Washington, D.C. – Latino Victory today announced its new Board of Directors and National Committee, which will guide the organization through the 2018 election cycle. This is the first leadership class since the organization announced it would exclusively focus on progressive candidates. To that end, Latino Victory has assembled a team of experienced leaders and activists to push back against the Trump Administration and mobilize voters behind Latino candidates.
New York political consultant Luis A. Miranda, Jr. and philanthropist Kyle Ferari were elected to serve on the board for the first time. New members of the National Committee include political commentator and author Julissa Arce, actress and activist Ana Ortiz, California political operative Cecilia Cabello, and prominent attorney Regina Montoya.
“These men and women embody the values of Latino Victory and will be partners in our mission to grow our community’s political power,” said Leopoldo Martínez, Chairman of Latino Victory. “Together, we will work to support progressive Latino candidates across the country and change the future of government in America.”
“At this pivotal moment, Latinos must lead the charge of protecting our democracy and hard-fought rights from the Trump Administration’s constant attacks,” said veteran political strategist Luis A. Miranda, Jr. “By developing and electing a new generation of Latino leaders, we can build our community’s political power and safeguard against the dangerous, anti-Latino agenda that has plagued American politics. I look forward to working with my fellow board members, the national committee, and staff of Latino Victory to strengthen our representation at all levels of government.”
“The Latinx community makes up nearly one-fifth of the U.S. population, yet it remains underrepresented in elected offices. This means Latinxs are often left out of the political decisions that affect their lives,” said philanthropist Kyle Ferari. “I’m proud to join Latino Victory’s efforts to ensure that the community always has a seat at the table.”
A former special advisor and chairman under three New York City mayors, Luis A. Miranda, Jr. brings nearly four decades of leadership experience in the public and private sectors. In 2000, Miranda co-founded the MirRam Group, which played a key role in the successful Senate campaigns of Hillary Rodham Clinton, Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand. He currently serves as the Chairman of ¡Viva Broadway!, which aims to increase awareness of Broadway theatre in the Latino community.
Kyle Ferari is a millennial philanthropist and activist based in San Antonio, Texas. Informed by his experience growing up as the only openly gay individual in his rural Pennsylvania hometown, Ferari is deeply passionate about social justice, minority representation, and LGBTQ rights. He credits his years working in outward-facing roles in the beauty and wine industries for helping him navigate politics and relationship building. In the last election, Ferari was a member of the National Finance Committee for Hillary for America and the Democratic National Committee’s Texas Victory Leaders Council.
Latino Victory’s Board of Directors are thought partners who steer the organization towards its mission of building Latino political power. During their three-year terms, board members play a key role in Latino Victory’s candidate endorsement selection process. A full list of the Board of Directors is available here.
“Progressive Latinos are on the front lines of the resistance against President Trump’s dangerous policies and rhetoric,” said activist Julissa Arce. “We must continue to increase our representation to ensure our interests – and those of other vulnerable groups – are respected and prioritized. I’m honored to join Latino Victory in this endeavor.”
“When I was twelve years old, my father became the first Latino elected to the Philadelphia City Council. We’ve had significant gains since then, but Latinos are still underrepresented in local, state, and federal government,” actress and activist Ana Ortiz said. “I’m honored to help continue the work that trailblazers like my father began decades ago.”
“As we prepare to grow Latino political power in 2018 and 2020, we must invest in a bench of Latino progressives to run for elected office,” said Cecilia Cabello, Chief of Staff to the Los Angeles’ City Controller. “I’m excited to work with my fellow committee members to identify and develop this new candidate class.”
“Over a decade ago, Latinos became the largest minority in the United States. Yet, our community continues to experience high rates of poverty and significant barriers to access health care and higher education. Trump or no Trump, Latinos need advocates across our government,” said attorney Regina Montoya. “As a member of Latino Victory’s national committee, I will help make sure we elect candidates committed to breaking down these barriers and leveling the playing field for all Americans.”
Julissa Arce is a political commentator, immigration activist, and author of My (Underground) American Dream. After a successful career on Wall Street, Arce garnered national attention when she came out as a formerly undocumented immigrant. Since then, she’s used her story to humanize the immigration debate and co-founded a scholarship fund for undocumented students.
Ana Ortiz is an actress and singer best known for playing Hilda Suarez in ABC’s groundbreaking comedy Ugly Betty. A dedicated activist, Ortiz uses her voice to raise awareness about domestic abuse and LGBT rights.
Cecilia Cabello serves as Chief of Staff to Los Angeles’ Controller Ron Galperin. She previously worked as California State Director for Hillary for America and Director of Intergovernmental Relations for Los Angeles’ Mayor Eric Garcetti, where she played a key role in advancing critical legislation and securing billions of dollars in infrastructure funding.
Regina Montoya is a nationally-recognized attorney and former television commentator. Montoya serves as Chief Strategist for JMC Strategy Group, and she is writing a book about the importance of incorporating Latinos into America’s economic, political and social fabric.
Latino Victory relies on its National Committee to identify possible candidates, provide expertise on regional policy and electoral development, and amplify Latino Victory’s message and efforts. A full list of the National Committee is available here.
