Here to Lead

On this episode of Here to Lead, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) shares what it was like growing up in a family of public servants and how his parents' activism inspired him to get involved in his community and eventually run for Congress. He also talks about the work he is doing in Congress to change the Latino narrative in American media and push back against negative stereotypes.

On this episode of Here to Lead, Amanda Renteria walks us through her career pivots from working in the financial industry, to becoming a teacher, to becoming the first Latina Chief of Staff on Capitol Hill. She opens up about her run for political office, how the loss didn't equal a failure, and how understanding her "why" has been pivotal throughout her career

Dr. Ellen Ochoa shares her journey as one of the only women, and only Latina, in STEAM. Through hard work and perseverance, she made her way into our history books as the first Latina woman to go to space. Dr. Ochoa opens up about her career trajectory, her leadership philosophy, and her advice for the next generation of Latinos in STEAM.

Rep. Linda Sanchez never saw herself as a leader growing up but once she learned to operate as a leader, there was no stopping her. Throughout her career in Congress, she's broken a number of glass ceilings - paving the way not just for Latinas, but for all women to do the same.

In this episode of "Here to Lead" Congressman Darren Soto (FL-09) joins Marco Davis to talk about his journey from childhood in New Jersey to making a life in Florida, and his path to public service that led him to Congress.

• On this episode of "Here to Lead" Congressman and CHCI Advisory Council Member Pete Aguilar (CA-31) sits with host Marco Davis to talk about his life growing up in Southern California and what pushed him to run for his first elected office.

Congressman and CHCI Advisory Council Jesús "Chuy" García (IL-04) joins this episode to talk about his journey from growing up in Mexico to arriving in the Windy City of Chicago not knowing any English, to organizing and eventually representing his "barrio" in Chicago.

Ambassador to Spain and Andorra, Julissa Reynoso, joins this episode of Here to Lead where she shares her story as an immigrant in New York having to learn a new language. Through commitment, hard work, and discipline she later finds herself in some of the most powerful spaces in the country – and the world – as Chief of Staff to First Lady Jill Biden and an ambassador representing the U.S. overseas.

Secretary Miguel Cardona joins us for a candid conversation. He shares stories of growing up as a proud Puerto Rican in Meriden, Connecticut and how those roots led him to one of the most powerful institutions in our country. He explains how his biculturalism shaped him and what he's doing every day to ensure that all children, especially Latino children, succeed.

On this special episode, Marco Davis sits with three CHCI alumni who serve as Chiefs of Staff for Members of Congress: Sandra Alcala for Rep. Filemon Vela (TX-34), Bertha 'Bee' Alisia Guerrero for Rep. Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), and Gerardo Bonilla Chavez for Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14). Sandra, Bee and Gerardo share stories about their personal and professional journeys, their experiences as Latinos working for Members of Congress, and how participating in leadership programs like CHCI's has enriched their lives. Sandra, Bee and Gerardo also share powerful stories about how they experienced the attacks on the U.S. Capitol on January 6th, 2021.