About
The County Executive established La Alianza Latina Commission as a permanent commission which began as a workgroup during Hispanic Heritage Month in September of 2020. The goals of the commission are to promote diversity and civility and address many of the concerns and struggles that the Latino and immigrant communities experience. The commission is comprised of 17 Howard County residents, representing a variety of backgrounds throughout Central and South America. La Alianza Latina aims to assist constituents and educate them on certain services and programs that may seem out of reach – such as accessing community resources, starting a business, or purchasing a home.
The workgroup sunset on March 15th, 2022 and legislation for the permanent commission was signed on August 1st, 2022 and it became effective on October 1st, 2022. To read CB49-2022, please click here.
In October 2022, the County Executive and the County Council voted to establish La Alianza Latina Commission in order to continuing the work of advancing policy and systemic change for the uplift of Latino families, businesses, and residents. The Commission consists of 16 voting members and 2 student non-voting members. Each appointed member was appointed by the County Executive and confirmed by the County Council. La Alianza Latina Commission meets bi-monthly beginning on January 24, 2023.
Commission Information
Commissioners
- Alicia Altamirano - Term expires: 10/31/2024
- Danielle Baron Duran - Term expires: 10/31/2025
- Katherine Canales - Term expires: 10/31/2024
- Santiago Carrera - Term expires: 10/31/2024
- Felicita Sola-Carter - Term expires: 10/31/2025
- Sandy Cos - ex-officio for Howard Community College
- Gaston Gamez - ex-officio for Howard County Public School System
- Dr. Mariana Izraelson - Term expires: 10/31/2023
- Paloma León - Term expires: 10/31/2024
- Elvira Domínguez McCullough - Term expires: 10/31/2023
- Gabriel Moreno - Term expires: 10/31/2024
- Cris Oviedo - Term expires: 10/31/2025
- Gabriel Terrasa - Term expires: 10/31/2024
2024 Officers
- Dr. Yvette Oquendo, Chair - Term expires: 10/31/2025
- Luzmila Robinson, Vice-Chair - Term expires:10/31/2025
- Yolanda Vazquez, Corresponding Secretary - Term expires: 10/31/2023
Howard County Government Staff
Yolanda F. Sonnier, Executive Secretary
Lauryn Reynolds, Liaison to the County Executive
Meeting Schedule
La Alianza Latina Commission will meet on the 3rd Tuesday of every other month at 6:15 pm. The meetings will take place in person at 9820 Patuxent Woods Drive, Columbia, MD 21046. Meetings are open to the public.
Tuesday, January 16, 2024
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
Tuesday, May 21, 2024
Tuesday, July 16, 2024
Tuesday, September 17, 2024
Tuesday, November 19, 2024
Meeting Agendas & Minutes
2024
2023
Workgroup Information
Workgroup Policy Recommendations
To read the Executive Order and the workgroup's final policy recommendations, please visit:
Former La Alianza Latina Workgroup Members
- Danielle Baron, Co-Chair
- Chris Oviedo, Co-Chair
- Alicia Altamirnaro
- Alicia Ardila
- Felicita Sola Carter
- Sandy Cos
- Katie DiSalvo-Thronson
- Maryann Maher
- Elisa Montalvo
- Gabriel Moreno
- Andrea Nunez
- Yvette Oquendo-Berruz
- Luzmila Robinson
- David Rodriquez
- Patricia Lins Silva
- Gabriel Terrasa
- Maria Angelica Vargas