“Serve for Change” Coalition launched to advocate for Latino representation in New Jersey government

TRENTON, N.J. — Prominent Latino organizations across New Jersey announced the launch of Serve for Change, a coalition dedicated to securing Latino representation in state government leadership and appointments.

About Serve for Change Coalition

The coalition’s leaders emphasized urgency. They noted Latinos make up 22% of New Jersey’s population yet remain underrepresented in government roles.

Arlene Quinones-Perez, General Counsel for Latina Civic, congratulated Governor-Elect Sherrill. “We look forward to partnering with her Transition Team to identify qualified Hispanic New Jerseyans who share her vision,” she said.

Serve for Change Coalition Members

Serve for Change unites leaders from diverse statewide organizations:

• American Mexican Regional Chamber of Commerce, President Francisco J. Del Toro
• Ecuadorian-American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey, President Diego Munoz
• Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey, President Cristal Lambert
• Latina Civic Action, Vice President Lucia Gomez
•  Latina Civic Foundation, President Maria Del Cid-Kosso
• Latina Civic PAC, General Counsel Arlene Quinones-Perez
•  Latino Action Network, President Javier Robles
• Latinx Greeks for America, President Rudy Rodas
• La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Inc., National President Pedro Claudio
• LUPE Fund, President Rosemarie Moyeno Matos
• Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey, Chairman Luis De La Hoz
• Unidos US Action Fund, President Rafael Collazo

Organizers stressed that additional Latino groups will join the coalition as collaboration expands.

Mission and Goals

The coalition’s mission is clear: ensure Latino voices shape state policy. Leaders plan to engage proactively in the appointments process and advocate for equal representation.

Transitioning into action, Serve for Change will recommend candidates for key roles. Members believe representation strengthens democracy and reflects New Jersey’s diverse communities.

Next Steps

Residents interested in Governor-Elect Sherrill’s transition or submitting resumes can visit nj.gov/govelect.

Broader Impact

The coalition highlights a growing movement. By uniting chambers of commerce, civic groups, and advocacy networks, Serve for Change signals a new era of Latino leadership in New Jersey.