Jennifer Reyes of Hibbing has been appointed by Governor Tim Walz to serve on the Minnesota Council on Latino Affairs.
Reyes has worked for St. Louis County for 15 years, serving in a variety of administrative roles including the Public Health Division and the Sheriff's Office. She currently serves as the Administrative Specialist for Commissioner Mike Jugovich, and is part of the county's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Leadership Team and BIPOC Employee Resource Group.
The Minnesota Council on Latino Affairs (MCLA) is a bi-partisan state agency that serves to advise the governor and state Legislature on issues regarding Latino communities and promote the voice of the community on policy issues such as health, education, economic development, and immigration.
Reyes first got involved with the Council last year, participating in the MCLA Latine Day at the Capitol, where she had opportunity to meet with staff and talk with elected leaders. She discovered a strong similarity between the MCLA's priorities and her own.
"I've always believed that if you have the ability and time to give back, that you should," said Reyes. "My goal is to be a voice and advocate for people in northeastern Minnesota, with the hope that by promoting diversity to our area, we will increase businesses, housing and tourism, which will be beneficial for all."
"Jennifer is going to be such an asset to the Council and I couldn't agree more with the decision to appoint her to this role," said Jugovich. "I am lucky enough to experience her positivity, enthusiasm and hard work every day, and now the entire state will get to benefit from her advocacy."
Reyes was appointed to the Council effective January 10, for a four-year term. She represents District 8, which covers the northeastern portion of the state.
