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.
2023-2024 Board of Directors
Ruby Robles
President Ruby Robles is the President of the Congressional Hispanic Staff Association. Before being elected to this position, she served as CHSA's Vice President and Acting Communications Director. In the U.S. Senate, Ruby serves as the Press Secretary for Senator Elizabeth Warren. Previously, she worked at Warren for President and in the offices of former Congressman and now the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Gil Cisneros, and for Representatives Nanette Diaz Barragan and Norma J. Torres. She grew up in Los Angeles, California, and is a graduate of California State University, Dominguez Hills.
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Silvia Ruelas
Vice President Silvia Ruelas, a native of the Coachella Valley in Southern California, is the Vice President of CHSA. Before being elected as Vice President, she served as CHSA’s Secretary, Chief of Staff, and Programming Director. Silvia is a 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 classic ancient Greek literature.
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Aaron Campos
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Brian Garcia
Communications Director Brian Garcia, a native of Northern Virginia, is the Communications Director & Spokesperson for the Congressional Hispanic Staff Association. He currently serves as Communications Director for Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-52). He formerly served as Press Secretary for Rep. Sylvia Garcia (TX-29) and as Communications Director for Fairfax County Supervisor James Walkinshaw.
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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 as the State and District engagement Director for for the Congressional Hispanic Staff Association.
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Jose Garcia
Recruitment Director Brief Bio
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Celeste Acevedo
Professional Development Director Celeste Acevedo (she/hers) was born and raised in El Paso, Texas. Celeste currently serves as Congressman Joaquin Castro’s Legislative Assistant and Legislative Counsel. She received her B.A. in Communications from the University of Texas at El Paso, and received her J.D. at The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law. In her role, she hopes to reach Latinos in both chambers, in both parties, and across all levels of seniority to help them reach their professional goals.
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Leonardo Mendoza Bernuy
Social Events Director Leonardo was born in Lima, Peru, and immigrated to Houston, Texas, at the age of thirteen. Currently, he serves as the Social Events Director 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 Aide 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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Itzel Hernandez
Placement Director Itzel Hernandez has dedicated her career to public service through roles in community organizing, education and government. She currently serves as a staff member to Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries. As the Placement Director for the Congressional Hispanic Staff Association, she seeks to build a workforce that reflects the diversity of the American people. Itzel is a proud daughter of Mexican immigrants and is a first-generation graduate of the University of Utah. She is an alumna of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute Public Policy and Trabajadoras Fellowships.
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Alexander Ascencio
Treasurer Alex is currently serving on his second term as Treasurer for the Congressional Hispanic Staff Association. He has also served as CHSA's Acting Communications Director as a Deputy. He currently serves U.S. Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona, a state near and dear to his heart. Originally from Mexico, Arizona was his first home in the United States, before moving to California and growing up there. Before making the jump to the Senate side, Alex worked for Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton of Washington DC, in the House of Representatives. Before that, Alex had his first experiences on the Hill as part of the Congressional Relations Team at the United States Institute of Peace. Alex is a graduate of Georgetown University, where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Government & History. Furthermore, he earned his Master's Degree from University College London, in the UK.
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Dagoberto De Jesus Acevedo
Digital Director Dagoberto De Jesus Acevedo, a native of Cojutepeque, El Salvador, is the Digital Director for the Congressional Hispanic Staff Association, formerly serving as the Communications Director and Spokesperson. In the People’s House, he is a part of U.S. Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley’s (MA-07) communications team. Dagoberto has also served the U.S. Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35) and U.S. Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) in the House. Dagoberto graduated with his Master of Public Administration from the Trachtenberg School of Public Policy and Public Administration at the George Washington University. |
Questions? Want to contact a board member? Email chsa.dc@gmail.com.