HLA Announces Advisory Council to Strengthen Leadership and Advance Mission

Washington, D.C., July 21, 2025 – The Hispanic Lobbyists Association (HLA) is proud to announce the creation of its inaugural Advisory Council to provide guidance to the organization’s strategic direction and support its mission of empowering Hispanic professionals in government relations and public affairs.

 

The Advisory Council will be made up of former HLA presidents, founders, and former board members who have each played a meaningful role in shaping HLA. The Advisory Council will serve in an advisory capacity, offering perspectives on programming, partnerships, and organizational priorities.

 

“At HLA, we stand on the shoulders of the leaders who built this organization,” said Ivelisse Porroa Garcia, President of HLA. “The creation of our Advisory Council ensures we continue to benefit from their expertise and commitment to our mission as a non-profit, non-partisan association.”

 

The 2025-2026 Advisory Council includes Estuardo Rodriguez, Cristina Antelo, Omar Franco, Larry Gonzalez, Liz Lopez, and Lucia Alonzo, all of whom have served as HLA Presidents since its founding in 2006 and have played a meaningful role in shaping the organization and advancing opportunities for Hispanic professionals in the field.

 

“As the founding President of HLA, it has been incredible to watch the organization grow and thrive under new generations of Latina and Latino government affairs professionals,” said Estuardo Rodriguez, former President. “The organization’s focus on building a support network for Hispanic professionals in this critical industry is needed now more than ever, and I am honored to once again serve as a partner in our shared goals.”

 

“With over twenty years of lobbying experience and as the founder of a successful Latina-led lobbying firm, I hope I can continue to be a resource for not only HLA, but for new Hispanic lobbyists and advocates as well," said Cristina Antelo, former President.

 

“I am honored to join the Advisory Council to help bolster strategic continuity and guide, mentor, and support current leadership,” said Omar Franco, former President.

 

“As a co-founder of HLA, it is exciting to return and offer decades of experience to an organization created to ensure that the growing pool of Hispanic talent has a level playing field and opportunities to showcase their abilities in the government relations and lobbying profession,” said Larry Gonzalez, former President.

 

“I am excited to join HLA’s Advisory Council and support its leadership as it continues to forge pathways to empower and elevate its growing network of talented Hispanic government relations professionals,” said Liz Lopez, former President.

 

“I’m thrilled to continue serving HLA as an advisor, supporting a rising generation of leaders in our community and profession,” said Lucia Alonzo, former President.

 

Since its founding, HLA has worked to increase Hispanic representation and influence in the government relations profession by providing mentorship, professional development, and opportunities for our members to lead and grow. Forming the Advisory Council is the next step in ensuring HLA remains sustainable and mission-driven in the years ahead.

 

For more information about HLA and its programs, please visit https://www.hispaniclobbyists.org/

 

About the Hispanic Lobbyists Association (HLA):

The Hispanic Lobbyists Association is a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to advancing and empowering Hispanic/Latino professionals in government relations and public affairs through mentorship, professional development, and networking opportunities.