HARRISBURG, Pa. — Regional Latino leaders and entrepreneurs have been appointed to help create a stronger future for their communities across Pennsylvania.
Last week, the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs, or GACLA, announced the appointment of 27 commissioners who will make up its 2025-27 advisory board.
Among the four leaders representing Northampton County are Luis Campos, current chair of GACLA; Janine Santoro, Bethlehem's director of equity and inclusion; and Génesis Ortega, communications manager for the city of Allentown.
Campos, who serves as Easton's city administrator, is also a board member of Lehigh Valley Public Media — consisting of PBS39, 91.3 FM WLVR and LehighValleyNews.com.
Campos and Ortega previously served as commissioners for GACLA during the 2023-25 advisory period.
Representing Lehigh County and returning as GACLA commissioners are Henry Hernández, senior community relations consultant for Capital Blue Cross; and Elizabeth Strong, owner of Elizabeth Anthony's Salon in Allentown.
They will serve alongside GACLA commissioner Mariana King.
King is a student at Lehigh University's College of Health and an assistant director of Steel Cities Best, a summer camp for children.
“I’m proud that, together, we have delivered results and opened doors for Latinos across Pennsylvania," GALCA Executive Director Olga Negrón, of Bethlehem, said in a statement.
"I’m super excited to continue the work with this new group of Latino leaders to further our mission of addressing the issues that impact our communities most."
Negrón, who was elected Bethlehem's first Latina city councilwoman in 2015, was appointed to head GACLA by Gov. Josh Shapiro in 2023.
"I’m super excited to continue the work with this new group of Latino leaders to further our mission of addressing the issues that impact our communities most."Olga Negrón, Executive Director, GACLA
GACLA's mission
In its last term, the commission tackled issues such as language access in state and local agencies, launching affordable housing investments, and helping cut child care costs for working families.
Last year, it presented a public overview of Shapiro’s proposed 2025 budget, highlighting funding for programs that the commission prioritizes.
Among the recommendations: a $10 million increase in funding to combat homelessness and a proposal for a $50 million increase to the state's whole-home repairs program.
Meet the members
Established by executive order, GACLA's advisory board consists of 27 commissioners across Pennsylvania.
Its members trace their heritage to more than a dozen countries — Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Cuba, Venezuela, Colombia, Honduras, Argentina, Ecuador, Nicaragua, and Guatemala.
The commission chairman and members are:
- Luis Campos, Northampton County, Nicaragua, chairman
- Frances Martinez-Gibbons, Lancaster County, Puerto Rico, Vice chairwoman
- Jose Aguirre, Delaware County, Nicaragua
- Jassinya Alvarado-Padilla, Lancaster County, Puerto Rico
- Ana Amarante-Craig, Chester County, Puerto Rico/Dominican Republic
- Susan Baida, Allegheny County, Ecuador
- Dr. Damary Bonilla-Rodriguez, Pike County, Puerto Rico
- Adolfo Bosch, Philadelphia County, Argentina
- Rev. Bonnie Camarda, Philadelphia County, Cuba
- Christian Colón, Philadelphia County, Puerto Rico
- Rosamaria Cristello, Allegheny County, Guatemala
- Harianned Chaurel, Philadelphia County, Venezuela
- Francia Doñe-Henry, Dauphin County, Dominican Republic
- Edna García-Dipíni, Berks County, Puerto Rico
- Henry Hernández, Lehigh County, Honduras
- Hector Herrada, Philadelphia County, Mexico
- Luis Hincapié, Montgomery County, Colombia
- Mariana King, Lehigh County, Cuba
- Guillermo Lara, Luzerne County, Mexico
- José Nuñez-Ruiz, Lancaster County, Puerto Rico
- Génesis Ortega, Northampton County, Dominican Republic
- Karen Reyes, Erie County, Mexico
- Janine Santoro, Northampton County, Puerto Rico/Dominican Republic
- Elizabeth Strong, Lehigh County, Puerto Rico
- Dr. Jose Torradas, Bucks County, Venezuela
- Veronica Villalobos, Allegheny County, Mexico
- Maria Zabala, Berks County, Dominican Republic
For more information on GACLA, go to its Facebook page.
