The Governor’s Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs hosted a virtual first meeting last week with 29 new members. The Commission’s purpose is to gather information regarding Latino Pennsylvanians’ experiences and needs; review, evaluate, and assess programs affecting them; provide the Governor with information and recommendations regarding how best to meet their needs; and provide information about programs and services that may be relevant to Latino Pennsylvanians’ needs. The Commission was established by Governor Josh Shapiro through an Executive Order.
“I am honored to work alongside the new Commissioners to address the needs of Latinos in Pennsylvania,” said Executive Director Olga Negrón. “The Governor’s Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs is focused on intentional work, educating and connecting the Pennsylvania Latino community to state agencies. Together, we will help ensure that all Pennsylvanians have a seat at the table and ensure they see themselves reflected in state government. Our Commission hosts various events throughout the year to further those goals, not just during Hispanic Heritage Month but all year around.”
The Commission Chair, Vice Chair, and members are listed below.
- Rev. Bonnie Camarda of Philadelphia County, Chair
- Luis Campos of Northampton County, Co-Chair
- Jose Aguirre of Delaware County, Commissioner
- Daniele Alvalle of Dauphin County, Commissioner
- Ana Amarante-Craig, Esq. of Chester County, Commissioner
- Jobany Bedoya of Lancaster County, Commissioner
- Dario Bellot of Montgomery County, Commissioner
- Emilio Buitrago of Delaware County, Commissioner
- Raquel Capellan of Berks County, Commissioner
- Jonathan Encarnacion of Berks County, Commissioner
- Diana Escalante of York County, Commissioner
- Henry Hernandez of Lehigh County, Commissioner
- Hector Herrada of Philadelphia County, Commissioner
- Lourdes Jasso of Erie County, Commissioner
- Guillermo Lara of Luzerne County, Commissioner
- Dr. Raffy Luquis of Dauphin County, Commissioner
- Waleska Maldonado of Philadelphia County, Commissioner
- Senior MDJ Nancy Matos Gonzalez of Northampton County, Commissioner
- Jose A. Nunez Ruiz of Lancaster County, Commissioner
- Rick Olmos of Berks County, Commissioner
- Genesis Ortega of Northampton County, Commissioner
- Monica Parrilla of Philadelphia County, Commissioner
- Monica Ruiz-Caraballo of Allegheny County, Commissioner
- Victor Salicetti of Northampton County, Commissioner
- Adriana Sanchez-Solis of Allegheny County, Commissioner
- Edwin Segarra Sr. of Lancaster County, Commissioner
- Elizabeth Strong of Lehigh County, Commissioner
- Dr. Jose Torradas MD. of Bucks County, Commissioner
- Fernando Torres of Philadelphia County, Commissioner
