Notre Dame sophomore, Malyna '23 was chosen from to participate in 2L® NextGen Program, a week-long leadership and civic engagement program for current high school sophomores and juniors. Through the program, CHCI brings groups of Latino high school students to D.C. to learn about how the Federal Government works, meet Latino leaders across industries, visit historic monuments, and develop a deeper understanding of how they can create positive change in their communities. Due to COVID restrictions, this year's program will be held virtually. Malyna was chosen from hundreds of applicants from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.

"As a Latina, I recognize the lack of representation of my community in positions of leadership. This is why I applied to the R2L NextGen Program: a program by the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute that aims to develop the next generation of Latino/a/x leaders." shared Malyna.  "I have been selected to attend with students across the country to learn about civic engagement, government, issues facing the Hispanic community, and meet with elected officials. If not for the pandemic, I would be spending a month in Washington D.C., but this year I will be participating virtually. I am very excited for this opportunity to learn more about how policy is made and how I can advocate for my community. I hope to use my experience from this prestigious program and apply it to my community work through ND."