The Purple Line

Shaping Your Future in Washington, D.C.

Episode Summary

In this month’s episode, Keith Fernandez sits down with CHLI Award winners Emily Benavides, recipient of the Stephen D. Vermillion CHLI Congressional Staff Appreciation Award, and Tony Flores, recipient of the Wendy Martinez CHLI Alumni Community Engagement Award. They discuss their experience working on Capitol Hill and provide insight for future Hispanic leaders.

Episode Notes

In this month’s episode, Keith Fernandez sits down with CHLI Award winners Emily Benavides, recipient of the Stephen D. Vermillion CHLI Congressional Staff Appreciation Award, and Tony Flores, recipient of the Wendy Martinez CHLI Alumni Community Engagement Award. They discuss their experience working on Capitol Hill and provide insight for future Hispanic leaders.

Emily Benavides is a Republican communications operative, with extensive statewide and presidential campaign experience in national and Hispanic media. Benavides is currently serving as Ranking Member Rob Portman's Communications Director at the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, strategically advising him on his media presence in her home state of Ohio and nationwide.

Tony Flores was raised in the city of Anaheim, CA. As the first-generation son of Mexican immigrant parents, Tony is personally invested in issues revolving around social justice, equity, and community development. Tony transitioned into a new role as a Field Representative for the District Office of CA State Assemblymember Tom Daly. Tony also serves on the Parks and Recreation Commission for the City of Anaheim.