Mayor Bowser’s DC Latino Leadership: Ana Harvey, Jackie Reyes & Monica Palacio to be Honored

Washington, DC [CapitalWirePR] January 26, 2015 - In celebration of the new Mayoral administration of Muriel Bowser and honoring her appointment of three Latinos to her administration, host organizers are bringing together community leaders, business associates, diplomats and government officials on Tuesday, January 27th at the national offices of the National Council of La Raza (NCLR). Mayor Muriel Bowser has been invited to the event.

Bowser’s appointees being honored are:

• Jackie Reyes, Director the Office of Latino Affairs,
• Ana Harvey, Acting Director the Department of Small and Local Business Development; and;
• Monica Palacio, Director of the DC Office of Human Rights.

Jackie Reyes

Ms. Reyes, Ward One resident and Salvadorian activist, made DC her home in 1990.

Ms. Reyes' government experience spans eight years of commitment to the growing diverse Latino community in the Washington, DC area. In her last post, she acted as the Latino Affairs & Community Outreach Director for former DC Councilmember Jim Graham (D-Ward One). Among the initiatives Ms. Reyes spearheaded, a gang prevention project significantly reduced the incidences of crime and violence. Ms. Reyes' advocacy work transcends administrations. She has also worked along former Mayor Fenty as community liaison to facilitate a platform to voice the concerns of the Latino constituency

Ana Harvey

Ana Harvey serves as the Acting Director of the District of Columbia Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD).

Ms. Harvey comes to DSLBD eager to bolster and promote the programs and services made available by the Department for small businesses in the District. Prior to her career in public service, Harvey was a small business owner herself. She grew her small translation services company to a highly successful multilingual communications company with clients from Fortune 500 companies, government agencies and nonprofit organizations. Prior to her appointment to DSLBD, Harvey founded the HarveyHudson Group, a bank advisory group comprised of national experts in the areas of financial compliance, community reinvestment, and community engagement.

Mónica Palacio

Mónica Palacio was re-appointed by Mayor Muriel Bowser as Director of the District of Columbia Office of Human Rights (OHR), whose mission is to investigate and eradicate discrimination, increase equal opportunity and protect human rights for persons who live, work, or visit in the District.  For over twenty years Mónica has served as a leader in the fields of civil rights, leadership development and capacity building for social justice organizations and comprehensive community planning initiatives. She brings extensive experience advocating with, and on behalf of, under-represented and disenfranchised communities through issue-based coalitions, government and community partnerships, and social justice organizations at the local and national level. She served as a senior consultant at the Management Assistance Group, Director of Training and Technical Assistance for the National Crime Prevention Council, and Associate Director of Latino Leadership Programs with the National Coalition Building Institute.

"Our city has grown and been strengthened through its diversity. The appointment of these three exceptional Latino public servants is a demonstration of the belief and commitment that together we all rise. I am hopeful that this is just the beginning of a truly representative administration." said Robert Raben, member of the host committee and President, The Raben Group.

Johnny A. Yataco, another member of the host committee and president of the Washington Hispanic added " “I have known each of the individuals being recognized today for many years. I can personally attest that they are outstanding individuals, with a big commitment to public service. Mayor Muriel Bowser could not have made a better choice. The community at large, our community, will benefit from their work. “

The host committee for this event include: The National Council of La Raza, Robert Raben, Johnny A. Yataco, Estuardo V. Rodriguez, Nelly Carrion and CapitalWirePR.