Born in El Salvador, is the first Latina elected to the Maryland General Assembly. She served four terms in the Maryland House of Delegates, representing Montgomery County’s District 18. Gutierrez was a member of the Appropriations Committee and chaired the Delinquency Prevention and Diversion Services Task Force. In 2003, she made history as the first Latina elected to a state office in Maryland. Gutierrez has held several prominent positions, including serving on the Montgomery County School Board and as a deputy administrator in the U.S. Department of Transportation during the Clinton Administration. She is also a strong advocate for immigrant rights, particularly supporting the issuance of driving permits and IDs for undocumented immigrants. In 2016, she ran unsuccessfully for Maryland’s 8th Congressional District.

Born in the Panama Canal Zone, is an American lawyer and the first Hispanic justice of the Supreme Court of Maryland. She earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Texas and her Juris Doctor from the University of Texas School of Law. Eaves served in various legal roles, including assistant city attorney for Dallas and staff attorney for the Maryland Legal Aid Bureau. She was an associate judge for the District Court of Maryland and served as the administrative judge for Harford County’s Circuit Court from 2015 to 2022. Appointed to the Maryland Supreme Court in 2022, she is the first Hispanic to serve on Maryland’s appellate courts.

Born in the Dominican Republic and raised in New York, Peña-Melnyk overcame a challenging, poverty-stricken background to become the first in her family to earn a college degree. She holds a B.S. in criminal justice and a Juris Doctor from SUNY Buffalo, later practicing law in Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia. Peña-Melnyk served on the College Park City Council before joining the Maryland House of Delegates in 2007. A leader in health policy, she chairs the Health and Government Operations Committee and advocates for healthcare reform, including expanded prenatal care and combating implicit bias in healthcare. She is also a founding member of the Maryland Legislative Latino Caucus.

A Dominican American politician serving in the Maryland House of Delegates for District 47B in Prince George’s County. She previously served on the Prince George’s County Council from 2014 to 2022, becoming the first Latina elected to the council. Earned a B.A. and an M.S. in chemistry. Then an M.P.A. in public affairs and urban regional planning from Princeton University. Taveras has been an advocate for environmental issues and community engagement, including leading efforts to ban fracking and styrofoam. In 2022, she was elected to the Maryland House of Delegates and serves on the Health and Government Operations Committee.

Born in Bogota, Colombia, and raised in Queens, NY, is Colmar Manor’s first Hispanic mayor. Monica is dedicated to social justice and equity, with a passion for building inclusive communities that inspired her mayoral run. She holds degrees from Montgomery College, the University of Maryland, and American University and serves on the executive board of Maryland Black Mayors. As mayor, she prioritizes community progress, beautification, and resident-focused programs. Her vision includes strong, safe neighborhoods, a sustainable environment, and accessible parks and recreation for all families.

Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, is an experienced community liaison with over eighteen years of experience in higher education, specializing in the needs of Prince George’s County’s Hispanic/Latino population. She previously served as the Coordinator of Recruitment and Community Relations at Prince George’s Community College, where she advocated for underrepresented students and developed key community partnerships. Howard was instrumental in initiatives such as advocating for inclusive language in the college’s application process and eliminating out-of-state tuition for undocumented residents and DACA recipients. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies from the University of Maryland Global Campus. Howard is passionate about serving her community and is currently the Latino Affairs Liaison for Prince George’s County.

Born in Ecuador, she is a first-generation professional with over 12 years of banking experience. She is creating Innovative Financing for Clean Energy in Underserved Markets. She is also a business owner known for founding FlanCake by Gaby in Maryland during August 2020. The business aims to provide sweet treats to families, especially during the challenging time of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Born in Mexico, is the founding president and CEO of the Latino Education Advancement Fund (LEAF) and a recipient of the 2019 Open Society Institute Community Fellowship in Baltimore. With over 35 years of experience across public, private, and non-profit sectors, she focuses on advancing equity, social justice, and educational access for Latino students. Olmos has contributed to various educational programs and media, including hosting the educational TV segment “La Escuela, sus Hijos y Usted” on UNIVISION. She founded the Latino American Club of the Central Valley and earned a Bachelor’s in Mass Communication/Journalism from California State University, Fresno, and a Master’s in Leadership and Organizational Development from Fresno Pacific University. Olmos worked for 14 years at Johns Hopkins University, where she expanded student recruitment internationally. She has served on numerous boards, including the Parent Community Advisory Board for Baltimore City Schools and the Johns Hopkins Latino Alliance.

Educator-activist who attended MSEA’s Minority Leadership Training and is now chair of TABCO’s Minority Affairs Committee. His leadership journey includes taking roles leading, with others, MSEA’s and TABCO’s upcoming social, racial, and economic justice work.

Born in Colombia, has more than 17 years of experience and in the last 5 years has stood out for her community social work, conducting workshops, conferences, self-care campaigns for the Latino community in the DMV area, as a volunteer in non-profit organizations (women), Consulates and private entities, as well as social events for her Colombian community. 

Born in the Dominican Republic, has a Bachelor’s degree in marketing and business administration, and upon arriving in the United States she founded El Poder de Ser Mujer (The Power of Being a Woman), an organization dedicated to helping Latina immigrants in the DC area reach their full potential.

Born in El Salvador, immigrated to the U.S. in 1980 at age 10 due to threats during the Salvadoran Civil War. She earned a B.A. from Kenyon College in 1992 and a J.D. from The Ohio State University in 1995. She began her career as an Assistant State Public Defender in Ohio, then spent nearly 20 years as a Senior Trial Attorney with the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division. Since 2019, she has worked with the Southern Poverty Law Center. In 2024, she was appointed to the Harford County Judicial Nominating Commission. She lives in Maryland with her family.

Originally from Ecuador, founded Los Taxes, the first Latino tax franchise, and co-founded Toro Taxes, the largest Latino-owned franchise in any industry. He has led NAHREP chapters, the Maryland Hispanic Business Conference, and the IFA’s Hispanic Leadership Council. A financial expert and former Telemundo advisor, he is also an award-winning entrepreneur and bestselling author. Javier expanded into tourism and solar energy in El Salvador. He lives in Rockville, MD, with his wife, Maria Jose, and their children.

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Of Salvadoran origin and owner of Los Chorros restaurant, he has spent over two decades uplifting the Latino community through both his business and social efforts. His deep commitment to the well-being of Hispanics inspired him to run for city council, aiming to amplify their voices and advocate for their needs. Though not elected, his dedication and leadership continue to make a lasting impact. With a clear vision and extensive experience, he remains a driving force for progress, tirelessly working to empower and strengthen his community.

Born in Honduras, she is a committed activist whose advocacy for environmental justice, community service, and equity has left a lasting impact on Maryland, particularly in Prince George’s County and Hyattsville. She has been a strong voice for climate policies that address the disproportionate environmental burdens faced by Hispanic and low-income communities, ensuring they have the resources to thrive in cleaner, healthier spaces. Beyond policy work, Candida actively leads initiatives such as community clean-ups, food distribution for shelters, and partnerships with organizations to provide fresh produce to families in need. Her dedication not only addresses immediate challenges but also promotes sustainable community practices that create lasting change.

Of Puerto Rican descent, Chelsea is a first-generation Latina leader, coach, and consultant, she specializes in personal growth, women’s empowerment, authenticity, and leadership development. With a strong background in public service and gender studies, she previously served as an Advisor for Women’s Affairs under New York Governor Kathy Hochul, building strategic partnerships and communities for women’s initiatives. She is the founder of SoulyHer, a coaching and personal development company offering one-on-one coaching and corporate facilitation to help women embrace their authentic selves. She also hosts the Becoming SoulyYou Podcast, focusing on empowerment, wellness, and self-care. Committed to increasing women’s representation in leadership, she continues to drive impactful change.

Has been a key figure in strengthening ties between Maryland and Latin America through the North/South Relationship Program (N/S), which facilitates the exchange of technology, best practices, and educational resources. With over 20 years of experience as a liaison, he has promoted collaboration in law enforcement, serving as the Spanish and Portuguese Liaison for the Baltimore School Police Department. He has traveled extensively across Latin America, assessing public safety and education systems, and played a vital role in launching the Law Enforcement Exchange Program in Córdoba, Argentina. Additionally, as an International Security Advisor with Baltimore City Police, he has provided security guidance for global delegations and supported corporate expansion into Latin America.

Born in Guatemala, Sergio is the Statewide Public Engagement Officer for New American and Immigrant Communities at the Comptroller of Maryland. With over 20 years of experience in customer service, sales, and marketing, he specializes in multicultural community engagement, business collaboration, and immigrant advocacy. He works cross-functionally to identify and present community needs to local governments and service agencies while developing culturally appropriate communication strategies. Polanco supports the Comptroller’s Community Engagement Team by overseeing statewide multicultural communications, improving service delivery, and connecting resources with underserved communities.

Born in El Salvador, María José immigrated to the United States at 16 in pursuit of new opportunities. Through determination and hard work, she earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Maryland Global Campus, laying a strong foundation for her career in finance.

As the CEO of Toro Taxes Wheaton, she not only leads with excellence in the tax industry but also serves as a pillar of support for the Latino community. Committed to financial education and empowerment, María José dedicates her work to advising individuals on achieving stability and success, reflecting her unwavering dedication to the growth and well-being of her community.

The Executive Director of the Maryland Legislative Latino Caucus. He is also a student of Criminal Justice and Public Policy and has a background in photography. In his role, he aims to continue the work of the caucus in advocating for the interests of the Latino community in Maryland.

Born in El Salvador, he immigrated to the U.S. and grew up in Mount Rainier, Maryland. He earned his B.A. from Frostburg State University (1996) and his J.D. from St. Thomas School of Law (2001) before being admitted to the Maryland Bar. In 2002, he became one of the first Latinos elected to the Maryland General Assembly, serving in the House of Delegates (2003–2011) and later as a State Senator (2011–2018). Ramirez championed immigrant rights, sponsoring a bill for in-state tuition for undocumented students. He was also active in education policy, law enforcement oversight, and veterans’ issues. In 2008, he co-founded Latinos for Obama in Maryland. Beyond his legislative work, Ramirez has remained a dedicated Democratic Party activist and legal professional, continuing his commitment to public service and advocacy.

Maryland Deputy Secretary for External Relations, recently appointed after serving as EPA Region III Administrator, where he led environmental initiatives across the Mid-Atlantic. Previously, he was Director of the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection, overseeing a $140 million agency focused on sustainability, recycling, watershed restoration, and climate action. Before that, he served as Director of the Prince George’s County Department of Environment (2012–2018), launching major initiatives like the largest municipal composting facility in the U.S. and a $100 million green infrastructure public-private partnership. Earlier, Adam held leadership roles in Governor Martin O’Malley’s administration and served three terms as Mayor of Edmonston, Maryland (2005–2011), earning national recognition for developing the first complete green street in the U.S. His background includes human rights advocacy, contributing to the Roper v. Simmons Supreme Court decision that abolished the juvenile death penalty. He holds a B.A. in Public Policy from Goucher College in Maryland.

Born in El Salvador, Rebecca moved to the United States in 1981 and built a career as a bilingual multimedia communicator, entrepreneur, and arts advocate. She co-founded RosCasMedia with her father, Latin radio pioneer Mauricio Rosales, producing content that entertains and inspires, including Celebrating the Arts/Celebrando las Artes and the Almost Empty Nesters with Rob and Becky podcast, ranked #3 on Feedspot’s 20 Best Empty Nest Podcasts. Her most ambitious venture, Radio Éxitos Inolvidables, is a digital retro radio station playing classic hits in English and Spanish. Known as “The Sweet Voice of the DMV,” she hosts Rewinding the Hits every Sunday. Beyond broadcasting, she contributes to Genica Magazine and Agenda Radio and covered the 2023 Miss Universe Pageant in El Salvador. In 2021, Rebecca made history as the first Latina elected to represent District 39 on the Montgomery County Democratic Central Committee. A dedicated advocate for the arts, she serves on the Board of the BlackRock Center for the Arts. Above all, she cherishes her family, including her twin sons and her 25-year marriage to her husband, Robert.

A Nicaraguan immigrant, Tijerino is the president and CEO of the Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF), which focuses on education, workforce development, social impact, and leadership. Under his leadership, HHF has earned recognition from The White House, U.S. Congress, Fortune 500 companies, and the Government of Mexico. Tijerino also executive produces the Hispanic Heritage Awards at the Kennedy Center, broadcast on PBS. He has held executive positions at Fannie Mae Foundation, Nike, Burson Marsteller, and Cohn & Wolfe. A passionate advocate for Latino and immigrant communities, Tijerino co-founded initiatives like Code as a Second Language, which introduced coding to 100,000 youth, and #Masks4Farmworkers, which distributed over 2 million masks during the pandemic. He also hosts the Fritanga Podcast, amplifying Latino culture and activism. Tijerino holds a BS in journalism from the University of Maryland and an honorary doctorate from The Chicago School. He is a Salinas Fellow at the Aspen Institute and lives in Washington, D.C., with his family.

Born in Venezuela, Natali Fani-Gonzalez is a human and civil rights activist, entrepreneur, and advocate for economic justice, immigration reform, and healthcare access. She moved to Maryland at 16 and later earned a degree in political science and international relations from Goucher College. She began her career lobbying for CASA de Maryland and worked with SEIU Local 32BJ before founding Matea Group, a public relations firm in Rockville, Maryland. Her clients have included Amnesty International USA, MomsRising.org, and SEIU. A recognized speaker on civil rights and economic justice, she has addressed audiences at the 40th Anniversary of the March on Washington and the American Association of University Women. She lives in Kensington, Maryland, with her husband and two children.

Born in Honduras, Osman Alexis Milla immigrated to the U.S. to pursue greater opportunities. Settling in Maryland, he quickly became a dedicated advocate for the Latin community, focusing on homelessness support, economic empowerment, workforce development, and small business support. With a strong entrepreneurial spirit, Milla established himself as a community leader, helping to create opportunities for Latino-owned enterprises. Passionate about community service, he has collaborated with local organizations to advance financial literacy, job training, and mentorship programs for Latino youth. His leadership has contributed to initiatives that support immigrant families in achieving economic stability and social mobility. He raised funds for community members during the pandemic, aided families in completing the census, supported individuals in renewing their passports, and leading movements to elevate the impact Latinos have in civic agenda-setting. Milla’s commitment to advocacy extends to civic engagement, where he has played a vital role in amplifying Latino voices in public policy discussions. His work has had a lasting impact on Maryland’s Hispanic community, fostering a more inclusive and prosperous future. He resides in Maryland with his family, continuing his mission to uplift and empower the next generation of Latino leaders.

Born in El Salvador, Sandra has dedicated her career to empowering immigrant communities in the DMV area. She has served in key leadership roles, including as Managing Director of the Latin American Youth Center in Riverdale, where she played a vital role in supporting immigrant families and essential workers on the front lines during COVID-19. Now, as the Director of Community Services for the City of Hyattsville, she is the first Latina and immigrant to hold this position in a diverse city of nearly 20,000 residents. In this role, she is building strategic partnerships and coalitions to connect residents with essential resources, information, and opportunities, strengthening the city’s commitment to inclusivity and support for all.