Celebrating Influential Hispanic Leaders at the CHLI Annual Gala in Washington

Celebrating Influential Hispanic Leaders at the Annual CHLI Gala

On May 13, 2025, the Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute (CHLI) held its 21st Annual Gala and Leadership Awards at the prestigious Waldorf Astoria Hotel in Washington, D.C. This grand event brought together a diverse group of influential leaders, policymakers, and community advocates to celebrate the achievements and service of prominent figures within the Hispanic community.

The gala serves as a platform to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to Hispanic communities through their unwavering commitment to leadership, community service, and the promotion of diversity—a mission foundational to CHLI.

Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, the organization's president, expressed great pride in recognizing the remarkable achievements of this year’s honorees, among them President Luis Abinader Corona, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and representatives María Elvira Salazar and Juan Vargas, along with CHLI alumnus Keith Fernández. Each of these awardees exemplifies the values of family, community, and dedication to leadership that drive CHLI's initiatives.

Honorees and Their Contributions

President Luis Abinader Corona received the CHLI Founders International Leadership Award in acknowledgment of his efforts to strengthen relationships between the Dominican Republic and the United States. In accepting the honor, he stated, "The United States has been a key partner, and since taking office in 2020, I have emphasized the importance of our strategic relationship."

Secretary Marco Rubio, who was awarded the Lifetime Leadership Award, reflected on his extensive public service career, saying, "I am convinced that my opportunities wouldn't have been possible without my initial internships and volunteer experiences. CHLI reflects a commitment to empowering young people eager to contribute to public service."

Representative María Elvira Salazar was honored with the CHLI Public Service Leadership Award and dedicated her recognition to the late Honorable Lincoln Díaz-Balart, CHLI's founding president. "His vision was to amplify Hispanic voices in public service and facilitate meaningful discussions that reflect our communities' needs," she said.

Juan Vargas, another recipient of the Public Service Leadership Award, shared insights from his experiences as a child of Mexican immigrants. He proudly stated, "Receiving this award reaffirms my belief in the American Dream, stemming from my parents' hard work to create opportunities for us. I am committed to supporting the next generation of Latino leaders in Congress."

Lastly, Keith Fernández, the former president of CHLI's Alumni Association, received the CHLI Ambassador Award for his dedication to nurturing future leaders. He expressed gratitude for the recognition, attributing his success to CHLI's empowering initiatives, which allow Hispanic individuals to embark on impactful careers.

A Gathering of Community Leaders

The gala attracted a myriad of elected officials, civic leaders, corporate representatives, diplomats, and international guests, highlighting the broad support for CHLI’s mission. Sponsorship for the event included major organizations such as Comcast NBCUniversal, Capital One, and American Airlines, among others. Funds raised during the gala will support CHLI’s Leadership Development programs, which encompass initiatives like the CHLI Global Leaders Internships and Public Service scholarships.

For those interested in sponsorship opportunities, Maytee Sanz, CHLI’s Director of Philanthropy, can be contacted via email. To view more photos from the 21st Annual Gala and Leadership Awards, please follow the provided link.

About CHLI

The Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute (CHLI) stands at the forefront of promoting economic prosperity while emphasizing social responsibility and global competitiveness. Established by former members of Congress, CHLI's mission is to advocate for a diverse range of opinions and cultural heritage among those of Hispanic and Portuguese descent in the U.S. Through programs aimed at fostering leadership, CHLI aims to enhance the visibility and contributions of the Hispanic community in various sectors.

In essence, the CHLI Annual Gala not only celebrates past achievements but also inspires future leaders to continue the legacy of dedication to service and community engagement.