Governor's Office of Community Initiatives

Governor’s Commission on Hispanic Affairs

Applying for an Ethnic Commission Seat LINK

Commission Members

Chair:
Dr. Ernesto Chanona (Mexico, Baltimore City)

Vice Chair:
Gabriela Argoti-Fernandez (Ecuador, Montgomery County)

Members:
Diana Acosta (El Salvador, Prince George’s County)
Alicia Altamirano (Costa Rica, Howard County)
Lorena DePombo (Colombia, Montgomery County)
Veronica Estrada (El Salvador, Montgomery County)
Victoria Gomez Lorenzo (Mexico, Talbot County)
Lena Hernandez (Mexico, Prince George’s County)
Stephanie Landaverde (U.S., Howard County)
Yuliana Macey (Peru, Anne Arundel County)
Gabriel Moreno, Esq. (Mexico, Howard County)
Dinorah Olmos (Mexico, Baltimore County)
Dr. Maria Ramos Olazagasti (Puerto Rico, Montgomery County)
Jennifer Rios (Prince George’s County)
Nitzalis Rivera (Puerto Rico, Washington County)
Ana Salmeron (El Salvador, Montgomery County)
Katie Simbala (Honduras, Baltimore City)
Javier Toro (Puerto Rico, Carroll County)

2025 Public Commission Meetings
Governor’s Commission on Hispanic Affairs ( Held on Tuesdays via Zoom from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.)

February 4, 2025 SPS I
March 4, 2025 SPS II
May 6, 2025
July 8, 2025
September 16, 2025
November 18, 2025

2024 Public Commission Meetings
Governor’s Commission on Hispanic Affairs ( Held on Tuesdays via Zoom from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.)

February 1, 2024 (THURSDAY) – SPS-I Meeting Agenda Video Minutes
April 4, 2024 (THURSDAY) – SPS-II Meeting Agenda Video Minutes
June 18, 2024 Agenda Video Minutes
September 17, 2024 Agenda Video Minutes
November 19, 2024 Agenda Registration Link Video Minutes
December 10, 2024 Agenda Registration Link Video Minutes

“Empowering Voices: Assessing Community Needs and Engagement Across Maryland’s Diverse Communities.” – Participate in our research study! Maryland is home to vibrant and diverse communities, including African American, Asian Pacific American, Caribbean, Hispanic, Middle Eastern American, South Asian American, Native American, Faith-Based communities, Immigrant Affairs, and LGBTQIA+ populations. This study aims to comprehensively assess the needs, priorities, and engagement preferences of each community. Your input is crucial to shaping future policies and initiatives that reflect the voices and concerns of Maryland’s diverse populations. Your participation involves completing a voluntary and confidential survey that includes both quantitative and qualitative questions