Podcast
The Purple Line
Hosted by CHLI · EN
The Purple Line is a community podcast, bringing in-depth conversations with diverse leaders in the public and private sectors. Tune in for conversations and roundtables with national and international influencers.
Whether you are a student looking to gather advice or an established professional tuning in for valuable resources, our dynamic programming provides tips and insights for people of all ages and backgrounds. The Purple Line is produced by The Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute (CHLI).
10episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
The Purple Line: Episode 54 with Diego Area
Yesterday00:32:01Tap to summarizeDiego 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 placing himself at personal risk in defense of democratic values. Eventually fleeing Venezuela, Diego and his wife settled in Washington, DC, where he earned a master’s degree in political management from George Washington University. In 2021, GWU honored him with its Guardian of Democracy Award, recognizing graduates who have overcome significant obstacles to uphold democratic principles at home and abroad. He went on to spend six years at the Atlantic Council’s Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center before taking the helm at Global Americans, where he builds bridges between the private sector, governments, and the U.S. Latino community to strengthen democracy and hemispheric cooperation. In this episode of the Purple Line Podcast, hosted by CHLI CEO Mary Ann Gomez Orta, Diego reflects on his journey from the streets of Caracas to Washington policy circles, the lessons of opposing authoritarianism firsthand, and his views on U.S.–Latin America relations, the current administration’s posture toward Venezuela, and the intertwined futures of the Venezuelan and Cuban diasporas. A passionate advocate for free expression and diversity of thought, Diego brings a compelling and deeply personal lens to some of the hemisphere’s most pressing questions.
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The Purple Line: Episode 53 with Maria Luisa Boyce
4w ago00:27:30Tap to summarizeMaria 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, Arizona, before making Washington, DC her home. A graduate of Universidad Externado de Colombia, where she studied finance and international relations, Maria began her career in banking before spending a decade leading the Border Trade Alliance, a not-for-profit representing over a million constituents along the U.S.-Mexico and U.S.-Canada borders. She then transitioned into government service at U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), serving as Senior Advisor to the Commissioner and Small Business Ombudsman as a political appointee. After more than seven years at CBP, she joined UPS, where her deep expertise at the intersection of the private and public sectors now informs her work on trade facilitation, compliance, and international programs. Maria currently serves as Treasurer on the CHLI Board and is a strong advocate for mentorship, bipartisanship, and leading with professional skills and expertise rather than personal labels. She is also actively involved in supporting programs like the Women Exporter Program, helping women entrepreneurs gain access to international trade opportunities.
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The Purple Line: Encore Episode with John Hoel
Apr 3000:20:16Tap to summarizeIn 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 Services. John has served on the Board of Directors of the Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute since 2008. The Purple Line now streaming! Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/45AaqfL Spotify: https://spoti.fi/43cltdD About The Purple Line: The Purple Line is a community podcast, bringing in-depth conversations with diverse leaders in the public and private sectors. Tune in for conversations and roundtables with national and international influencers. Whether you are a student looking to gather advice or an established professional tuning in for valuable resources, our dynamic programming provides tips and insights for people of all ages and backgrounds. The Purple Line is produced by The Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute (CHLI).
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The Purple Line: Episode 52 with Paola Arellano
Mar 2600:38:34Tap to summarizePaola 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 daily into the United States for elementary school while her mother taught in El Paso. Experiencing both Mexican and U.S. systems firsthand sparked her early interest in public service and government. Paola earned her bachelor’s degree in political science, with a minor in communication studies, from St. Mary’s University. In 2022, she participated in CHLI’s Global Leaders Program, where she interned in the congressional office of former Representative Jenniffer González-Colón (now Governor of Puerto Rico) and in The Home Depot’s Washington Government Affairs Office. Prior to completing the program, she secured a full-time staff position in the office of Representative David Valadao (CA-21).
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The Purple Line: Episode 51 with Omar Franco
Feb 2600:43:34Tap to summarizeThe 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. Omar recalls his years at Miami’s prestigious Christopher Columbus High School—including its unique culture and South Florida "cred". Omar reflects on his successful and unconventional career, the pivotal influence of his long-standing relationship with Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart. Finally, Omar reveals his pivotal role in establishing CHLI, with Rep. Diaz-Balart, and CHLI’s mission to foster bipartisan Hispanic engagement and diverse thought in public discourse.
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The Purple Line: Episode 50 with Patrick Herrera
Jan 2900:23:30Tap to summarizeThe 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 Carter, and details his current legislative portfolio. Patrick discusses the inspiration behind his family’s multi-generational commitment to service, the founding and future plans of the GOP Latino Staff Association, and his experiences leading a nonprofit as a young professional. The conversation also celebrates his 2025 achievements—earning a master’s in economics from Purdue University while working full-time and getting engaged—before exploring how networking, faith, and family have fueled his career and can guide the next generation of leaders in the nation’s capital.
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The Purple Line: Episode 49, Leonardo Mendoza-Bernuy
Jan 2200:27:53Tap to summarizeThe 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 school teacher that transformed and renewed his dedication to learn English… and how this teacher taught him the value of a mentor and providing support. Leonardo discusses earning his Master's in Public Policy from Georgetown University while working full-time as a legislative staffer for the U.S. House of Representatives and serving as the President of the Congressional Hispanic Staff Association (CHSA)—an organization supporting Hispanic staffers on the Hill—and how community engagement in Houston and DC, along with expanding networks, has been vital to his success. He offers advice for future leaders arriving in Washington, emphasizing resilience, mentorship, and the power of community.
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The Purple Line: Episode 48, Jonathon Martinez and Haleon’s Commitment to Community Health
Dec 1800:24:19Tap to summarizeIt’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 its dedication to community well-being through trusted consumer brands like Sensodyne, Aquafresh, Centrum, and Benefiber—empowering healthier lives at every stage. Tune in as Jonathan highlights the company’s impactful initiatives supporting oral health in underserved communities. CHLI is proud to partner with Haleon and celebrate the meaningful work they do to give back.
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The Purple Line: Episode 47 with Ivelisse Porroa-Garcia
Nov 2000:40:07Tap to summarizeIvelisse 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 campaign of Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz to the leadership position in Senator Barbara Boxer’s staff. Join us as we explore the hard-fought successes—and trying setbacks—of one of Washington, DC’s most successful lobbyists… and advocates for the Hispanic professionals working in our nation’s capital.
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The Purple Line: Episode 46 with Jason León
Oct 3000:32:44Tap to summarizeJason 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 pueblo in Puerto Rico. Jason eventually returned home to New York where he got his Masters in Public Administration from Baruch College. Jason’s path is now in the service of exceptional corporate and nonprofit governance—as the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Executives & Boards in Washington, DC where his commitment and energies are now focused on developing exceptional Board officers and principled corporate leadership.
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