Washington, DC (August 10, 2005) –Wendy Martinez, of Greenacres, Florida, was one of eight university students selected who participated in the 2005 Ford Motor Company Congressional Hispanic Leadership Program this summer in Washington, DC.

First established in 2004 as a partnership between Ford Motor Company and the Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute (CHLI), this unique internship program placed university students of Hispanic and Portuguese descent in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate, as well as with the Federal Government and Ford Motor Company.

“Ford Motor Company CHLI Leadership program is an important internship program that allows college students to get a first-hand look at the internal workings of both the public and private sectors while being exposed to key Hispanic leaders and organizations,” said Octavio A. Hinojosa Mier, CHLI Executive Director.

In an effort to maximize their Washington DC experience, the interns also participated in professional leadership development workshops and gained exposure to key federal government agencies, non-profit organizations, and international organizations. The Ford CHLI Interns also had the opportunity to interact with Hispanic and Portuguese appointed and elected officials from across the country.

“With the increasing number of Hispanics residing in our country, we need bright, young minds to make a difference. CHLI, along with the Ford Motor Company, has opened the doors by selecting me as an intern on Capitol Hill,” said Wendy Martinez. Wendy worked in the Washington, D.C., office of Representative Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25) and is a senior at Florida Atlantic University—Wilkes Honors College. The Ford CHLI Internship program ran from June 13- July 22, 2005.

The Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute (CHLI) was founded to promote the positive advancement of Americans of Hispanic and Portuguese descent. Established in 2003, CHLI works to promote alternative approaches to challenges faced by over 40 million Hispanic Americans living in the United States today.

CHLI Contact: Melissa Buia
(202) 429-2033