I recently visited the National Hispanic Institute for an 85th birthday celebration in Texas where we honored Ernesto Nieto, NHI’s founder, with a Congressional Record proclamation.
Surrounded by students, NHI alumni, and mentors, I was reminded that NHI isn’t just an organization — it’s a family.
When I was 16 years old, I joined NHI. I didn’t know it at the time, but it would change everything.
At NHI’s Lorenzo de Zavala Youth Legislative program, I learned lessons that still guide me to this day: our culture is a source of strength, leadership comes from community, and when people come together, we can build power that no one can take away.
NHI is a major reason why I ran for Congress, and why we’ve been successful.
We didn’t have any of the conventional things you’re “supposed” to have when you run for office. No big donors, no party machine behind us. We had the concept of Nieto’s “Third Reality” — making your own breaks and not waiting for anyone’s permission.
That asset-based mindset — seeing our communities as powerful, not deficient — was instilled in me at NHI, and it helped shape the presence we have in our community.
And it’s why I fight the way I do in Congress: because I know firsthand what happens when you give young people the tools and confidence to lead. You change their lives.
I want every young person to feel what I felt at the National Hispanic Institute — that their voice matters and their future is worth our continued investment.
In solidarity,
Alexandria
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