The Purple Line

The Purple Line: Episode 53 with Maria Luisa Boyce

Maria Luisa Boyce serves as Vice President of Global Public Affairs for UPS, where she advances logistics, trade compliance, customs policy, and government affairs across Latin America. Born in Bogotá, Colombia, she grew up across five different Latin American countries—Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Ecuador, and Honduras—where her parents still reside. She later lived for 14 years in Phoenix, Arizona, before making Washington, DC her home. A graduate of Universidad Externado de Colombia, where she studied finance and international relations, Maria began her career in banking before spending a decade leading the Border Trade Alliance, a not-for-profit representing over a million constituents along the U.S.-Mexico and U.S.-Canada borders. She then transitioned into government service at U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), serving as Senior Advisor to the Commissioner and Small Business Ombudsman as a political appointee. After more than seven years at CBP, she joined UPS, where her deep expertise at the intersection of the private and public sectors now informs her work on trade facilitation, compliance, and international programs. Maria currently serves as Treasurer on the CHLI Board and is a strong advocate for mentorship, bipartisanship, and leading with professional skills and expertise rather than personal labels. She is also actively involved in supporting programs like the Women Exporter Program, helping women entrepreneurs gain access to international trade opportunities.

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.