CONGRESSIONAL HISPANIC LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE AND FORD MOTOR COMPANY SELECT INTERNS FOR THEIR LEADERSH

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release                                      Contact:            Mercy Viana Schlapp

May 31, 2007                                                                            703-470-4794

CONGRESSIONAL HISPANIC LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE AND FORD MOTOR COMPANY SELECT INTERNS FOR THEIR LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

WASHINGTON, DC – The Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute (CHLI) and Ford Motor Company proudly announce eight Hispanic university students who have been selected to participate in the Ford Motor Company-CHLI Leadership Program in Washington, DC.  This program provides an opportunity for exceptional university students to work in the legislative or executive branch of the federal government or in the private sector. 

The Ford Motor Company – CHLI Leadership Program offers invaluable insight to Hispanic students who want to gain first-hand experience on how the federal government works and public policy is shaped.  The interns work with appointed and elected officials from the different branches of government.

 “We are looking forward to working with such an exceptional group of students who are interested in learning about the political process,” said Congressman Diaz-Balart.  “The Ford Motor Company – CHLI Leadership Program provides opportunities to Hispanic university students who seek to gain experience in the public policy arena.”

“At Ford, empowering communities through innovative education is a top priority,” said Raquel “Rocky” Egusquiza, director of Community Development and International Strategy, Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services.  “This marks the fourth year of our partnership with CHLI, and we are proud of our role in the Ford Motor Company – CHLI Leadership Program, which gives young Americans of Hispanic and Portuguese descent the opportunity to participate in this unique leadership initiative.” 

CHLI is proud to announce the 2007 Ford Motor Company-CHLI interns:

Fernanda Brandao                                          Martha Elena Lopez  

Hometown: Boca Raton, FL                               Hometown: Miami, FL

University: University of Florida                          University: Florida International University

Melina Aguilar Colon                                     Thomas R. Mendez

Hometown: Mercedita, Puerto Rico                    Hometown: Houston, TX

University: Wesleyan University                         University: University of St. Thomas

Laura Farach                                                   Rafael Reyneri

Hometown: Miami, FL                                       Hometown: Miami, FL

University: University of Miami                          University: Boston College

Ivan A. Lopez                                                 Juan Carlos Robaina

Hometown: Austin, TX                                      Hometown: Miami, FL

University: St. Edward’s University                    University:  Florida International University