Government & Politics

Washington, DC--(HISPANIC PR WIRE)--May 31, 2007--The Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute (CHLI) and Ford Motor Company proudly announce eight Hispanic university students who have been selected to participate in the Ford Motor Company-CHLI Leadership Program in Washington, DC. This program provides an opportunity for exceptional university students to work in the legislative or executive branch of the federal government or in the private sector.

The Ford Motor Company – CHLI Leadership Program offers invaluable insight to Hispanic students who want to gain first-hand experience on how the federal government works and public policy is shaped. The interns work with appointed and elected officials from the different branches of government.

“We are looking forward to working with such an exceptional group of students who are interested in learning about the political process,” said Congressman Diaz-Balart. “The Ford Motor Company – CHLI Leadership Program provides opportunities to Hispanic university students who seek to gain experience in the public policy arena.”

“At Ford, empowering communities through innovative education is a top priority,” said Raquel “Rocky” Egusquiza, director of Community Development and International Strategy, Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services. “This marks the fourth year of our partnership with CHLI, and we are proud of our role in the Ford Motor Company – CHLI Leadership Program, which gives young Americans of Hispanic and Portuguese descent the opportunity to participate in this unique leadership initiative.”

CHLI is proud to announce the 2007 Ford Motor Company-CHLI interns:

Fernanda Brandao
Hometown: Boca Raton, FL
University: University of Florida

Melina Aguilar Colon
Hometown: Mercedita, Puerto Rico
University: Wesleyan University

Laura Farach
Hometown: Miami, FL
University: University of Miami

Ivan A. Lopez
Hometown: Austin, TX
University: St. Edward’s University

Martha Elena Lopez
Hometown: Miami, FL
University: Florida International University

Thomas R. Mendez
Hometown: Houston, TX
University: University of St. Thomas

Rafael Reyneri
Hometown: Miami, FL
University: Boston College

Juan Carlos Robaina
Hometown: Miami, FL
University: Florida International University

The Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute is a 501(C)(3) not-for-profit and non-partisan organization dedicated to creating a broader awareness of the diversity of thought, heritage, interests and views of Americans of Hispanic and Portuguese descent.