Governor Larry Hogan Appoints Members to Commission on Hispanic Affairs

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Larry Hogan today announced appointments to the Governor’s Commission on Hispanic Affairs. The commission represents and engages the Hispanic community in partnership with state government to promote social, cultural, and business interests.

The purpose of the commission is to identify the issues affecting Hispanics and develop the appropriate responses and programs, including conducting outreach to Hispanic groups and communities in the state; communicating information concerning public and private programs; reviewing and commenting on legislation and regulation; and making recommendations on matters affecting the general health, safety, and welfare of the Hispanic population in Maryland.

“This group of highly qualified individuals will bring a wealth of expertise, experience, and passion to this important commission and I am proud to make these appointments,” Governor Hogan said. “I look forward to working with them on issues related to business and economic development, education, and other issues relevant to our growing and vibrant Hispanic community.”

Members of the commission appointed by the governor include:

Allen Gutierrez (chair) serves as the national executive director of The Latino Coalition, a national organization that represents Latino interests with Fortune 500 companies and federal and local government agencies. Previously he served as senior adviser to the U.S. Small Business Administration as well as senior adviser to the Office of International Trade.

Carol A. Ramirez (co-chair) is a Georgetown University graduate and 25-year resident of Bethesda, with a wide-ranging background as a small business owner, banker, and volunteer and leader in local community, school, and church organizations.

Christian Licier is currently the assistant principal of Patterson High School in Baltimore, Maryland. Previously, he was an assistant principal of Garrison Middle School, Doris M. Johnson High School, and Afya Public Charter School.

Angelette C. Aviles is the owner/founder of Cup+Cake Blvd in Gambrills, Maryland. Aviles has participated in various organizations focused on improving educational opportunities among Latino students, such as Tampa’s Hispanic Professionals Women’s Association and the Hispanic Young Professional Entrepreneurs.

Miguel Palmeiro is currently the managing partner of the Law Office of Miguel Palmeiro in Montgomery County, Maryland, which specializes in personal injury, family law, and immigration cases.

Zaylimar Bocanegra coordinates Latino outreach for The Parents Place of Maryland. The organization helps obtain appropriate education and health care services for children with disabilities; works to improve education and health care for all children; trains and informs parents and professionals on a variety of topics; and connects children with disabilities to community resources that address their needs. Bocanegra has expertise in program development and enforcement and special education advocacy within the mental health field.

Raul E. Cisneros is the chief of media relations in the Public Information Office at the U.S. Census Bureau. Before joining the Census Bureau, Cisneros served in a number of capacities at the U.S. Small Business Administration from 2001 to 2008. In 2009, Hispanic Business magazine selected Cisneros as one of its Top 100 Influentials.

Patricia Hildt is an associate manager at Travelers Insurance. She has also held positions in Travelers as the second VP of Claims Strategy and Delivery and second VP of Auto Claims Products and Development. Hildt is an active corporate mentor for INROADS, an organization that creates unique, one-on-one relationships with interns to foster an environment that allows for a great fit with its various corporate partners.

Alexander G. Núñez is the vice president of Governmental and External Affairs for BGE. Mr. Núñez contributes actively to several industry and community organizations. He has represents the company at the Maryland Chamber of Commerce, including on its Legislative, Environment, and Civil Liability Committees. He is a founding member of the Greater Baltimore Committee’s Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

Angela Franco is president & CEO of the Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber was named 2013 Hispanic Chamber of the Year (Mid-Size) by the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Over the past few years, Franco has received several professional recognitions from Pan American Development Foundation, Boy Scouts of America National Capital Area Council, Washington Business Journal, and the Hispanic Heritage Foundation.

Erick A. Oribio is the president of the Baltimore Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. As president, he promotes local, national, and international business opportunities in Maryland. Oribio is the owner and publisher of Latin Opinion Baltimore newspaper, where he is responsible for the dissemination of all Hispanic news, media, communications, and marketing.

Liliana A. Rojas is the founder/owner of IVRB Solutions. IVRB Solutions is certified under the U.S. Small Business Administration’s 8a program, and is a source for technical and specialty electrical integration solutions for the U.S. federal government.