What We Do 

The Baltimore City Hispanic Commission was established by a City Council ordinance in 2007 to serve as a liaison between Baltimore’s Hispanic community and Baltimore City government entities. The Commission researches and monitors issues and policies affecting Baltimore’s Hispanic/Latino population, and recommends legislative and policy solutions to the Mayor, the City Council, City agencies and other organizations. Finally, the Hispanic Commission promotes awareness of Hispanic/Latino culture to Baltimore’s citizens, officials, and business leaders.

City Council ApprovalYes
Legal AuthorityBaltimore City Code Article 1 § 52-1
Liason/Executive Director NameCatalina Rodriguez Lima
Phone410-396-8056
Emailhispanic.commission@baltimorecity.gov

Join the Commission

The Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MIMA) is currently accepting applications from individuals interested in becoming Commissioners of the Baltimore City Hispanic Commission. The Hispanic Commission’s central purpose is to advise the Mayor, City Agencies, and City Council on the development of policies and programs to address issues relevant to Baltimore’s Hispanic community. 

The responsibilities of Hispanic Commission members are as follows: 

  • Serve consistently with a mayoral term 
  • Attend bimonthly meetings and participate in the planning and development of projects and activities. 
  • Participate in at least one subcommittee to fulfill the Commission’s objectives. 

Applicants must be a minimum of 18 years of age and shall be representatives of the Hispanic Community in Baltimore City. To apply, please email hispanic.commission@baltimorecity.gov  for an application.

Membership

PositionMember NameTerm StartedTerm ExpiresAppointed By
MemberGiuliana Valencia-BanksJuly 26, 2023December 1, 2024Mayor
MemberGiuliana Valencia-BanksJuly 26, 2023December 1, 2024Mayor
Vice ChairMarly CardonaJuly 26, 2023December 1, 2024Mayor
MemberLuis CardonaJuly 26, 2023December 1, 2024Mayor
MemberFaviola Donato GalindoJuly 26, 2023December 1, 2024Mayor
MemberLuis A. EspinozaJuly 26, 2023December 1, 2024Mayor
ChairFlor GiustiJuly 26, 2023December 1, 2024Mayor
TreasurerKevin MorenoJuly 26, 2023December 1, 2024Mayor
MemberDaniella PrieshoffJuly 26, 2023December 1, 2024Mayor
MemberDavid RosarioJuly 7, 2023December 1, 2024Mayor
SecretaryDesiree “Desi” VelazquezJuly 26, 2023December 1, 2024Mayor
MemberWhitney ViskerJuly 26, 2023December 1, 2024Mayor
MemberLydia Walther-RodriguezJuly 26, 2023December 1, 2024Mayor
MemberVACANTN/AN/ADirector of DPW
MemberVACANTN/AN/AExecutive Director 
of Housing 
Authority of Baltimore City
MemberVACANTN/AN/ACEO of BCPCS
MemberVACANTN/AN/AHealth Commissioner
MemberCouncilwoman Odette RamosNANACouncil President
MemberCatalina RodriguezNANAMayor