Congressman Joe Neguse Launches Latino Advisory Council and Polly Baca Raices Fuertes Community Service Award
Washington D.C.—In an effort to enhance an ongoing dialogue with the growing Latino population, Congressman Joe Neguse today launched a Congressional Latino Advisory Council, the 2nd District “Raices Fuertes Advisory Council”. The council, which is composed of a diverse array of leaders throughout Colorado’s 2nd Congressional District will provide advice and offer input on issues affecting the Latino community.
“It is vital that every community in our Congressional District has a voice in Washington,” said Congressman Joe Neguse. “The qualifications and expertise of these leaders, combined with all of their diverse backgrounds, will offer invaluable perspective when it comes to understanding the needs and concerns of the Latino community and bringing these concerns to Washington. I am thankful for their willingness to serve, and I am looking forward to hearing their ideas.”
Along with the Council’s launch, Congressman Neguse is introducing a new service award, named after Polly Baca, who served in the Colorado State Legislature for 12 years and has been a pioneer for both women and Latinos. Baca was the first Latina woman to co-chair a National Democratic National Convention and the first Latina to receive a major party nomination for the U. S. Congress. She is also the founder of the Latin American Research and Service Agency (LARASA), and has served in many capacities within the organization.
The Polly Baca Raices Fuertes Community Service Award is intended to honor those who embody these same qualities of service to others and uplift the Latino/Latinx community that Polly represents. Nominees will be Latino/Latinx/Chicano/ChicanIndio individuals who have worked to advocate for these communities in the 2nd Congressional District and exemplify leadership, community and service.
“I’m incredibly honored and excited by the formation of the Raices Fuertas Community Service Award, and grateful for Congressman Neguse’s passion to recognize young Latino leaders and honor their dedication and commitment to our communities,” said Polly Baca. “I hope this award will inspire, encourage and lift up passionate leaders in the Latino community and I look forward to working alongside the Raices Fuertes Advisory Council to honor recipients for years to come.”
RAICES FUERTES ADVISORY COUNCIL MEMBERS
- Elvira Ramos, Former Community Foundation of Boulder County, Committee Chair
- Jorge De Santiago, Executive Director, El Centro AMISTAD
- Jennifer Diaz Leon, Longmont Youth Center
- Benita Duran, former Boulder Assistant City Manager
- Leo Escalante, Public Engagement Specialist, City of Fort Collins
- Hon. Angelique Espinoza, former Boulder City Council member
- Guillermo Estrada-Rivera, Suma Latino, Boulder County
- Janina E Fariña, Executive Director, La Cocina
- Senator Julie Gonzales, State Senate District 34
- Nita Gonzales, Co-founder, Colorado Latino Forum
- Hon. Cecil Gutierrez, former Mayor of Loveland
- Councilmember Susan Gutowsky, Fort Collins City Council
- Councilmember Susie Hidalgo-Fahring, Longmont City Council
- Sonia Marquez, Former CIRC staff
- Patricia Miller, Executive Director, Alianza NorCo
- Cynthia Molina, CEO of the Boulder Valley Women's Health Center
- Marissa Molina, MSU board of trustees
- Laurel Padilla, Longmont Multicultural Action Committee
- Carmen Ramirez, Manager for Community and Neighborhood Resources, City of Longmont
- Councilmember Aren Rodriguez, Longmont City Council
- Hon. Rosemary Rodriguez, Executive Director, Together We Count
- Angel Sanchez, CIRC board vice president
- Laura Soto, Philanthropiece
- Lorenzo Trujillo, Former Assistant Dean and Professor, University of Colorado School of Law
- Johanna Ulloa, Community Services Manager, Poudre River Public Library District
Congressman Neguse has previously launched and regularly meets with a Senior Advisory Council and Youth Advisory Council.