Each year, CHCI accepts 20 percent of all applicants to the coveted R2L NextGen program. Through this grant, CHCI will develop dynamic online leadership and professional development tools – not only for those participating in R2L NextGen – but also for the more than 400 other emerging leaders who apply to the program.

“We have learned through our many years of existence that the younger we begin cultivating young Latino talent, the better. That is the reason we created a program specifically aimed at high school students, and it is also the reason we are extremely proud of this partnership with State Farm and iHeartMedia, so that we can reach even more outstanding high school students,” said Marco A. Davis, President and CEO, Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute. “Thanks to State Farm and iHeartMedia, we will continue to educate, empower, and connect with a new generation of Latino leaders throughout the country.”

Rich Garcia, State Farm HR&D Executive, said, “I’m proud of the commitment State Farm has with CHCI’s programs. Getting involved early and supporting the development of the next generation of Latino leaders is key to our mission. We want to foster an environment where young Latino leaders can grow and thrive in their careers and in their communities, and this program helps provide leadership tools and development to help them reach their goals.”

“As the nation’s leading audio company, we’re dedicated to expanding representation of the Latinx experience on our platforms,” said Conal Byrne, CEO of the iHeartMedia Digital Audio Group. “The work of community organizations like CHCI is critically important, and we’re grateful for partners like State Farm who join us in our mission to serve the full diversity of our country.”

About CHCI

The Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) is the premier Hispanic nonprofit and nonpartisan 501(c)(3) organization in the country dedicated to developing the next generation of Latino leaders®. CHCI provides leadership, public service, and policy experiences to outstanding Latino/a/x students and young professionals, and convenes Members of Congress, other public officials, corporate executives, nonprofit advocates, and thought leaders to discuss issues facing the nation and the Hispanic community.

About iHeartMedia, Inc.

iHeartMedia, Inc. [Nasdaq: IHRT] is the leading audio media company in America, reaching over 250 million people each month. It is number one in both broadcast and digital streaming radio as well as podcasting and audio ad tech and includes three business segments: The iHeartMedia Multiplatform Group; the iHeartMedia Digital Audio Group; and the Audio and Media Services Group. Visit iHeartMedia.com for more company information.

For the first time in the history of the ground-breaking program, participants came from a national selection pool. With over 500 applicants and 120 selected students participating, this marks the largest R2L NextGen Program in CHCI’s history.

NextGen is designed to be an empowering, reflective and life-changing experience for the next generation of Latinx leaders.

From July 6-30, students will participate in virtual leadership development activities, including:

• US Government and Policy Development Trainings
• Resume Building and Personal Statement Workshops
• Higher Education, Mentoring, and Career Panels
• Social Identity, Power, and Privilege Workshops

Students will also meet with key experts/presenters from the PEW Research Center and Close Up Foundation during the virtual program.

As part of the program, State Farm offers a resume-building workshop. The workshop covers the basics including structure, the professional summary, formatting and how to highlight their achievements. Talent Acquisition Specialist Edgar Butler conducted the session in 2020 and looks forward to helping the students again this year.

“They learn how to maximize their experience and present it on paper, so they can stand out and be deemed as a competitive candidate for opportunities,” he said.

State Farm is proud to partner with CHCI, the nation’s premiere Latino leadership development organization, to support the NextGen program.

Students from the 2020 R2L NextGen program said it gave them education, fresh perspective – and inspiration.

“Some of us grew up with people who looked like us, but some of us didn't,” said Dani De La Cruz from Dallas. “It’s also a community where everyone is striving for the same thing: a better Latinx experience/community here in the States.”

Nayeli Amoles from Detroit said the program boosts skills and confidence. “It really inspired me to go after more opportunities such as this one, as I believe it not only helps my resume, but also helps me grow as a person by allowing me to see things from a different point of view and develop my collaboration skills.”

Their fellowships began “during a tumultuous time.” They had just arrived two weeks before the 9-11 attacks in New York City and Washington, D.C., their new hometown.

“The attacks set a tone for the year. The event gave me a great sense of appreciation for every opportunity during our time in the city,” shared Zoraima. “CHCI provided an intellectually-rich environment for each of us to explore and learn from each other and our other fellows.”

Both Zoraima and Chris felt their time at CHCI put them on their path to success, service…and love.

“The CHCI experience had a tremendous impact on my personal and professional trajectory,” Chris explained. Following his time as a CHICI, he went on to the Kennedy School of Government and Boston University School of Law. “My placement at Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund was the first time I had ever worked with an attorney.”

Fourteen years later, the couple is back in Texas (Brownsville). They married and now have two young sons. Today, Chris is serving his community and country as an attorney with the federal government.

“… [The CHCI] experience must have planted a seed in my mind to…have a career in public service and become the first attorney in my family,” Chris expanded. “I even learned about my current position through a fellow CHCI alumnus.”

Zoraima is now the La Puerta Program Manager for the Community Development Corporation of Brownsville. She assists low-income working families to achieve financial stability and get a home.

The couple are equally committed to their community as they are to their family.

“As working professionals with young children, our days are often a blur. We attempt to balance between birthday parties and board room meetings,” Zoraima explained.

Ultimately, they want to pass along their legacy of leadership and service to their sons. They want to create opportunities for them and other children in their community.

“Our sons are a blessing from God, and we recognize that we are stewards of this great blessing,” Zoraima said. “We pray our sons will mature into wise and courageous men. That they always strive for excellence and have a heart to serve others.”

Chris and Zoraima are dedicated to building the next generation of Latino leaders. Their hard work and commitment represent the values and purpose of Hispanic Heritage Month.

“Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity for CHCI and everyone to celebrate the tremendous contributions our community has made and continues to make to this great nation,” said Domenika Lynch, CHCI President & CEO. “In a nation where one in four children is Latino, it is critical they see their own faces reflected in the history of our country.”

“We know the future success of America is directly tied to the success of Latinos,” Domenika continued. “This Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 we applaud the accomplishments of our alumni and the Latino community. We also encourage all Americans to join the more than 55 million of us commemorating National Hispanic Heritage Month.”