News Room

U.S. Secretary Shaun Donovan and Leading Panelists Will Launch CHCI’s Public Policy Conference

August 16, 2011

Begin Your Conference Experience with CHCI’s Powerful Opening Plenary

The strength of the U.S. economy is tied to the success of Latinos.  Join CHCI President & CEO Esther Aguilera and CHCI Chair Rep. Charles A. Gonzalez as they deliver the welcome address for the Opening Plenary at CHCI’s Public Policy Conference. 

Then, Ray Suarez, Senior Correspondent of PBS’ hit series, The NewsHour, will moderate a distinguished panel of guests who will embark on an insightful discussion of the critical role Latinos will play in the United States’ economic future and how the growth of the U.S. Latino population is transforming the workforce as well as the consumer base and student demographic profile.

Register Now to Reserve Your Seat!

Recording Artist Luis Enrique Joins Discussion on Immigration Reform and DREAM Act at CHCI Conference

August 11, 2011

GRAMMY®-award winning recording artist and Latin music legend Luis Enrique will share his personal story of triumph at CHCI’s Public Policy Conference while participating in a dynamic panel discussion on Immigration Reform and the DREAM Act.  This session will be held on Monday, September 12, from 3:00-4:30 p.m. at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.

The Plenary Session—Keeping the Promise: Immigration Reform and the DREAM Act – A Call to Action—will be moderated by Telemundo Anchor Jose Diaz-Balart, and feature Rep. Luis V. Gutiérrez, the nation’s leading voice for immigration reform.

Register to attend this powerful and relevant session

Vikki Carr and José Hernández to be Honored with Medallions of Excellence on September 14

August 8, 2011

Renowned singer and philanthropist Vikki Carr and former NASA astronaut José Hernández will receive CHCI's 2011 Medallions of Excellence for Leadership and Community Service at CHCI’s 34th Annual Awards Gala on September 14 in Washington, D.C.

The CHCI Gala is the pinnacle celebration of the outstanding accomplishments made by Latinos who have not only succeeded in their individual careers, but that also serve as positive role models and empower Latino youth.  All events support CHCI’s educational attainment and leadership development programs.

Join the Celebration...Order Your Table Today! 

U.S. Secretary Shaun Donovan Joins Opening Plenary; Latino Leaders Summit Series Announced

August 4, 2011

U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
Shaun Donovan Joins Opening Plenary Panel

U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Shaun Donovan will be joining CHCI Chair Rep. Charles A. Gonzalez, Rep. Xavier Becerra, Broadcast Journalist Ray Suarez and the National Journal’s Editorial Director Ronald Brownstein, in a riveting discussion of “Job Creation, Workforce Retraining, and the Latino Community.”  The Opening Plenary, on September 12, kicks off a two-day, national dialogue that brings together important leaders, elected officials, corporate executives, community activists, educators, and YOU!

A significant part of the Public Policy Conference agenda includes the Latino Leaders Summit Series.  Led by members of Congress and leading experts, the Summit Series takes a deeper look at areas that impact the Latino community.

Hear All the Experts...Secure Your Seat Today! 

The Prince of Salsa Luis Enrique to Perform at CHCI's 34th Annual Awards Gala

July 31, 2011

Univision Anchor Teresa Rodriguez to Serve as Celebrity Host

GRAMMY®-award winning recording artist and Latin music legend Luis Enrique will charm attendees with his romantic style of salsa at CHCI’s 34th Annual Awards Gala, the hallmark event of Hispanic Heritage Month, on Wednesday, September 14.  Enrique will join Latin music sensation Prince Royce for an amazing evening of entertainment at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C., hosted by Emmy-award winning journalist and Univision anchor Teresa Rodriguez. The 34th Annual Awards Gala, with the theme, "Keeping the Promise: Unity, Strength, Leadership," is hosted by Exxonmobil. More...

CHCI Bids Farewell to its Summer Intern Class

July 28, 2011

Dressed in their best, wearing CHCI signature intern badges and lapel pins, the 2011 Summer Congressional Internship class excitedly entered the Library of Congress for itsgraduation program on Wednesday, July 27. "Who would have thought that in just eight weeks we would become promising leaders? I can honestly say that my fellow classmates and I have the skill sets to be the great leaders CHCI has prepared us to be," said Prudential Intern Emily Gonzalez. (More)

View graduation photo gallery.

U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk to Address CHCI’s Opening Luncheon

July 26, 2011

Ambassador Ron Kirk—the U.S. Trade Representative—has confirmed his participation in CHCI’s Public Policy Conference on Monday, September 12. Ambassador Kirk will be a featured speaker in Monday’s opening luncheon entitled “Keeping the Promise: Building a Stronger International Community.”

Ambassador Kirk is the latest addition to a powerful and growing list of conference speakers that includes U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis, and 17 members of Congress.

Register Now to Reserve Your Place!

Summer Interns Raise $20,000 in Support of CHCI Programs

July 25, 2011

Following the amazing fundraising efforts of the 2010-11 CHCI Fellows, who raised an unprecedented total of $8,000 this spring in support of CHCI programs, the 2011 CHCI Summer Interns participated in an inaugural telephone donation campaign on July 22.

Armed with their cell phones and powerful personal messages, the interns made more than 250 calls to prospective donors to raise money in support of CHCI and the program that the interns unanimously agreed has changed their lives forever. During the two-hour session, the interns specifically promoted CHCI's Hispanic Heritage Month Events and CHCI Intern Rebecca Jimenez secured $20,000 in conference registrations and gala ticket sales. (More)

CHCI’s Inaugural High School Latino Leaders in D.C. Program Provides Exceptional Leadership Development Experience for Participants

July 25, 2011

Twenty ambitious high school students traveled to Washington, D.C. from Miami, New York, Phoenix, Los Angeles and Dallas to participate in CHCI's Inaugural High School Latino Leaders in D.C. Program held July 10-15. The youth selected attended one of CHCI's Ready to Lead (R2L) college readiness programs during the 2010-11 academic year. All of the students came from low-income families and represented the diverse range of students who participate in the R2L program each year.

It was an exciting week that included visits to monuments, museums, the U.S. Capitol, and a variety of opportunities to interact with prominent Latinos working in public policy and government. The students met with representatives from the Congressional Hispanic Staffers Association, the CHCI Alumni Association, the U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Department of Labor, and the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials. (More)

Comedic Legend Paul Rodriguez to Host CHCI 11th Annual Reyes of Comedy

July 20, 2011

CHCI announced actor/comedian Paul Rodriguez will host and perform at its 11th Annual Reyes of Comedy on Tuesday, September 13, at the historic Warner Theatre. The Reyes of Comedy event supports CHCI's award-winning leadership and educational development programs and is part of its annual Hispanic Heritage Month events.

Rodriguez will headline CHCI’s comedy show that also features popular comedians Shayla Rivera and Mike Robles.  (More)