Pennsylvania Governor Corbett Names Members to Governor's Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs

HARRISBURG, Pa., July 9, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- 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 Pena, 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.

Media contact: Maria Montero, 717-787-5825

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor