The Purple Line

The Purple Line: Encore Episode with John Hoel

In this encore episode of The Purple Line, Keith Hernandez sits down with CHLI Board Member John Hoel. He shares his journey of success that started with an internship. He also shares his points of view on diversity of thought, public and private sector work, and advice for people interested in a career in Washington, D.C. John Hoel is Director, Federal Government Affairs for Altria Client Services. John has served on the Board of Directors of the Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute since 2008. The Purple Line now streaming! Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/45AaqfL Spotify: https://spoti.fi/43cltdD About The Purple Line: The Purple Line is a community podcast, bringing in-depth conversations with diverse leaders in the public and private sectors. Tune in for conversations and roundtables with national and international influencers. Whether you are a student looking to gather advice or an established professional tuning in for valuable resources, our dynamic programming provides tips and insights for people of all ages and backgrounds. The Purple Line is produced by The Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute (CHLI).

The Purple Line: Episode 52 with Paola Arellano

Paola Arellano serves as Executive Business and Operational Manager at Rivet Industries, a technology and equipment company focused on protecting frontline workers and military personnel. She also serves as Vice President of Communications for the CHLI Alumni Association (CAA). Originally from El Paso, Texas, Paola was raised in a border community, living in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, and crossing daily into the United States for elementary school while her mother taught in El Paso. Experiencing both Mexican and U.S. systems firsthand sparked her early interest in public service and government. Paola earned her bachelor’s degree in political science, with a minor in communication studies, from St. Mary’s University. In 2022, she participated in CHLI’s Global Leaders Program, where she interned in the congressional office of former Representative Jenniffer González-Colón (now Governor of Puerto Rico) and in The Home Depot’s Washington Government Affairs Office. Prior to completing the program, she secured a full-time staff position in the office of Representative David Valadao (CA-21).

The Purple Line: Episode 51 with Omar Franco

The Purple Line Podcast features a conversation with Omar Franco, Partner and Chair of the Government Law & Lobbying Practice at Becker. Hosted by CHLI CEO, Mary Ann Gomez Orta, this episode explores Omar's Cuban-American heritage, growing up in Miami amid the socialist diaspora, and the formative lessons from his immigrant parents that shaped his views on the U.S., socialism, and public service. Omar recalls his years at Miami’s prestigious Christopher Columbus High School—including its unique culture and South Florida "cred". Omar reflects on his successful and unconventional career, the pivotal influence of his long-standing relationship with Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart. Finally, Omar reveals his pivotal role in establishing CHLI, with Rep. Diaz-Balart, and CHLI’s mission to foster bipartisan Hispanic engagement and diverse thought in public discourse.

The Purple Line: Episode 50 with Patrick Herrera

The CHLI Purple Line Podcast spotlights Patrick Herrera in an inspiring episode recorded in January 2026. Patrick, a proud third-generation Texan from Lubbock and Texas Tech graduate, serves as Senior Legislative Assistant for member of Congress and is President and Co-founder of the GOP Latino Staff Association. Patrick shares his path to Washington, DC, including his internship with Rep. Judge Carter, and details his current legislative portfolio. Patrick discusses the inspiration behind his family’s multi-generational commitment to service, the founding and future plans of the GOP Latino Staff Association, and his experiences leading a nonprofit as a young professional. The conversation also celebrates his 2025 achievements—earning a master’s in economics from Purdue University while working full-time and getting engaged—before exploring how networking, faith, and family have fueled his career and can guide the next generation of leaders in the nation’s capital.

The Purple Line: Episode 49, Leonardo Mendoza-Bernuy

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.