Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute

What Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute does

Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute (CHLI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2003 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., with a regional office in Miami. It develops Hispanic leadership primarily through paid D.C.-based fellowships and convenings, serving Hispanic college students and early-career professionals. Its portfolio includes the Global Leaders Internship, Communications Fellowship, Summer Law Fellowship (launched 2020), and Lincoln Diaz-Balart Public Service Fellowship (launched 2024), supported by signature events such as the Future Leaders Conference, Global Trade Symposium, and Annual Gala. The organization reports an alumni network of more than 300 and more than $10M in cumulative program investment over 20 years.

CHLI's revenue model is sponsorship- and donation-driven. More than 50 corporate sponsors—predominantly Fortune 500 firms across telecom, retail, technology, beverages, and pharmaceuticals (Verizon, Walmart, Amazon, Coca-Cola, Pfizer, among others)—underwrite programs and events, supplemented by individual donations and gala/event sponsorship revenue. The board is embedded in U.S. policy infrastructure, historically chaired by former Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and currently by Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, with sitting Members of Congress including Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart and Rep. Henry Cuellar among its leadership. This composition provides direct Congressional placement opportunities for interns and convening access for policy events.

Operationally, CHLI runs a lean organization of approximately 10 staff and uses standard nonprofit tooling (MailChimp, website CMS) rather than proprietary technology. Recent strategic activity has centered on programmatic breadth (new fellowships), paying more interns (capacity doubled in 2024), and geographic and channel expansion through a South Florida Alumni Chapter and a placement partnership with The Washington Center. The combination of a 20-year operating history, deep Congressional and Fortune 500 networks, and a refined programmatic niche defines CHLI's positioning in the Hispanic leadership development market.

Name

Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute

Legal name

Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute

Website

https://chli.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2003

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

CHLI is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2003 that develops Hispanic leadership through paid D.C. fellowships, policy events, and an alumni network of 300+, supported by 50+ Fortune 500 corporate sponsors and a board of sitting Members of Congress.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Washington

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Others

Revenue model

1. Corporate Sponsorships: CHLI generates revenue through corporate sponsorships from Fortune 500 companies and trade associations. Sponsors provide financial support in exchange for association with CHLI's mission, access to Hispanic talent pipeline, and visibility at CHLI events and programs. Sponsors include major corporations across industries including telecommunications, energy, consumer goods, automotive, technology, and financial services.
2. Individual Donations: Individual contributions from supporters who believe in advancing the Hispanic community's diversity of thought. Personal contributions support internships, fellowships, and other leadership development programs.
3. Gala and Event Sponsorships: The Annual Gala and Leadership Awards features multiple sponsorship tiers (Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze, Mentor, Supporting) with varying benefits and visibility levels. This is a significant revenue stream with extensive corporate participation.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

CHLI is a nonprofit organization that places Hispanic college students in paid internship and fellowship programs in Congressional offices and corporate legislative affairs departments in Washington, D.C. The organization operates multiple leadership development programs including the Global Leaders Internship, Communications Fellowship, Summer Law Fellowship, and Lincoln Diaz-Balart Public Service Fellowship, alongside annual events such as the Future Leaders Conference, Global Trade Symposium, and Annual Gala.

Product overview

CHLI is a non-profit organization offering a portfolio of leadership development programs including the Global Leaders Internship Program (semester-long Congressional and corporate placements), Communications Fellowship (for recent graduates), Summer Law Fellowship (in partnership with University of Miami School of Law), and Lincoln Diaz-Balart Public Service Fellowship. The organization also hosts the Congressional Public Policy Briefing Series, Future Leaders Conference, and Global Trade Symposium as ongoing programs. Annual events include the Gala and Leadership Awards ceremony. Recognition programs feature the Stephen D. Vermillion III Congressional Staff Appreciation Award and Wendy Martinez Alumni Community Engagement Award. The CHLI Alumni Association, founded in 2016, provides ongoing professional networking for program graduates. The organization has funded more than $10 million in educational programs and placed over 300 alumni.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Global Leaders Internship Program: A semester-long internship program featuring placement in Congressional and corporate legislative affairs offices in Washington D.C.
• Communications Fellowship Program
• Summer Law Fellowship
• Lincoln Diaz-Balart Public Service Fellowship
• Wendy Martinez Award and Scholarship
• Stephen D. Vermillion III Congressional Staff Appreciation Award
• Future Leaders Conference
• Global Trade Symposium
• Congressional Public Policy Briefing Series

Products and services

• Global Leaders Internship Program A semester-long internship program placing Hispanic college students in Congressional and corporate legislative affairs offices in Washington D.C., providing paid stipends, housing on Capitol Hill, and hands-on experience with project-based public policy programs.
• Communications Fellowship Program A paid fellowship providing recent college graduates opportunities to assist in executing CHLI's communication and marketing strategies, developing understanding of federal government functions and non-profit structure.
• Summer Law Fellowship A two-month summer fellowship program for law students from across the U.S. including Puerto Rico, providing hands-on legal experience in Washington D.C. law firms, lobbying firms, and corporations.
• Lincoln Diaz-Balart Public Service Fellowship Fellowship offering college graduates the opportunity to travel to Washington D.C. to establish their career in public service, with placement in Congressional offices, monthly stipend, housing, and transportation allowance.
• Congressional Public Policy Briefing Series Provides a platform for in-depth dialogues on current public policy issues affecting U.S. Hispanic and Portuguese communities, featuring Members of Congress, government officials, and experts from private and public sectors.
• Future Leaders Conference Annual conference for college students, interns, and young professionals in Washington D.C. focusing on leadership development and Hispanic community advancement.
• Global Trade Symposium Annual symposium focusing on economic security, trade leadership, and hemispheric partnerships, connecting public service, corporate, civic, and congressional leaders.
• Annual Gala and Leadership Awards Annual event honoring leaders in public service and international relations, featuring awards including CHLI Founders International Leadership Award, Leadership in Public Service Award, and Ambassador Award.
• CHLI Alumni Association Association founded in 2016 to help CHLI alumni reach professional goals, connecting nearly 300 accomplished alumni nationwide and abroad pursuing careers in corporate, nonprofit, and government sectors.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 300 alumni working across corporate, nonprofit, and government sectors
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

53 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• University of Miami School of LawcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEstablished partnership in 2020 to create the Summer Law Fellowship program, providing law students from across the U.S. including Puerto Rico with hands-on legal experience in Washington D.C. law firms, lobbying firms, and corporations.
• Florida International University (FIU)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFIU partners with CHLI for the Annual CHLI Tech Talk and hosts FIU-DC facilities for public policy briefings. FIU is a key university partner for student recruitment and program delivery.
• The Washington Center (TWC)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with The Washington Center for providing Summer 2026 CHLI Administrative Interns, combining TWC's internship placement infrastructure with CHLI's leadership development programs.
• AARPminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor of CHLI programs, supporting the organization's mission to advance Hispanic community leadership development.
• AltriacoreGTM or Marketing PartnerKey corporate sponsor with John Hoel serving as Chair of Governance Committee on CHLI's Board of Directors. Altria hosts the New Congress Welcome Reception for CHLI interns.
• AmazoncoreGTM or Marketing PartnerMajor corporate sponsor supporting CHLI programs including the Future Leaders Conference and Global Trade Symposium. Miguel E. Mendoza represents Amazon on CHLI's Advisory Council.
• American AirlinesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor of CHLI programs supporting Hispanic leadership development initiatives.
• American Beverage AssociationminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTrade association sponsor supporting CHLI's mission and programs.
• AppleminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor with Jeff Dobrozsi serving on CHLI's Advisory Council.
• AstraZenecaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor supporting CHLI programs.
• Bank of AmericaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMentor sponsor of CHLI Gala with Matthew Gomez serving on Advisory Council.
• Bristol Myers SquibbcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPlatinum sponsor of the 22nd Annual Gala and Leadership Awards.
• Capital OneminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSilver sponsor of CHLI programs with Ryan O'Connor serving on Advisory Council.
• ChevroncoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor with Debbie Marshall serving on CHLI's Board. Hosts Lunch & Learn sessions with Government Affairs team for CHLI interns.
• CitiminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor with Kylie Patterson serving on CHLI's Advisory Council. Partner announced 'Blueprint for Housing Opportunity' initiative.
• Coca-ColacoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPlatinum sponsor of 22nd Annual Gala with Jennifer Zinicola serving on CHLI's Board. Sponsor of Hispanic Consumer & Constituent Insights Forum.
• Comcast NBCUniversal TelemundocoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPlatinum sponsor of 22nd Annual Gala with Leo Muñoz serving as Secretary on CHLI's Board.
• Corteva AgriscienceminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of Future Leaders Conference with Karis Gutter serving on Advisory Council.
• Delta Air LinesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor with Melissa Alvarado serving on CHLI's Advisory Council.
• Dell TechnologiesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of Hispanic Consumer & Constituent Insights Forum with Francesca Jordan serving on Advisory Council.
• Dominion EnergyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor with Maria Pia Tamburri serving on Advisory Council.
• DoorDashminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSupporting sponsor with Katherine Rodriguez serving on Advisory Council. Partner sharing industry insights through CHLI's From Partners section.
• Edison Electric InstituteminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTrade association sponsor with Kwame Canty serving on CHLI's Advisory Council.
• FedExminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor with Lance Mangum serving on Advisory Council.
• Ford Motor CompanycoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate Board member with Yisel Cabrera serving on CHLI's Board. Released 2024 Ford Philanthropy Impact Report.
• Gates FoundationminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of Hispanic Consumer & Constituent Insights Forum with Megan McCafferty serving on Advisory Council.
• General MotorsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSilver sponsor with Noel Perez serving on CHLI's Board.
• GoogleminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSilver sponsor of CHLI programs.
• HaleonminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSilver sponsor with Jonathan Martinez serving on Advisory Council.
• Home DepotcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerSilver sponsor with Heather Kennedy serving on CHLI's Board. Previously placed CHLI interns in Government Relations team.
• InstacartminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor with Belinda Garza serving on Advisory Council.
• IntuitminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSilver sponsor with Brian McCullough serving on Advisory Council.
• Johnson & JohnsonminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBronze sponsor with Larry Camm serving on CHLI's Advisory Council.
• KKRminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSilver sponsor of CHLI programs.
• LIBRE InitiativeminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMentor sponsor with Sandra Benitez participating in Future Leaders Conference.
• MarsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSupporting sponsor of Global Trade Symposium.
• Molson CoorsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor with Lacey Golonka serving on Advisory Council.
• OportunminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBronze sponsor with Ezra Garrett serving on Advisory Council.
• Pacific Gas and ElectricminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSilver sponsor with Yvonne McIntyre serving on CHLI's Board.
• PepsiCominorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor with Sarah Towles serving on Advisory Council.
• PfizercoreGTM or Marketing PartnerMentor sponsor with Francisco Carrillo serving on CHLI's Advisory Council. Sponsor of Hispanic Consumer & Constituent Insights Forum.
• Philip Morris InternationalminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor with Diego Zambrano serving on Advisory Council.
• ReworldminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMentor sponsor with Damon Dozier serving on Advisory Council.
• ServiceNowminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of Global Trade Symposium with Combiz Abdolrahimi serving on Advisory Council.
• TargetcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerSilver sponsor of Global Trade Symposium with Isaac Reyes serving on CHLI's Board.
• T-MobileminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGold sponsor with Joanna Diaz Soffer serving on Advisory Council.
• Tyson FoodsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor with Nora Venegas serving on Advisory Council.
• United Health GroupcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerSilver sponsor with Emily Benavides serving on CHLI's Advisory Council.
• UPScoreGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of Global Trade Symposium with Maria Luisa Boyce serving as Treasurer on CHLI's Board.
• VerizoncoreGTM or Marketing PartnerSilver sponsor with Laura Berrocal serving on CHLI's Board. Announced $5 billion commitment to uplifting small businesses.
• WalmartcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerSilver sponsor with Allie White serving on CHLI's Board.
• WaymominorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor with Stefania Yanachkov serving on Advisory Council.
• Wells FargominorGTM or Marketing PartnerGold sponsor with Ruben Barrales serving on CHLI's Advisory Council.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• UnidosUS: UnidosUS (formerly National Council of La Raza) is the largest Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the US, with substantially broader programming across policy, education, and economic issues. Operates adjacent Hispanic leadership development mission but at much larger scale.
• LULAC (League of United Latin American Citizens): LULAC is one of the oldest and largest Hispanic advocacy organizations in the US, with active youth leadership programs and educational initiatives. Comparable in serving Hispanic community advancement but with broader civil rights and policy scope.

Direct peers

• Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities: HACU represents Hispanic-Serving Institutions and runs internship programs placing students in federal agencies and corporate partners. Comparable in its Hispanic higher education pipeline mission and federal/corporate partnership model.
• Congressional Black Caucus Foundation: CBCF operates an analogous model targeting a different minority demographic—founded by Congressional members, runs internship/fellowship programs, hosts an Annual Legislative Conference, and awards Congressional staff recognition. The structural parallel makes it a key model comparison.
• The Washington Center: TWC is a leading Washington DC-based internship and academic program provider that places college students in Congressional, federal, and corporate settings. CHLI actually partners with TWC for Summer 2026 administrative intern placements, indicating overlapping program infrastructure.
• National Hispanic Institute: NHI is a Hispanic youth leadership development nonprofit running the Latino Student Summit and college pipeline programs. Operates a similar Hispanic college student leadership development mission with comparable programming scale.
• Association of Latino Professionals For America: ALPFA is a national Latino professional association focused on career development, leadership, and corporate pipeline access for Hispanic professionals. Comparable in serving Hispanic professional advancement with strong corporate sponsor relationships.
• Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute: CHCI is the closest direct peer—also a Hispanic-focused leadership development organization founded by Members of Congress that runs internship and fellowship programs placing Hispanic college students in Washington DC. Both organizations pursue overlapping missions, alumni networks, and Congressional relationships.
• Hispanic Scholarship Fund: HSF is the nation's largest not-for-profit organization supporting Hispanic higher education, providing scholarships, leadership programs, and career services. Operates in the same Hispanic college student leadership development space with similar corporate sponsor relationships.

Emerging players

• Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund: APIA Scholars is a minority-focused scholarship and leadership development nonprofit serving Asian American and Pacific Islander college students. Operates a structurally similar model (minority scholarship + leadership pipeline + corporate sponsors) but for a different demographic.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/TheCHLI
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCsAOG1LPL3WL_GRoqAVEZbw
• Facebookfacebook.com/TheCHLIonFB
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/congressional-hispanic-leadership-institute
• Instagraminstagram.com/thechli

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles14 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute