Trenton, N.J. – The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey (HBA-NJ), the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) Educational Fund and the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (SHCCNJ) today announced the launch of a non-partisan New Jersey Latino Gubernatorial Appointments Task Force (NJ Latino Task Force). 

The goal of the NJ Latino Task Force will be to increase the number of Latinos serving in appointed positions among the various boards, commissions and authorities within the new governor’s administration.

“We are proud to join forces with our partners to form the NJ Latino Task Force so that we can help the state’s deep bench of qualified Latinos put their skills and talents to work for the good of New Jersey,” stated Roberto Frugone, NALEO Educational Fund northeast director.  “Appointing highly-qualified Latinos to top positions throughout the state will help ensure that the new Governor and Administration represent New Jersey’s diversity.”

Following the gubernatorial election on November 7, 2017, the NJ Latino Task Force will work to provide the new governor and administration with access to hundreds of talented and qualified Latinos who are willing to put their skills to work to improve the lives of all New Jerseyans.  To accomplish this goal, the NJ Latino Task Force will collaborate with leading statewide and local Latino organizations to facilitate the collection of resumes for qualified individuals who want to give back by serving in state government.

“Many barriers prevent Latinos from successfully navigating the appointments process,’ stated Arlene Quinonez-Perez, HBA-NJ president.  “Together with the other members of the NJ Latino Task Force, we are working to remove these obstacles so that Latinos can work to address the most pressing issues facing New Jersey today by serving in the incoming Governor’s administration.

Latinos account for one in five New Jerseyans, and more than 12 percent of all registered voters in the state.  This growing population group is quickly becoming the future of the New Jersey electorate and an essential component of the economic and entrepreneurial activity in the state.  

“Latinos in New Jersey are business owners, attorneys, health and education experts, social workers, union members, and community advocates,” stated Carlos Medina, SNCCNJ chairman.  “Our community’s combined contributions to the vitality of the state go beyond each election cycle, and we are ready to put our qualifications and expertise to use serving within the highest levels of the New Jersey state government.” 

Eligible Latino voters must register to vote prior to the October 17, 2017 deadline to ensure that they are able to make their voices heard in the New Jersey 2017 gubernatorial election.  Individuals can register to vote or verify their registration status on the New Jersey Department of State’s website at www.state.nj.us/state/elections/voting-information.html.

The NJ Latino Task Force is a volunteer driven collaborative made up of the leadership from each of the member organizations, HBA-NJ, NALEO Educational Fund and SHCCNJ, and is not affiliated with any specific campaign.  The mission of the NJ Latino Task Force is to ensure that Latinos are ready to engage in the transition process for the future Governor-Elect of New Jersey.

For more information on the NJ Latino Task Force or to submit a resume, please email NJTaskforce@naleo.org.

About The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey (HBA-NJ)
Founded in 1980, the HBA-NJ is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit association that is comprised of attorneys, judges, law professors, law students, and other professionals who share a common interest in addressing the issues affecting Hispanics within the legal community.

The purpose of the Association is to serve the public interest: (i) by cultivating the art and science of jurisprudence, (ii) by advancing the standing of the legal profession, and (iii) by preserving high standards of integrity, honor, and professional courtesy among Hispanic lawyers.

About NALEO Educational Fund
NALEO Educational Fund is the nation’s leading non-profit, non-partisan organization that facilitates full Latino participation in the American political process, from citizenship to public service. For more information about NALEO Educational Fund please visit www.naleo.org.

About the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (SHCCNJ)
SNCCNJ was founded in 1989 when Business leaders met with Governor Tom Kean and were encouraged to start a Chamber to foster, mentor and train Hispanic Owned business in New Jersey. Over the years, various publications have ranked our chamber among the largest in the state. As a not-for-profit organization for over 27 years, SHCCNJ has become the voice of the 116,000 Hispanic-Owned Businesses that contributes over $20 Billion to the State’s economy. The Chamber is the premier vehicle to access the Latino community and its formidable purchasing power, as evidenced by our growth of non-Hispanic membership reaching 45 percent.