About.The Congressional Hispanic Staff Association (CHSA) is an official, non-partisan, bicameral Congressional Staff Organization, recognized by the Committee on House Administration, whose mission is to recruit, retain, and advance Hispanic staffers in the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives.
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History
For over three decades, CHSA has served as a professional development catalyst, peer support system, and personal enrichment organization for numerous congressional staffers--Latino and non-Latino alike. As an official, non-partisan, bicameral congressional staff organization, recognized by the Committee on House Administration, CHSA's mission is to recruit, retain, and advance Hispanic Staffers in the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives.
CHSA continues to push for more diversity on Capitol Hill. Congressional staffers advise elected officials on issues affecting all Americans. From communicating with constituents to drafting legislation, staff plays a vital role in the operations, oversight, appropriations and policy decisions of the legislative branch. Because the duties of the legislative branch are so important to our nation, it is crucial to have all communities represented, so each have a voice in the process.
In an effort to promote career advancement, CHSA launched a new mentoring program that matches its members with senior staff and other experienced Hill professionals. In recent years, the organization has brought in distinguished speakers through the Trailblazers and Lideres initiative, which brings CHSA members face-to-face with decision-makers. It has also started a professional development series to help Hill members, and individuals wishing to get on Capitol Hill, improve their resumes, cover letters, and interview skills.
Through programming, members have had the opportunity to build professional, one-on-one relationships that help them advance their careers on Capitol Hill, and outside the Hill, to achieve their aspirations. As we celebrate the milestone of having the most Members of Congress of Hispanic descent, we look to make equally historic gains in the number of staffers.
CHSA continues to push for more diversity on Capitol Hill. Congressional staffers advise elected officials on issues affecting all Americans. From communicating with constituents to drafting legislation, staff plays a vital role in the operations, oversight, appropriations and policy decisions of the legislative branch. Because the duties of the legislative branch are so important to our nation, it is crucial to have all communities represented, so each have a voice in the process.
In an effort to promote career advancement, CHSA launched a new mentoring program that matches its members with senior staff and other experienced Hill professionals. In recent years, the organization has brought in distinguished speakers through the Trailblazers and Lideres initiative, which brings CHSA members face-to-face with decision-makers. It has also started a professional development series to help Hill members, and individuals wishing to get on Capitol Hill, improve their resumes, cover letters, and interview skills.
Through programming, members have had the opportunity to build professional, one-on-one relationships that help them advance their careers on Capitol Hill, and outside the Hill, to achieve their aspirations. As we celebrate the milestone of having the most Members of Congress of Hispanic descent, we look to make equally historic gains in the number of staffers.
2024-2025 Board of Directors
Silvia Ruelas
President Silvia Ruelas, a native of the Coachella Valley in Southern California, is the President of CHSA. Before being elected as President, she served as CHSA’s Vice President. Silvia is a Senior Legislative Assistant for Congresswoman Norma J. Torres in the House of Representatives. Previously, she worked as a Legislative Aide for Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. She is a graduate of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) with a B.A. in Political Science with a concentration in International Relations. In her free time, Silvia enjoys playing soccer, cooking traditional Mexican food, and reading.
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Leonardo Mendoza-Bernuy
Vice President Leonardo was born in Lima, Peru, and immigrated to Houston, Texas, at the age of thirteen. Currently, he serves as Vice President for the Congressional Hispanic Staff Association (CHSA). He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Houston, where he graduated summa cum laude with a B.S. in Economics. Following his graduation, Leonardo moved to Washington D.C. as part of a fellowship cohort. During his tenure, he interned for Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX) and Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL). He soon became an active member of the CHSA, which provided him with invaluable guidance in his job search in Congress. Leonardo commenced his congressional career as a Staff Assistant and, currently, is a Legislative Assistant for Congressman Ritchie Torres (NY-15). Additionally, Leonardo is a part-time graduate student at Georgetown University where he is pursuing a Masters of Public Policy.
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Erik Gomez
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Karla Rodriguez
Communications Director Karla Rodriguez is the Communications Director for the Congressional Hispanic Staff Association (CHSA). Growing up in Pasadena, Texas, Karla always wanted to make a difference in her community. As a first-generation student, she attended the University of Houston, where she studied Political Science and History and graduated with magna cum laude. Karla's dedication to public service led her to work with Texas State Representative Mary Ann Perez, Baker Ripley, and the Harris County Elections Administrator Office. These experiences helped her gain valuable insights into how she could serve her community better. In 2023, Karla was awarded the prestigious Hobby School of Public Affairs Leadership Award due to her unwavering commitment to public service. Currently, Karla is the Press Secretary for Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia. She began her career as a Leland fellow intern in Congresswoman Garcia's office and quickly rose through the ranks as her top media communicator. In her free time, she enjoys watching movies and going thrift shopping.
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Oriella Mejia
State & District Engagement Director Oriella Mejía is the oldest daughter to her immigrant parents from Chile and El Salvador. She grew up in Northern Virginia and currently serves U.S Senator Tim Kaine as his Northeastern Regional Director. Previously, she worked for U.S. Senator Mark R. Warner. Oriella is proud to serve as the Potomac District Parks and Recreation Commissioner for Prince William County.
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Brian Garcia
Recruitment Director Brian Garcia serves as Communications Director for the 42-Member Strong Congressional Hispanic Caucus. Now specializing in Latino communications, Brian actually got his start working as a construction worker for his dad’s small concrete company to finance the 6 months he worked as an unpaid intern in 2019 to become a Staffer in the Halls of Congress. On the CHSA Board, Brian now serves as Recruitment Director, and he aims to intensify efforts to attract staffers to join this wonderful association. He previously served as the association's spokesperson in his role as the Board’s Communications Director. Brian is also the Vice President of Communications on the CHCI National Alumni Association Board — a countrywide organization tasked with promoting visible and active Latino leadership.
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Daniela Mendoza
Professional Development Director Daniela was born in Mexico but grew up in Plano, TX. She currently serves as the Office Manager and Scheduler for Congressman Ted Lieu (CA-36). Previously, she worked in higher education at the University of Maryland and the University of Miami, where she assisted students in pursuing their passions while striving to provide an equitable environment for all students. Daniela is also a Teach for America alumna who previously taught 3rd-grade bilingual reading and language arts in Dallas, TX. She earned her undergraduate degree in English and Spanish from Texas Christian University and her education master's degree in higher education leadership from Southern Methodist University. In her free time, Daniela enjoys exploring new restaurants with friends, reading various books, catching up on movies, and experiencing musical theatre.
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Paolo Martinez
Social Events Director A proud local of Houston, Texas, Paolo Martinez currently serves as the Assistant to the Chief of Staff for U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-NM). Prior to joining Team Heinrich, Paolo attended the University of Texas at Austin. As a student, he interned in the Texas Legislature and with U.S. Senator Edward J. Markey (D-MA). Beyond the world of politics, Paolo has maintained a commitment to community and public service. He has worked as a vaccinator during the COVID-19 pandemic, an emergency room technician, and volunteer coordinator with the American Red Cross. Currently, Paolo volunteers as an emergency medical technician with a volunteer fire department in Maryland. In his free time, Paolo loves to cook and is working on smoking the perfect brisket.
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Michelle Galdamez
Placement Director Michelle Galdamez serves as the Placement Director of CHSA. Originally from Santa Tecla, El Salvador, Michelle immigrated to the Texas Panhandle at age 18 in pursuit of a better education. She is the Legislative Assistant handling health and leading labor issues for Senator Ben Cardin (D-Maryland). She was the 2022-2023 Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) Graduate Health Fellow in Congresswoman Robin Kelly’s office (IL-02). Prior to CHCI, Michelle also served as a Legislative Intern for Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) in the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee and completed a congressional internship in Congresswoman Veronica Escobar’s office. Michelle received a dual Master of Public Health (MPH) from the Texas Tech Health Sciences Center University and a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from Texas Tech University. She completed a bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences from West Texas A&M University. As Placement Director, she hopes to lead a comprehensive and unique approach to building a more diverse workforce in Congress.
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Ishmael Abuabara
Treasurer Ishmael Abuabara is from San Antonio, Texas with familial roots in Mexico, Colombia, and Palestine. As a legislative assistant for Congressman Castro, he covers Department of Defense affairs, energy and environment issues, and veterans affairs. Before joining Mr. Castro’s office, he was a program assistant at the German Marshall Fund. While studying at the University of Texas at San Antonio, Ishmael was a constituent services representative in the Office of Mayor Ron Nirenberg. Ishmael graduated with a B.A in Global Affairs in 2020. Ishmael was appointed to the ‘23 CHSA board as treasurer last December. He is now serving a full term as treasurer.
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Jose Puente
Digital Director
Digital Director
Jose Puente is originally from Ennis, TX, a small, rural town south of Dallas, where his passion for public service started. He was inspired by his grandmother’s service to the American Red Cross to help and give back to his community. He is a proud first-generation, low-income graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, where he graduated in May 2023 with a B.S. in Political Communication. Prior to working on the Hill, he worked as the fellow for the Texas AFT, the Texas state affiliate of the American Federation of Teachers, advocating for public education in the 88th Texas Legislature. Currently, he is the Communications Assistant for Congressman Greg Casar (TX-35). As Digital Director, Jose hopes to engage CHSA’s broad audience by showcasing the meaningful work CHSA members are doing everyday through social media posts. In his free time, you can catch Jose exploring D.C. or listening to the latest Ariana Grande song.
Questions? Want to contact a board member? Email chsa.dc@gmail.com.