About
Based on recommendations from the La Alianza Latina Workgroup (convened from September 2020-March 2022), the County Executive and the County Council voted to establish a permanent La Alianza Latina Commission in order to continue the work of advancing policy and systemic change for the uplift of Latino families, businesses, and residents in October 2022. 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 Commission consists of a minimum of 15 and a maximum of 19 members, representing a variety of backgrounds throughout Central and South America. All members are appointed by the County Executive and confirmed by the County Council. La Alianza Latina Commission meets bi-monthly, beginning in January of 2023.
Commission Information
| Name & Role (if applicable) | Term Expiration |
|---|---|
| Yolanda Maria Vazquez, Chair | 12/4/2026 |
| Cris Oviedo, Vice Chair | 12/1/2028 |
| Andrea Rizkallah, Corresponding Secretary & Conexiones Representative | 10/7/2027 |
| Gaston Gamez, Ex-Officio, Howard County Public School System | No term limit. |
| Sheila Alvelo, Ex-Officio, Howard Community College | No term limit. |
| Cristiana Little, Human Rights Commission Representative | 6/2/2028 |
| Daniela Flores, Grassroots Representative | 11/6/2026 |
| Elvira Domínguez McCullough | 12/4/2026 |
| Dr. Evelyn Rosario | 3/3/2028 |
| Luzmila J. Robinson | 12/2/2028 |
| Santiago Carrera, Business Community Representative | 3/3/2028 |
| Arely Ivonne Rojas, High School Representative | 6/30/2026 |
| Yeimy Benitz, College Student Representative | 3/3/2028 |
Current Vacancies (Updated February 21, 2026)
- Up to 4 additional Latino Community Representatives (per the La Alianza Latina Commission Rules of Procedure, the Commission consists of a minimum of 15 members and a maximum of 19 members)
- Health Care Provider Community Representative
- Early Childhood or Workforce Development Industry Representative
Upcoming Vacancies (applications open)
- High School Student Representative (term runs from 7/1/26 to 6/30/27)
- College/Trade Student Representative (term runs from 7/1/26 to 6/30/27)
- LaKeisha McClendon (she/ella), Office of Human Rights and Equity Administrator
- Liv Alanis Myers (they/elle), Executive Secretary
- Petra Guiland (she/ella), Recording Secretary
- Monica Perez (she/ella), Liaison to the County Executive
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 20, 2026
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Tuesday, May 19, 2026
Tuesday, July 21, 2026
Tuesday, September 15, 2026
Tuesday, November 17, 2026
Mission statement:
To unite and elevate the voices of Latinos in Howard County through advocacy, legislation, inclusive policies, and partnerships to ensure every individual's potential is realized.
Vision statement:
To advance the highest quality of life for the Latino community in Howard County.
Values:
Service, Community, Inclusion, Advocacy, and Justice
- Community Empowerment: Commit to uplifting and empowering the Hispanic and Latino communities by providing resources, education, and support, ensuring they have the tools to thrive.
- Cultural Integrity: Preserve and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the Hispanic and Latino communities, fostering an environment where diversity is not just acknowledged but revered.
- Equity and Inclusion: Strive for fairness and equal opportunity in all endeavors, ensuring that every policy and action considers the diverse needs and perspectives of the Hispanic and Latino populations.
- Collaborative Leadership: Embrace partnerships and collaborative efforts with various stakeholders, recognizing that collective action is key to addressing complex community challenges.
- Innovative Advocacy: Advocate for transformative and forward-thinking policies that address the current needs and future aspirations of the Hispanic and Latino communities, ensuring they are integral to the county's growth and success.
Apply to serve on the Commission through the Howard County Boards and Commissions application portal. The names of eligible applicants will be submitted to the County Executive for consideration. If selected, the appointment will be forwarded to the County Council for their review and confirmation. For more information, please review the information on the Boards and Commissions website or email alianzalatina@howardcountymd.gov.
Application Materials
To complete the Apply to Serve application, you must include your redacted resume and cover letter. Personal information collected throughout the application form is used for internal verification purposes only. However, the redacted resume and letter of interest may be made public through the County Council process.
Therefore, the following instructions help us protect your privacy and expedite the process:
Redacted Resume
- Should include: your name, relevant experience
- Should not include: home address, phone number(s), email
- You may choose to include or exclude specific details such as cities or sales numbers at your discretion.
Letter of Interest
- Brief letter explaining why you want to serve and how you see yourself contributing.
- Please indicate which qualification you may meet.
Meeting Agendas & Minutes
The Office of Human Rights and Equity strives to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to engage fully. To request an accommodation to access a public Commission meeting or for inquiries about accessibility, please contact ohreoutreach@howardcountymd.gov. Accommodations requested less than five business days before a meeting are not guaranteed, though every effort will be taken to provide said accommodation.
Please note, meeting minutes will be posted after they are finalized and approved by motion at the following regular Commission meeting.
January 20, 2026
February 21, 2026 (Annual Retreat)
March 3, 2026, 7 P.M. (Special Virtual Meeting)
March 17, 2026
- Agenda
- Minutes
May 19, 2026
- Agenda
- Minutes
July 21, 2026
- Agenda
- Minutes
September 15, 2026
- Agenda
- Minutes
November 17, 2026
- Agenda
- Minutes
The Office of Human Rights and Equity strives to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to engage fully. To request an accommodation to access a public Commission meeting or for inquiries about accessibility, please contact ohreoutreach@howardcountymd.gov. Accommodations requested less than five business days before a meeting are not guaranteed, though every effort will be taken to provide said accommodation.
Please note, meeting minutes will be posted after they are finalized and approved by motion at the following regular Commission meeting.
January 28, 2025
February 1, 2025, Commission Planning Retreat
March 18, 2025
May 20, 2025
July 15, 2025
August 1, 2025 (Special Virtual Meeting)
September 13, 2025 (OHRE Commission Strategic Planning Summit)
September 16, 2025
September 29, 2025 (Special Meeting)
November 18, 2025
The Office of Human Rights and Equity strives to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to engage fully. To request an accommodation to access a Public Commission meeting or for inquiries about accessibility, please contact ohreoutreach@howardcountymd.gov. Accommodations requested less than five business days before a meeting are not guaranteed, though every effort will be taken to provide said accommodation.
November 19, 2024
November 6, 2024 (Special Virtual Meeting)
October 2, 2024 (Special Virtual Meeting)
September 25, 2024 (Special Virtual Meeting)
September 17, 2024
September 11, 2024 (Special Virtual Meeting)
September 3, 2024 (Special Virtual Meeting)
August 29, 2024 (Special Virtual Meeting)
August 21, 2024
- Agenda
- Minutes
July 16, 2024
June 20, 2024
May 21, 2024
March 19, 2024
January 28, 2024 - Planning Retreat
January 16, 2024
Workgroup Information
To read the Executive Order and the workgroup's final policy recommendations, please visit:
- 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