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.

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.
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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.

2021 Board of Directors

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​​Patricia Ordaz
President 

Patricia Ordaz is the President of the Congressional Hispanic Staff Association. She is also the Director of Outreach for the U.S. Senate Democratic Steering and Outreach Committee chaired by Senator Amy Klobuchar. Patricia has worked on Capitol Hill for over six years, serving as a legislative staffer to Senator Michael Bennet and then-Senator Kamala Harris. She made her way up to DC during college through a legislative internship through the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI). ​

Ruby Robles
​Vice President

Ruby Robles is the Vice President for the Congressional Hispanic Staff Association. Before being elected to this position, she served on the board as CHSA’s Acting Communications Director. In the United States Senate, she serves as Senator Elizabeth Warren’s Deputy Press Secretary. Previously, Ruby was the Social Media Content Coordinator on Senator Warren's presidential campaign, where she advised on Spanish content for the Senator's social media platforms and created content for Latino voter outreach. Prior to the campaign, Ruby worked as a communications aide for Congressman Cisneros in both his D.C. office and congressional campaign; and as a casework aide and intern for Representatives Norma J. Torres and Nanette Diaz Barragán, respectively, in their district offices. She is a graduate of California State University, Dominguez Hills. ​

Laura Muñoz Lopez
​Professional Development Director

Laura is originally from Colombia and migrated to the United States with her family at a very young age. She was raised in a mixed-status family in South Carolina, and currently resides in Maryland with her wife and two cats. Laura currently works for the Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus, Pete Aguilar, as a Member Services and Outreach Advisor. She started her career on the Hill in 2019 as a Judiciary Legislative Assistant for Rep. Greg Stanton (AZ-09).

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​Sade Nabahe
​Social Events Director

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Sade Nabahe is serving as the Social Events Director for the Congressional Hispanic Staff Association. In the United States Senate, she serves as a legislative aide for Senator Edward Markey (D-MA) and works on energy, environment, and climate policy issues. Previously, Sade worked as a research assistant where she investigated energy workforce issues related to deep decarbonization and advanced technological change. She is originally from Tucson, Arizona and is a graduate from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (B.S. in mechanical engineering, M.S. in Technology Policy).

Dagoberto Acevedo

Communications Director 

Dagoberto Acevedo, a native of Cojutepeque, El Salvador, is the Communications Director for the Congressional Hispanic Staff Association. In the U.S. House of Representatives, he serves as U.S. Congresswoman Norma Torres' (CA-35) Digital and Press Assistant. He also serves as the Communications Director for the Democratic Party of Virginia Latino Caucus (DLOV). Previously, he served U.S. Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) as her Social Media & Staff Assistant. Dagoberto graduated with his Master of Public Administration from the Trachtenberg School of Public Policy and Public Administration at the George Washington University. ​​

Alexander Ascensio

Treasurer 

Alex currently serves as the Treasurer for the Congressional Hispanic Staff Association. Prior to being elected to this position, Alex assisted CHSA's Acting Communications Director as a Deputy. He currently serves on the staff of 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 here in Washington DC, 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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Angelica Duque 
​Secretary

Angelica Duque (she/her) is a legislative assistant for a Missouri member of Congress. She is a first-generation graduate of the University of Miami, where she majored in Political Science and held minors in International Relations and Latin American studies. Angelica has worked on Capitol Hill for three years and hopes to continue working in government so that she can make a positive impact on society.
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Itzel Hernandez
​Placement Director

Itzel Hernandez is a staff member of the House Democratic Caucus Office, Chairman Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY). Before working in the U.S. House of Representatives, Itzel worked at national non-profits, the education sector and for the government of Utah. She is a passionate advocate who seeks to elevate professionals and provide the mentorship she lacked early in her career. Itzel is a proud first-generation graduate of the University of Utah. She is an alumna of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute and Trabajadoras Fellowships.

Jose Garcia
​Recruitment Director

Jose is the Education Staff Assistant for the Senate HELP Committee (Majority). He is a East Los Angeles native, who is a first-generation graduate of Assumption College, where he majored in Political Science, History and Spanish, as well as a Graduate Degree from the George Washington University. Jose has worked on the Hill for two years and hopes to continue working in government to be able to provide government by the people for the people.

Questions? Want to contact a board member? Email chsa.dc@gmail.com.