Rosa María Payá, human rights activist and leader of Cuba Decide

The Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute (CHLI) prepares, connects and honors leaders for their service. The global pandemic has altered the way we communicate, do business and celebrate. However, it is encouraging to see communities across our nation, and even around the world, coming together to support one another during this unprecedented global health crisis.  

CHLI has not been immune to the changes brought about by COVID-19 and as a not for profit organization, the safety and well-being of our CHLI Global Leader Interns, Communications Fellows as well as our staff, board and advisory members, CHLI alumni, and friends and family are paramount. All CHLI programs have successfully pivoted to virtual platforms providing for new ways for the CHLI familia and friends to connect. 

This year is CHLI’s 16th anniversary and in lieu of our traditional awards gala, we will come together to celebrate a virtual Evening of Gratitude on Wednesday, September 30th from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm Eastern.  As with our traditional Gala, we will engage with Members of Congress, elected and appointed officials, civic, international and diplomatic leaders as well as Fortune 500 executives. 

We are proud to honor Senator Roy Blunt and Representative Pete Aguilar with the CHLI Leadership in Public Service Award applauding their commitment to advancing the Hispanic community’s diversity of thought. Senator Blunt has represented Missouri for over a decade and throughout his public service career has demonstrated a deep commitment to his constituency as well as to our nation. Representing California’s 31st district, Representative Aguilar portrays the CHLI mission and values of hard work, higher education, and public service. 

This year, the CHLI Ileana Ros-Lehtinen International Leadership Award presented to Rosa María Payá, a human rights activist and leader of Cuba Decide, for her global advocacy and leadership. Rosa Maria travels worldwide as an advocate of human rights and democracy for the communist-controlled island of Cuba.   

We will also give thanks to the many sponsors, partners, and leaders who have supported CHLI this year. Our programs would not be possible without their contributions of time, expertise, and financial resources. 

RSVP today by visiting www.chli.org/gala, and join us for the 2020 CHLI Evening of Gratitude.

For more information, please contact:

Michelle Archilla Communications Director

Phone: 202-765-8800

Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute

Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute

The Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute (CHLI) is the premier organization founded by Members of Congress and corporate leaders to advance the Hispanic community's economic progress with a focus on social responsibility and global competitiveness. Founded in 2003, CHLI is a 501(c)3 non-profit and non-partisan organization. CHLI is dedicated to fostering a broad awareness of the diversity of thought, heritage, interests, and views of Americans of Hispanic and Portuguese descent.

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