Kevin Figueroa

Want to meet a staffer who makes homemade kimbap and co-founded a bipartisan staff association for immigrant and refugee communities?

Oh, you should talk to Kevin Figueroa!

Legislative Assistant

Sen. Michael Bennet

When Kevin was 11 years old, his mother had to self-deport. During one of the most difficult periods in his family's life, their Member of Congress stepped in and helped them navigate the casework process. That experience showed Kevin the real impact public servants can have on families facing crisis — and ultimately inspired his path to Capitol Hill. Years later, after the loss of his younger brother, Kevin nearly left the Hill altogether. Instead, he returned with a renewed sense of purpose, motivated by how proud his brother was of the work he was doing and the communities he serves.

Today, Kevin serves as a Legislative Assistant in Senator Michael Bennet's office. One of his favorite parts of Team Bennet is the office's commitment to casework, which helps Coloradans navigate federal agencies and resolve challenges during some of life's toughest moments.

Kevin got his start on the Hill as a Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) Fellow in Speaker Nancy Pelosi's office. The experience opened doors, introduced him to lifelong friends, and confirmed that public service was where he wanted to build his career.

Kevin's favorite Hill memory has nothing to do with a vote or hearing. Alongside two colleagues, he co-founded the Congressional Immigrant and Refugee Staff Association (CIRSA), a bipartisan, bicameral staff association focused on supporting Congressional staffers who care about immigrant and refugee communities. He calls it one of the most meaningful accomplishments of his Congressional career.

His Backstory

🏠 Hometown: Los Angeles (Koreatown), California

🎓 Colleges & Majors: UC Berkeley (English, BA)

💭 Favorite Hill Memory: Co-founding CIRSA — the Congressional Immigrant and Refugee Staff Association — a bipartisan, bicameral staff association for Congressional staffers who care about immigrant and refugee communities. “Starting CIRSA has been one of the most meaningful parts of my time on the Hill because it transformed a shared experience into something that can last and empower the next generation of leaders.”


🔗 CNCT with Kevin about…

  • Launching CIRSA and building community on the Hill 🏛️

  • Breaking into the Hill through CHCI

  • Making homemade kimbap 🍱

  • His favorite travel spots (including Tulum) and future trip plans for Mykonos

Advice to Younger Staffers

As a first-generation immigrant who arrived on the Hill without a traditional political background, Kevin knows how easy it can be to question whether you belong. His advice for younger staffers:

“Mistakes, failures, and rejections are not always setbacks. They can be some of the most important parts of your life that enable growth if you are willing to learn from them. Some of the people who once rejected me later became some of my biggest supporters. That taught me to keep showing up, treat people well, and never let one closed door convince you that you do not belong. Leadership is not just about success or fancy titles. It is about resilience, perspective, and the ability to keep moving forward with purpose.”

❤️ Kevin’s Favorites

Coffee Spot: Sidamo Ethiopian Coffee and Tea

Bar: Trade

Happy Hour: El Rey

Lunch Spot: La Casita Pupusas

TV Show: Abbott Elementary

Movie: Lord of the Rings


📚 Kevin’s Reading List

  • Leadership in Turbulent Times by Doris Kearns Goodwin

  • Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari

  • Atomic Habits by James Clear

If you're an intern, fellow, or early-career staffer, Kevin is a great CNCTion to have on the Hill. Reach out to grab a coffee and hear more about his path to the Hill, launching CIRSA, and building a career in public service. Bonus points if you order his go-to: a Dirty Matcha from the Dirksen Coffee Shop.

“It is not always about winning every moment. Sometimes it is about losing gracefully.”

- Kevin Figueroa