"We extend an invitation to the community to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with us," said Jennifer Thompson, director of multicultural affairs at HACC. "We're looking forward to Secretary Cortés being here and sharing his unique experiences as the first Latino on the Governor's cabinet."
As secretary of the Commonwealth, Cortés administers the Department of State, which protects the public health, safety and welfare by licensing nearly one million business, health and real estate professionals; maintains registration and financial information for thousands of charities soliciting contributions from Pennsylvanians; oversees Pennsylvania's electoral process; and maintains corporate filings. Cortés is the "keeper" of the Commonwealth seal, and has the duty of authenticating government documents through the seal's use.
Before his appointment, Cortés was the executive director of the Pennsylvania Governor's Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs. He made recommendations to the Governor and the administration on policies and legislation that enhanced the status of the Latino community in Pennsylvania. As the Governor's liaison to the Latino community, Cortés ensured that state government was accessible, accountable and responsive to Latinos, and that strategies and programs were developed to enhance the community's social and economic status.
Cortés' volunteer efforts include the Statewide Latino Coalition, Neighborhood Dispute Settlement, Council for Utility Choice, Inter-Agency Taskforce on Civil Tension, Kutztown University Small Business Development Center, PA Commission on Crime and Delinquency's Disproportionate Minority Confinement Subcommittee, PA Minority Business Development Authority, PA Small Business Coalition, PA Supreme Court Committee on Racial and Gender Bias in the Judicial System and the State System of Higher Education's Diversity Plan.
Originally from Puerto Rico, Cortés has a master's degree in public administration from Penn State University and a law degree from Penn State Dickinson School of Law. He and his family have lived in Harrisburg since 1990.
Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated mid-September to mid-October, selected to tie in with the celebrations of Mexican Independence Day and other Latin American independence day celebrations commemorated September 15 and 16 and continues until the Columbus Day holiday. HACC's Latino student organization, Mosiaco, along with the college's Minority Caucus and the office of Multicultural Affairs are hosts for HACC's October 8 salute. For more information about Secretary Cortés presentation, contact HACC's office of Multicultural Affairs at (717) 780-3276 or send email to the address below.