The purpose of the Commission is to gather information regarding Latino Pennsylvanians’ experiences and needs; review, evaluate, and assess programs affecting them; provide the Governor with information and recommendations regarding how best to meet their needs; and provide information about programs and services that may be relevant to Latino Pennsylvanians’ needs. The Commission and its Executive Director also serve as an extension of the Governor’s office in their respective communities and are responsible for communicating the priorities and accomplishments of the Governor and his Administration. This effort seeks to spread awareness and increase access to programs and services provided by the Commonwealth that benefit every-day Pennsylvanians.
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Executive Director of the Commission
Olga Negrón
Olga Negrón was the first elected Latino Councilwoman in the City of Bethlehem, and when elected, she was the only woman of color in City Council. In 2017, Negrón was re-elected with the highest votes citywide. She is no stranger to community organizations and to the people of Pennsylvania from decades in public service on numerous boards, commissions, and committees, including PCCD Crime Prevention & Community Revitalization Advisory Council, appointed by former Governor Edward G. Rendell; member of the Governor’s Advisory Council on Public Library, appointed by Governor Tom Wolf; and Vice-Chair of the Pennsylvania Latino Convention. Olga worked as a community organizer, executive director for several non-profit organizations, Neighborhood Coordinator for the City of Allentown and as the Legislative Assistant for a State Representative. After almost a decade working as an office manager and marketing director for HGSK law firm, Negrón joins the Shapiro administration as the executive director for GACLA.
Olga hails from Naranjito, Puerto Rico. She moved to Bethlehem’s south side in June 1996 where she raised, as a single mother, her three daughters, Dr. Corazón Irizarry, multilingual OBGYN; Isis Irizarry, Esq. multilingual immigration attorney; and Paloma Irizarry, PA Certified Doula. Negrón is among 30 people nationwide, and the only one from Pennsylvania, whose stories are cited in a book published in 2014 that asserts the “War on Poverty” can be won. Olga is happily married to Magisterial District Judge Nicholas E. Englesson.
Negrón is a well-known public servant and is regarded as the guardian angel of the underdog, always fighting for justice, righting wrongs, empowering women and girls, and being the steady voice for the voiceless.