After earning a Master of Arts in Political Science from the University of Arizona, I was awarded a fellowships from the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI), which allowed me to intern with United States Representative Solomon P. Ortiz. Helping Congressman Ortiz represent the 27th Congressional district of Texas, I facilitated communication between legislators, researched a wide range of policy issues, and authored formal recommendations for key votes. My tenure on Congressman Ortiz was a formative part of my career and greatly informed my time serving in the Colorado House of Representatives. I am eternally grateful to the CHCI for providing me with such a significant opportunity. The CHCI is a nonprofit and nonpartisan leadership development organization for those of Hispanic descent. Through its efforts to promote higher education, provide important career development opportunities, and develop leadership skills, the CHCI hopes to foster new generations of Hispanic leaders. Five Hispanic members of Congress established the Congressional Hispanic Caucus in 1976 in order to effectively keep track of government efforts that affect Hispanics and ensure that all legislative, executive, and judicial actions met the needs of the Hispanic community. The nonprofit service-oriented educational institute associated with the Caucus was established two years later. By the mid-1980s, the Institute had expanded its reach beyond Congress to include important Hispanic business professionals and community leaders to bring new resources and expertise into the programs being developed to promote leadership within the national Hispanic community. Today, the CHCI continues to provide talented young Hispanics with incredible opportunities and resources to prepare them for leadership roles in government as well as an array of various professional fields.
Tags: CHCI, Colorado, Colorado House of Representatives, Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, Garcia, Hispanic, Michael, Michael Garcia
