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 language during a pivotal time in his life.

Leonardo expresses his gratitude to one inspired middle school teacher that transformed and renewed his dedication to learn English… and how this teacher taught him the value of a mentor and providing support.

Leonardo discusses earning his Master's in Public Policy from Georgetown University while working full-time as a legislative staffer for the U.S. House of Representatives and serving as the President of the Congressional Hispanic Staff Association (CHSA)—an organization supporting Hispanic staffers on the Hill—and how community engagement in Houston and DC, along with expanding networks, has been vital to his success.

He offers advice for future leaders arriving in Washington, emphasizing resilience, mentorship, and the power of community.

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 everyday health.

As the inaugural sponsor of the Purple Line Podcast, Haleon continues to demonstrate its dedication to community well-being through trusted consumer brands like Sensodyne, Aquafresh, Centrum, and Benefiber—empowering healthier lives at every stage.

Tune in as Jonathan highlights the company’s impactful initiatives supporting oral health in underserved communities. CHLI is proud to partner with Haleon and celebrate the meaningful work they do to give back.

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 her life, including in her journey from Lima, Peru to the lecture halls of UCLA and from the successful campaign of Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz to the leadership position in Senator Barbara Boxer’s staff. Join us as we explore the hard-fought successes—and trying setbacks—of one of Washington, DC’s most successful lobbyists… and advocates for the Hispanic professionals working in our nation’s capital.

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 University of Puerto Rico. Upon receiving his CPA Jason became a civil servant as the CFO of small pueblo in Puerto Rico. Jason eventually returned home to New York where he got his Masters in Public Administration from Baruch College. Jason’s path is now in the service of exceptional corporate and nonprofit governance—as the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Executives & Boards in Washington, DC where his commitment and energies are now focused on developing exceptional Board officers and principled corporate leadership.

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 if they don’t agree on everything… and to share credit. This is very good. After Capitol Hill Laura worked in the private sector where she honed her leadership and management expertise. Laura’s latest venture is called Katch Skills, a technology platform which collects, and gives credit for, everyday learning and experiences allowing individuals to augment resumes, improve careers, and better capture their knowledge and skill sets. This is very good. Join us, as we give credit to Laura Maristany for contribution to CHLI and our community.

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 the corporate offices in Atlanta, to opening Home Depot’s Washington’s Government Relations office, and her rise to Vice President of Government Relations and External Communications, Heather always says “Yes” to new challenges… then figures out how to deliver successful solutions. Watch as the Purple Line Podcast as Heather discusses her career, education, generous mentors, and her commitment to service… all while wearing her orange apron.

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 attorney, judge, and union leader—Stephen also has a legacy of serving. Not only is Stephen a Senior Advisor to CHLI, he also serves on the Board of Advisory Board at the National Collegiate Conference Association, is a Director at Center for Legislative Management at the International Law Institute, and is a Senior Advisor at the World Bank. What advice does Stephen give to those starting their careers in Washington, DC—his answer might change your own careers path.

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.

Daniel Garza began his public service career as congressional staff assistant for U.S. congressman Richard “Doc” Hastings and was later elected as councilman for the city of Toppenish, Washington in 1996. In 2001, he was tapped by the George W. Bush Administration to serve as Deputy Director of External and Intergovernmental Affairs in the Office of the Secretary at The Department of Interior. In 2004, Daniel was appointed to Associate Director of the Office of Public Liaison in the White House. In 2007, Daniel joined Univision to host and co-produce “Agenda Washington”, a weekly Spanish-language news talk show covering the issues impacting the U.S. Hispanic community. Mr. Garza was designated as one of Washington, D.C.’s “Influentials” by Congressional Quarterly Magazine in 2018, and in 2019, Daniel was named 1 of the 50 most influential voices in Washington DC, by The National Journal.

Garza currently serves as President of The LIBRE Initiative and resides in Mission, TX with his wife and three children.

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 will tell you two things: A meaningful and successful career doesn’t always travel in a straight line, and the importance of personal and professional networks. Join CHLI President & CEO, Mary Ann Gomez Orta as she interviews Dr. Rios and discuss her schooling, public service, and her deep gratitude to her mother and mentors.

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 fuels his mission to expand opportunity and elevate student success. With lifelong ties to FIU and a contagious “Go Panthers!” spirit, his story is a powerful testament to the impact of education, public service, and community-driven leadership.