PODCAST · education
The Purple Line
by CHLI
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).
Episodes
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The Purple Line: Episode 57 with Dr. Mark Hugo Lopez
Dr. Mark Hugo Lopez is Director of Race and Ethnicity Research at the Pew Research Center, where he coordinates the National Survey of Latinos. Both sides of his family worked the fields of Mexico during the Revolution before settling in California, where his father rose from meat packer to...
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The Purple Line: Episode 56 with Paule Valery Joseph
Dr. Paule Valery Joseph is a tenured Senior Investigator at the National Institutes of Health, where she leads the Section of Sensory Science and Metabolism and co-directs the NIH National Smell and Taste Center. Born in Guatire, Venezuela to Haitian professionals, she came to the United States...
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The Purple Line: Episode 55 with Lucinda Borque
Lucinda Borque is Executive Assistant to the CEO at Reform Alliance and President of the CHLI Alumni Association (Global Leaders Class of Spring 2016). The daughter of Dominican immigrants, she grew up between Queens, New York and New Jersey and studied criminal justice at Rutgers University…
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The Purple Line: Episode 54 with Diego Area
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...
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The Purple Line: Episode 53 with Maria Luisa Boyce
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,...
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The Purple Line: Encore Episode with John Hoel
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...
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The Purple Line: Episode 52 with Paola Arellano
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...
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The Purple Line: Episode 51 with Omar Franco
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…
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The Purple Line: Episode 50 with Patrick Herrera
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...
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The Purple Line: Episode 49, Leonardo Mendoza-Bernuy
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...
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The Purple Line: Episode 48, Jonathon Martinez and Haleon’s Commitment to Community Health
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...
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The Purple Line: Episode 47 with Ivelisse Porroa-Garcia
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…
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The Purple Line: Episode 46 with Jason León
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...
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The Purple Line: Episode 45 with Laura Maristany
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…
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The Purple Line: Episode 44 with Heather Kennedy
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...
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The Purple Line: Episode 43 with Stephen Halloway
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...
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The Purple Line: Episode 42 with Daniel Garza
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....
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The Purple Line: Episode 41 with Dr. Elena Rios
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…
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The Purple Line: Episode 40 with Carlos A. Becerra
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…
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The Purple Line: Encore Episode with the Late Honorable Lincoln Díaz-Balart
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…
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The Purple Line: Episode 39 – Jorge Zamanillo
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…
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The Purple Line: Episode 38 with Sol Ortega
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...
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The Purple Line: Episode 37 with Fall 2024 Global Leaders - Part 2
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…
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The Purple Line: Episode 36 with Jeyben Castro
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...
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The Purple Line: Episode 35 with Amy Hinojosa
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...
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The Purple Line: The Fall 2024 Global Leader Cohort
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…
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The Purple Line: Episode 34 with Eduardo Arabu
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...
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The Purple Line: Episode 33 with Luis Martinez
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...
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The Purple Line: Episode 32 with Gabriella Boffelli
Gabriella Boffelli grew up under the authoritarian dictatorship of Daniel Ortega in Nicaragua which helped shape Gabriella’s view of on politics, international relations, and the value of freedom. Gabriella now serves as Chief of Staff for Congresswoman Jenniffer González-Colón of Puerto Rico....
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The Purple Line: Episode 31 with Keith Fernandez: Passing the Torch
Keith Fernandez, outgoing host of the CHLI Purple Line Podcast Series and President of the CHLI Alumni Association, gives new Purple Line host CHLI Senior Communications Advisor and 2021 Vermillion Honoree Emily Benavides, tips, encouragement, and shares entertaining anecdotes about interviewing...
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The Purple Line: Encore Episode 30 with The Honorable Lincoln Diaz Balart
Host Keith Fernandez sits down with CHLI Chairman and Founder, The Honorable Lincoln Diaz-Balart. They discuss his impactful career in Congress, the importance of bipartisanship, and CHLI’s mission.
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The Purple Line: Episode 29 with Cesar Prieto
Join us on The Purple Line, Episode 29, featuring the incredible Cesar Prieto, Chief of Staff to Representative Tony Gonzales and a distinguished 2019 CHLI Global Leader. In this insightful episode, they discover how Cesar's CHLI Global Leader internship ignited his career in Washington, D.C.…
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The Purple Line: Encore Episode 28 with the Honorable Ileana Ros-Lehtinen
This Women’s History Month, we are doing a special re-release of our podcast featuring the Honorable Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, who now serves as CHLI Chairwoman. Hosted by Keith Fernandez the pair dive into her trailblazing journey from the heart of South Florida to the halls of Congress, her pivotal...
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The Purple Line: Episode 27 Elaine Coronado
This #WomensHistoryMonth, CHLI is honored to feature Elaine Coronado, a remarkable businesswoman and philanthropist, on the Purple Line Podcast with host Keith Fernandez. From lessons learned from her military dad to the global experiences that shaped her outlook on life, Elaine opens up about…
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The Purple Line: Episode 26 David Olivencia
In CHLI’s latest episode of The Purple Line Podcast, we're honored to be joined by David Olivencia, CEO of Angeles Investors and author of 'NetWORKing Excellence. Tune in to hear about David's influential work as an angel investor supporting Latino business leaders, strong support of STEM...
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The Purple Line: Episode 25 Angela Anderson Guerrero
On this episode of The Purple Line host Keith Fernandez sits down with the inspiring Angela Anderson Guerrero, the executive director of Lideramos, a national Latino leadership development organization. Angela’s passion for cultivating Latino leaders and her pursuit to increase their…
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Then Purple Line: Episode 24 Sara Guerrero
Sara Guerrero, who is a Communications Director for Congressman Robert Garcia, talks with Keith Fernandez about her career journey, experiences living in Capitol Hill and the importance of relationships and networking in the field of politics. Sara shares her experiences of making tough career...
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The Voice Behind Hispanic Heritage Month (Encore)
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, Keith Fernandez sits down with Colonel Gil Coronado, the father of Hispanic Heritage Month. They discuss the history of expanding the celebration from a week to a month and why we celebrate it. Learn more about the Colonel's life story and achievements in this...
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Turning an Internship Into a Corporate Career
In this month’s episode of The Purple Line, Keith sits down with CHLI Treasurer 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...
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Navigating a Post-Grad Life in Washington, D.C.
In this month’s episode of The Purple Line, Keith sits down with Alejandro Alba, Public Affairs Specialist at FEMA’s Office of External Affairs and a 2014 CHLI Global Leader. He shares his experience being a CHLI intern and his career working in the nation's capital at FEMA. He also offers…
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Making CHLI History with Rep. Sharlett Mena
In honor of Women's History Month, Keith sits down with Rep. Sharlett Mena - the first CHLI alumna elected into public office at the state level. Rep. Mena represents Washington's 29th district in the Washington State House of Representatives. She shares her story of the path to public service…
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Recognizing and Listening to Your Heart
In honor of American Heart Month, Keith sits down with Jeff Holden, founder of Multipoint Content Strategies and the host of Imperfect Heart. He shares the personal story behind his diagnosis of a Myocardial Bridge and offers insight into how people of all ages and backgrounds can improve their...
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Building Latino-Jewish Bridges and Beyond
In this month's episode of The Purple Line, Keith sits down with Dina Siegel Vann, Director of the American Jewish Committee (AJC) Belfer Institute for Latino and Latin American Affairs. She discusses her career in building global Latino-Jewish bridges and shares advice on how young leaders can...
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Why Latino Representation in Journalism Matters
In this month's episode of The Purple Line, Keith sits down with Rafael Bernal, a Staff Writer at The Hill. He discusses the importance of Latino representation in politics and journalism that affects the community nationally. Rafael Bernal is a Staff Writer for The Hill, where he covers Hispanic...
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Wendy's Legacy: Empowering Young Women of Tomorrow
In this month's episode, Keith sits down with Juan Carlos Martinez Jr., Vice President of The Wendy Martinez Legacy Project. They discuss the foundation's history, Wendy's legacy, and mission. Juan Carlos Martinez Jr. is the brother of Wendy K. Martinez, a CHLI alumna who lost her life in...
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A Conversation with The Honorable Lincoln Diaz-Balart
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, Keith Fernandez sits with CHLI Chairman and Founder, The Honorable Lincoln Diaz-Balart. They discuss his impactful career in Congress, the importance of bipartisanship, and CHLI’s mission.
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The Voice Behind Hispanic Heritage Month
In loving memory of Colonel Gil Coronado. Keith Fernandez sits down with Colonel Gil Coronado, the father of Hispanic Heritage Month. They discuss the history of expanding the celebration from a week to a month and why we celebrate it. Learn more about the Colonel's life story and achievements in...
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The Future in Telling Latino Stories in Smithsonian Museums
In this month's episode, Keith Fernandez sits down with Danny Vargas, an award-winning noted business and community leader, accomplished media commentator, and marketing/public relations professional. They discuss the successful effort in passing the authorization bill in Congress to establish…
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Shaping Your Future in Washington, D.C.
In this month’s episode, Keith Fernandez sits down with CHLI Award winners Emily Benavides, recipient of the Stephen D. Vermillion CHLI Congressional Staff Appreciation Award, and Tony Flores, recipient of the Wendy Martinez CHLI Alumni Community Engagement Award. They discuss their experience...
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Running for Public Office as a First-Time Candidate with Janelle Perez
In this month’s episode, Keith Fernandez sits down with Janelle Perez, candidate for the Florida State Senate, to discuss her inspiring story of running for public office as a first-time candidate. Janelle Perez is a mother, small business owner, and cancer survivor at the forefront of the fight...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
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).
HOSTED BY
CHLI
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Purple Line have?
The Purple Line currently has 61 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Purple Line about?
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...
How often does The Purple Line release new episodes?
The Purple Line has 61 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to The Purple Line?
You can listen to The Purple Line on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Purple Line?
The Purple Line is created and hosted by CHLI.
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