Written by Marco A. Davis
Latinos account for nearly 20 percent of the total U.S. population, or one out of five people, with over 62 million and growing. But we account for only around 1.5 percent of elected officials. When a significant portion of the people who are being governed are underrepresented so disproportionately, the goals of our representative form of government are not being met.
Moreover, Latino youth comprise an even greater proportion of the coming generation, nearing 25% of that cohort. The future is Latino, but until we are adequately represented in leadership at all levels of government, our individual and community needs and concerns will be largely excluded from political discourse. We will continue to be affected by policy, as everyone is, without the power to effect or influence change ourselves. This challenge persists in the private and nonprofit sectors - in education, philanthropy, and media as well.
So it is critical that we bolster access to opportunity, supportive mentorship networks, and clear pathways to leadership. This is why for over 40 years, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) has worked to achieve leadership parity by inspiring and empowering young Latinos to be agents of change in their communities. We offer a variety of targeted leadership development programs with the common goal of elevating the collective Latino voice and developing the next generation of leaders.
Our mission spans the leadership pipeline, from engaging high school students to supporting college interns to elevating the policy recommendations of our post-graduate fellows. I am proud to spotlight the work we do at CHCI and the programs that have changed the lives of Latinos for the better of our community and nation.
For high school students, CHCI offers a unique opportunity to visit the nation’s capital and interface with government leaders through its R2L NextGen program. This leadership experience provides students with a full week of gaining insight into the inner workings of our nation’s legislative body, fostering relationships with other emerging leaders, and exploring national monuments.
Most importantly, participants in the R2L NextGen program have the opportunity to learn from and speak with Latino leaders in government – many of them CHCI alumni — witnessing their passion for public service and charting their ascent to leadership roles. The program instills a sense of boundless opportunity in Latino youth and shows that a prosperous career in policy is not only possible, but a definite, attainable reality that we support.
CHCI Alumna Alexandra Rios Taylor understands best the importance of shepherding young leaders towards their highest potential. Previously a CHCI Academic Scholar, Alexandra was recently named as the new Mundelein High School principal in Mundelein, Illinois. Her lifelong passion for education, deep commitment to community, and exemplary leadership skills have allowed Alexandra to embody our organization’s legacy as she invests in new generations of students.
The CHCI Congressional Internship Program serves current university students. This semester-long program brings students from throughout the U.S. together to learn about and explore leadership, the breadth and diversity of the Latino community, and the public policy process. As with all of our programs, interns are connected with a vast network of CHCI Alumni, comprising over 4,500 Latino professionals throughout the country who are ready to support each class in achieving their dreams.
CHCI offers Public Policy and Post-Graduate Fellowship Programs for recent college or graduate degree recipients. Fellows spend nine months in Washington, D.C., working alongside leaders in congressional offices, federal agencies, and national nonprofit advocacy organizations. With this program, we accelerate the careers of future policymakers by immersing them in the legislative process, providing them with lifelong mentors and colleagues, and equipping them with leadership principles to effect change in their communities.
CHCI’s fellowship programs help forge pathways for Latinos to enter decision-making roles. Former CHCI fellow Jacqueline C. Romero was recently sworn in as U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Romero is the first woman of color to lead the office, and the first woman to be appointed by a President and confirmed by the U.S. Senate to hold this position, a strong step towards inclusion in federal law enforcement.
The Graduate Fellowship program takes the fellowship model further with some additional specialization, where fellows focus on specific policy areas of interest that include education, public health, child welfare, technology, energy, homeland security, and more. This immersive experience involves proposing effective policy solutions to some of the most pressing issues facing the Latino community and our nation.
One core challenge in our society is the lack of opportunities available for individuals who have immigrated to the United States and are an integral part of our country’s prosperity and success. Patricia Ordaz was a formerly undocumented student who testified before her state assembly to push for in-state tuition to be made available to undocumented students. Her leadership distinguished her, and earned her an invitation to CHCI’s signature annual leadership conference. She was later selected for CHCI’s Congressional Internship Program, working alongside U.S. Senator Michael Bennet and then-Senator Kamala Harris.
Patricia’s passion for eliminating barriers continues in her role as President of the Congressional Hispanic Staff Association. In this capacity, she remains committed to creating pathways of opportunity for DACA recipients and ensuring that Latino voices are represented at the highest levels of government.
Patricia’s story is a clear example of our mission at CHCI. Through rigorous leadership development, an immersive curriculum, practical professional experience, and extensive networks of support, CHCI strengthens pathways to opportunity for emerging Latino professionals. We are dedicated to helping today’s leaders build a brighter tomorrow for our community and country.
Author Bio:
Marco A. Davis is President and CEO of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI), a national nonprofit organization dedicated to developing the next generation of Latino leaders. Marco is a thought leader in the areas of civic engagement, educational achievement, community advocacy, and Latinx leadership.
