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MICHELLE MORENO-SILVA

Deputy Director of Hispanic Media, Office of Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer 

Age: 26

Heritage: Colombian

 

Notable Accomplishments: 

  •  2019 Latino National Security & Foreign Policy Next Generation Leader, Diversity in National Security Network and New America Foundation

  • 2018 Rhode Island Cherry Blossom Princess, State Society of Rhode Island and Blackstone Valley Tourism Council 

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Michelle Moreno-Silva is a bilingual political communications professional who has informed the dialogue around public policies at the local, state, and federal level. She has spent her career advocating for her community. 

 

Moreno-Silva was raised with an emphasis in education. Being placed in ESL courses at her elementary school, Moreno-Silva later went on to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts from the College of the Holy Cross and a Master of Professional Studies from Georgetown University. 

 

One of the most influential people in Moreno-Silva's life is her mother, Lastenia Silva. "My mom came to this country knowing no English, worked tirelessly to ensure we got by, and has supported every goal I have had," Moreno-Silva said. "When I'm successful in an endeavor, I attribute it to the values my mother instilled in me, and any success I have is hers as much as it is mine." Observing the struggle of a single immigrant mother in her own household propelled Moreno-Silva to become a public servant. 

 

While in undergrad, Moreno-Silva interned for Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA-2), Worcester Mayor Joseph Petty, and then Rhode Island State Senator Juan Pichardo. She was also selected to participate in the prestigious Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute program in Washington D.C., interning for Congressman David Cicilline (D-RI-1).

 

Following her graduation from College of the Holy Cross, Moreno-Silva took a risk and moved to Washington D.C., unemployed and in pursuit of continuing her public service. She obtained a job as a legislative correspondent in the office of Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), working on banking, housing, finance, and tax policy. At that time, she was only one of two Latinas in the U.S. Senate handling that policy portfolio. 

 

Reflecting on that experience, Moreno-Silva states, "it is shocking when you walk into your first meeting and quickly observe that no one looks like you. You may have doubts of belonging but as time advances you stop questioning your place. You meet colleagues committed to diversity, you acknowledge that your life experiences are valuable, and you realize that you have to help pave the way for the next Latino that comes behind you." 

 

Moreno-Silva currently serves as the deputy director of Hispanic media for Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, developing media strategies and executing press plans targeted at the Latino community. She interacts with hundreds of Latino stakeholders and reporters at major news outlets, including CNN en Español, Univision, Telemundo, and Remezcla, among others. 

 

In this capacity, Moreno-Silva has also focused her time on fighting for DACA recipients, developing a solution to the crisis in Venezuela, and ensuring that immigrant families are not separated. In addition, she ensured that Puerto Rico was provided with adequate resources to rebuild, following the devastation of Hurricane Maria. 

 

Moreno-Silva hopes to continue working to empower Latinos and to make a positive difference in her community. 

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