News for Immediate Release
Governor Corbett Names Members to Governor’s Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs Harrisburg – Governor Tom Corbett today announced the appointment of accomplished and dedicated community leaders to serve and represent the interests of Pennsylvania’s Latino/Hispanic community as members of the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs (GACLA). “It is vital to create initiatives and solutions that support our Latino/Hispanic community and strengthen educational outreach to the state’s Latino/Hispanic students to achieve educational excellence for all students,” Corbett said. “Latinos have the highest drop-out rate of any ethnic group in our state. I look forward to the commission partnering with schools to address this problem.” Governor Corbett named the following individuals as commission members: Carmen E. Adames, Philadelphia County Ignacio Beato, Luzerne County Ofelia Cardesa, Lackawanna County Dalinda Carrero-Papi, Delaware County Sonny Concepcion, Erie County Raul Coronado, Monroe County Nelson A. Diaz, Lehigh County Carolina Cabrera DiGiorgio, Chester County George Fernandez, Cumberland County Fidelia Friedman, Monroe County Oscar Rosario Fuentes, Philadelphia County Daniel Alonso Garcia, Allegheny County Esmeralda Ybarra Hetrick, Dauphin County Angel Jirau, Luzerne County Rose Kury, Lebanon County Edward Lanza, Dauphin County Ramon Melecio, Berks County Gladys Mendieta-White, Bucks County Wanda Mercado-Arroyo, Lehigh County Jose A. Molina, Lehigh County Hector Richard Ortiz, Dauphin County Eltgad S. Roces, Schuylkill County (Chair) Luis Antonio Rodriguez, Lancaster County Ana Sainz de La Peña, Lehigh County “GACLA is committed to developing and supporting educational, economic and civic opportunities for Latinos/Hispanics. Latinos/Hispanics are the fastest growing community in Pennsylvania, it is important for residents to know they have a voice in GACLA,” said Maria Montero, GACLA executive director. “GACLA’s representation for all Latinos/Hispanics is vital, especially for those who have come to Pennsylvania to embrace the liberties that have been denied in their countries of origin,” Montero added. “The community leaders selected to serve range from business owners to educators, attorneys and doctors to pastors and veterans.” For more information about GACLA or upcoming events, contact Maria Montero at 717-787-5825. | 