In Memoriam: The Honorable Lincoln Diaz-Balart - A Titan of Leadership, Democracy, and Hispanic Advancement

WASHINGTON, March 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute Board of Directors, Advisory Council members, CHLI Alumni Association, and staff extend our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the Diaz-Balart family on the loss of our beloved, admired and respected Founder and Chairman Emeritus, The Honorable Lincoln Diaz-Balart.

Lincoln led the establishment of CHLI as the only bipartisan and bicameral leadership development organization in our nation's capital. For nearly a quarter of a century, Lincoln's visionary leadership elevated the CHLI mission of advancing the Hispanic community's diversity of thought. His unwavering determination, extraordinary persistence, and selfless dedication were the cornerstone of making CHLI the premier organization established by Members of Congress from both sides of the aisle that has to date positively impacted the lives of over 300 alumni from CHLI internship and fellowship programs.

Lincoln's legacy lives through the countless individuals whose lives he transformed. Including CHLI alumni who are currently thriving as elected public service officials, Congressional and federal government staffers, nonprofit and think tank leaders, and corporate executives. The success of every CHLI alum stands as an enduring testament to Lincoln's profound vision and relentless perseverance in creating a space for Hispanics of diverse points of view, political affiliations and perspectives to be recognized and empowered.

As a distinguished public servant and then as an influential private citizen, Lincoln passionately advocated for freedom and democracy in his homeland of Cuba with unmatched eloquence and moral clarity. He tirelessly educated others on the horrors and realities of communism, becoming a beacon of hope for those yearning for liberty. His deep love for his homeland was only comparable to his love for his adopted home in the United States, a nation whose democratic principles he championed with every fiber of his being.

Lincoln was a gentleman of the highest order, a brilliant scholar, and a man whose word was his unbreakable bond. His commanding presence, penetrating intellect, and statesman-like wisdom commanded respect in every room he entered. Our hearts are filled with immeasurable sorrow at his loss, but we know we will find solace and comfort as we witness his towering legacy live through those whose lives were marked indelibly by our teacher, mentor and friend.

May he rest in peace until we meet again in that place where freedom reigns eternal.

Quote from CHLI Chairwoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen:

"Lincoln was a force to be reckoned with. Whether it was showing our Congressional colleagues the reality of the communist devastation of our native homeland or helping our community, he put his all into every project. We will dearly miss his wit, extensive knowledge and timely quotes from one of his favorite authors. Thank you, brother, for all you did for our native Cuba, for this incredible organization that I now proudly lead that continues to advance and empower our communities across our wonderful country. We will miss your wise counsel, strategic thought, and inspiring words. May your memory be a blessing."

Quote from CHLI President and CEO Mary Ann Gomez Orta:

"Today we mourn the loss of our dear mentor and friend. Lincoln's eloquence, guidance and brilliance will be missed but the countless lessons we learned from him will continue to be a guiding light for CHLI and for me personally. I am thankful for every wise counsel I received from him as my boss, my mentor, and most importantly my friend. Godspeed to you Lincoln and my heartfelt condolences to all the Diaz-Balart family."

ABOUT CHLI:

The Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute (CHLI) is the premier organization founded by former Members of Congress to advance economic prosperity with a focus on social responsibility and global competitiveness. CHLI is dedicated to advancing the Hispanic community's diversity of thought and fostering a broad awareness of the heritage, interests, and views of Americans of Hispanic and Portuguese descent.

For more information about CHLI and its programs, please contact Mary Ann Gomez Orta, @[email protected]

SOURCE The Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute