The Purple Line

CHLI
  • 5.0 (7)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

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).

  1. The Purple Line: Episode 50 with Patrick Herrera

    JAN 29

    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.

    24 min
  2. The Purple Line: Episode 49, Leonardo Mendoza-Bernuy

    JAN 22

    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.

    28 min
  3. The Purple Line: Episode 48, Jonathon Martinez and Haleon’s Commitment to Community Health

    12/18/2025

    The Purple Line: Episode 48, Jonathon Martinez and Haleon’s Commitment to Community Health

    It’s no coincidence that Jonathan Martinez, Haleon’s Head of U.S. Federal Affairs, serves on CHLI’s Advisory Council. With deep roots in Washington, D.C., Jonathan brings decades of public policy experience and a shared commitment to service that aligns seamlessly with Haleon’s mission to advance everyday health. As the inaugural sponsor of the Purple Line Podcast, Haleon continues to demonstrate its dedication to community well-being through trusted consumer brands like Sensodyne, Aquafresh, Centrum, and Benefiber—empowering healthier lives at every stage. Tune in as Jonathan highlights the company’s impactful initiatives supporting oral health in underserved communities. CHLI is proud to partner with Haleon and celebrate the meaningful work they do to give back.

    24 min
  4. The Purple Line: Episode 47 with Ivelisse Porroa-Garcia

    11/20/2025

    The Purple Line: Episode 47 with Ivelisse Porroa-Garcia

    Ivelisse Porroa-Garcia serves as the current President of the Hispanic Lobbyists Association and is the Senior VP at Crossroads Strategies—two important organizations that are thriving due, in part, to her dedication and passion. Ivelisse’s dedication and passion are apparent in every aspect of her life, including in her journey from Lima, Peru to the lecture halls of UCLA and from the successful campaign of Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz to the leadership position in Senator Barbara Boxer’s staff. Join us as we explore the hard-fought successes—and trying setbacks—of one of Washington, DC’s most successful lobbyists… and advocates for the Hispanic professionals working in our nation’s capital.

    40 min
  5. The Purple Line: Episode 46 with Jason León

    10/30/2025

    The Purple Line: Episode 46 with Jason León

    Jason Leon continues to take the “path less taken”. Born and raised in Bronx, New York, Jason’s parents hail from Puerto Rico. After realizing that his Spanish needed a little improving and that he need to better understand his roots, Jason left Bronx after high school and studied at the American University of Puerto Rico. Upon receiving his CPA Jason became a civil servant as the CFO of small pueblo in Puerto Rico. Jason eventually returned home to New York where he got his Masters in Public Administration from Baruch College. Jason’s path is now in the service of exceptional corporate and nonprofit governance—as the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Executives & Boards in Washington, DC where his commitment and energies are now focused on developing exceptional Board officers and principled corporate leadership.

    33 min
  6. The Purple Line: Episode 45 with Laura Maristany

    09/30/2025

    The Purple Line: Episode 45 with Laura Maristany

    Laura Maristany believes in giving credit where credit is due. Having moved from her beloved Puerto Rico to work on Capitol Hill, Laura quickly learned the value of collaboration, reaching across aisles, and yes, even compromise. She even quipped, her superpower is working well with others—even if they don’t agree on everything… and to share credit. This is very good. After Capitol Hill Laura worked in the private sector where she honed her leadership and management expertise. Laura’s latest venture is called Katch Skills, a technology platform which collects, and gives credit for, everyday learning and experiences allowing individuals to augment resumes, improve careers, and better capture their knowledge and skill sets. This is very good. Join us, as we give credit to Laura Maristany for contribution to CHLI and our community.

    31 min
  7. The Purple Line: Episode 44 with Heather Kennedy

    08/28/2025

    The Purple Line: Episode 44 with Heather Kennedy

    Heather Kennedy has proudly worn the Home Depot orange apron for over 25 years. What has kept Heather so committed to Home Depot—and Home Depot committed to Heather? It’s their combined commitment to growth and hard work. From her first position at Home Depot as a Government Relations Manager at the corporate offices in Atlanta, to opening Home Depot’s Washington’s Government Relations office, and her rise to Vice President of Government Relations and External Communications, Heather always says “Yes” to new challenges… then figures out how to deliver successful solutions. Watch as the Purple Line Podcast as Heather discusses her career, education, generous mentors, and her commitment to service… all while wearing her orange apron.

    34 min
  8. The Purple Line: Episode 43 with Stephen Halloway

    07/31/2025

    The Purple Line: Episode 43 with Stephen Halloway

    Stephen Halloway is a Badger through-and-through. Before he got his undergraduate degree at the University of Wisconsin-Madison… he was also born there, at the UW Madisen Hospital. Stephen believes in, and has dedicated his career to, public service. Following in his father’s footsteps—who was an attorney, judge, and union leader—Stephen also has a legacy of serving. Not only is Stephen a Senior Advisor to CHLI, he also serves on the Board of Advisory Board at the National Collegiate Conference Association, is a Director at Center for Legislative Management at the International Law Institute, and is a Senior Advisor at the World Bank. What advice does Stephen give to those starting their careers in Washington, DC—his answer might change your own careers path.

    19 min
See All (53)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

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).

Information

  • Creator
    CHLI
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    53
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2019 Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute
  • Show Website
    The Purple Line