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 21, 2025.
Commission Information
Commissioners
- Alicia Altamirano - Term expires: 3/3/2028
- Danielle Baron Duran - Term expires: 10/31/2025
- Santiago Carrera - Term expires: 3/3/2028
- Felicita Sola-Carter - Term expires: 10/31/2025
- Sheila Alvelo- ex-officio for Howard Community College
- Gaston Gamez - ex-officio for Howard County Public School System
- Dr. Yvette Oquendo - Term expires: 10/31/2025
- Elvira Domínguez McCullough - Term expires: 12/4/2026
- Gabriel Moreno - Term expires: 12/2/2027
- Cris Oviedo - Term expires: 10/31/2025
- Daniela Flores - Term expires: 11/6/2026
- Andrea Rizkallah - Term expires: 10/7/2027
- Luzmila J. Robinson - Term expires: 10/31/2025
- Yolanda Maria Vazquez - Term expires: 12/4/2025
- Maricarmen Perez-Sarabia - Term expires: 7/1-6/30/2025
- Vacant-Latino(e) Community
- Vacant-Representative College Student
- Vacant-Representative Early Childhood or Workforce Development Industry
- Vacant-Representative HRC
2025 Officers
- Alicia Altamirano, Chair - Term expires: 12/31/2025
- Gaston Gamez, Vice-Chair - Term expires:12/31/2025
- Sheila Alvelo, Corresponding Secretary - Term expires: 12/31/2025
Howard County Government Staff
- Todd Given, Executive Secretary
- Petra Guiland, OHRE Staffers and Recording Secretary
- Monica Perez, 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 21, 2025
Tuesday, March 18, 2025
Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Tuesday, July 15, 2025
Tuesday, September 16, 2025
Tuesday, November 18, 2025
Mission, Vision, and Values
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.
Alianza Events
- Hispanic Heritage Festival/Festival de la Herencia Hispana 2024
- Celebrate the great diversity of Hispanic culture with delicious food, and vibrant music and dance at our Hispanic Heritage Festival! ¡Celebra la gran diversidad de culturas hispánicas con comida deliciosa, música vibrante y baile en nuestro Festival de la Herencia Hispana!
- Registration: bit.ly/HocoHHF2024
- Details:
- October 5 from 5-9p.m. at Color Burst Park in Columbia, MD
- 5 de Octubre de 5 a 9p.m. en Parque Color Burst en Columbia, MD
Interested in Becoming a La Alianza Latina Commissioner!
La Alianza Latina Commission, established in 2020 as a workgroup during Hispanic Heritage Month, was formed to promote diversity, civility, and address the concerns of the Latino and immigrant communities. In 2022, it became a commission with the goal of advancing policy and systemic change for the uplift of Latino families, businesses, and residents. The commission, consisting 1 of 16 voting and 2 non-voting student members, meets bi-monthly and is dedicated to civic engagement, community advocacy, and collective care. Its members are making a significant impact by providing recommendations on policy, programs, and implementation in areas such as the environment, human rights, development, and inclusive government services.
Meeting Agendas & Minutes
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.
January 28, 2025
February 1, 2025, Commission Planning Retreat
- Agenda
- Minutes
March 18, 2025
- Agenda
- Minutes
May 20, 2025
- Agenda
- Minutes
July 15, 2025
- Agenda
- Minutes
September 16, 2025
- Agenda
- Minutes
November 18, 2025
- Agenda
- Minutes
2024
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
- Agenda
- Minutes
November 6, 2024 (Special Virtual Meeting)
- Agenda
- Minutes
October 2, 2024 (Special Virtual Meeting)
September 25, 2024 (Special Virtual Meeting)
September 17, 2024
- Agenda
- Minutes
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
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