger through-and-through. Before he got his undergraduate degree at the University of Wisconsin-Madison… he was also born there, at the UW Madisen Hospital. Stephen believes in, and has dedicated his career to, public service. Following in his father’s footsteps—who was an attorney, judge, and union leader—Stephen also has a legacy of serving. Not only is Stephen a Senior A...

Daniel Garza was born in the Central Valley of California and would migrate with his family annually from their ancestral hometown of Garza Gonzalez in Nuevo Leon, Mexico- throughout California, Nebraska and Washington State following the crop season as farm workers until he was 19 years of age. Daniel Garza began his public service career as congressional staff assistant for U.S. congressman Rich...

Dr. Rios is a pioneer in the healthcare industry. Born and raised in southeast Los Angeles and influenced by her civic-minded mother, Dr. Rios first entre into medicine was working as candy striper, studied at Stanford University, became campaign staffer, and working on Capitol Hill. Dr, Rios will tell you two things: A meaningful and successful career doesn’t always travel in a straight line, and...

Join us on The Purple Line as our host Mary Ann Gomez Orta sits down with Carlos A. Becerra, Associate Vice President of Government Relations at Florida International University (FIU)! From growing up in Miami to advocating for students at FIU in Washington, DC, Carlos shares how his journey fuels his mission to expand opportunity and elevate student success. With lifelong ties to FIU and a contag...

This encore episode of the Purple Line is dedicated to celebrating the life and legacy of our dear friend and Founder of the Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute, The Honorable Lincoln Díaz-Balart. His unwavering dedication to freedom, service, and the empowerment of future leaders continues to inspire us all. Lincoln's vision and passion will forever light our path, and we commit to carryi...

Jorge Zamanillo is the Founding Director of the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino in Washington, DC. This episode of the CHLI Purple Line Podcast explores Jorge’s Cuban-American experience from museum enthusiast to founding a national museum honoring the contributions of America’s Hispanic communities.

Sol Ortega's life experience and career is a testament to hard work, taking brave steps, and the sacrifice of a loving family. Having immigrated from Peru at the age of seven, Sol focused on school, attended college, pursued internships, and launched her career in Washington, DC. After her internship as a CHLI Global Leader, Sol worked as a staffer on Capitol Hill, and then served at the White Hou...

After spending four months of on-the-job learning— first placement working on Capitol Hill for a member of Congress, and second placement at a CHLI corporate board members Washington office— these Global Leaders are going home wiser, better prepared, and with a valuable network of Washington, D.C. connections. Watch as our host Emily Benevides, invites our Fall 2024 cohort to share where they serv...

Join us on the Purple Line for a great discussion with U.S. Navy Veteran, Jeyben Castro, Community Outreach and Engagement Director, Office of the Chief Administrative Office at the U.S. House of Representatives, and recipient of the CHLI 2023 Vermillion Award. Jeyben Castro shares his journey migrating to the U.S. from Nicaragua to becoming a great mentor to Capitol Hill Staffers and supporting t...

Join us on The Purple Line as Amy Hinojosa, President and CEO of MANA, celebrates the organization’s 50th anniversary with our host, Emily Benavides. In this episode, Amy Hinojosa shares MANA’s mission to strengthen Latina women and girls through mentoring, education, and advocacy, while sharing her vision for the future. Her dedication to serving the Hispanic community truly shines.

Tune into our special episode featuring our Fall 2024 CHLI Global Leaders class. The Global Leaders sat down with our host, Emily Benavides, during the first few days of their time in Washington D.C. to hear about their impressions as they begin the program. We’re confident you’ll learn a valuable lesson—or two—listening to their astute and lively answers.

Eduardo Arabu is committed to hard work, education, serving others—and the value of diversity in the workplace. Learn how his experiences of migrating to the U.S. from Venezuela as a young child, to now serving as the Chief Executive Officer of the National Hispanic Corporate Council have influenced his view of the “American Dream”. Eduardo also explores the power of hard work, pushing boundaries,...

Luis Martinez serves as the Senior Pentagon Reporter at ABC News. As a journalist covering national and international politics for 30 years Luis has risen up the ranks from Desk Assistant to industry veteran—in this Purple Line Podcast Luis shares how he got his first job, what sacrifices he made for his career, and how he’s helping the next generation of your journalist. Luis also shares his expe...