Press release from the City:
Mayor Henry continues outreach to Hispanic, immigrant communities with new liaison
Mayor’s advocate to strengthen connections to all immigrant, refugee populationsMayor Tom Henry is expanding his administration’s commitment to Fort Wayne’s growing Hispanic and immigrant communities with the hiring of a new Mayor’s advocate/Hispanic-immigrant liaison, Palermo Galindo.
“Fort Wayne has welcomed thousands of New Americans to our city in the past two decades. It is my responsibility as Mayor of all Fort Wayne residents to make sure their interests are heard and lines of communication and City services are open to everyone,” Mayor Henry said. “Palermo brings a wealth of knowledge to the City of Fort Wayne and will strengthen our relationships to Hispanic and immigrant populations and the agencies and businesses that serve them.”
With work experience in the public, private and non-profit sectors, Galindo has broad-ranging connections in Fort Wayne and statewide. He has worked for Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne, the Indiana State Lottery, Northeastern Center and Easter Seals Arc in community and multicultural outreach and served on non-profit boards. He is fluent in Spanish.
The existing yet expanded position is a Mayor’s advocate, with responsibilities similar to the four neighborhood advocates who serve neighborhoods and Area Partnerships. This position is not simply a Spanish interpreter, but designed to maintain contact with Hispanic and immigrant Fort Wayne residents and ensure inclusiveness of City services and programs.
The position is within the Mayor’s office, funded through the Community Development Division. Galindo will be working with Community Development staff for neighborhood planning and the 2010 Census and the City’s Complete Count committee.
“Fort Wayne has Hispanic and immigrant residents who have been here for many years or just a few months. It is my duty and commitment to build bridges between the City and these populations and those that work closely with them,” Galindo said. “I would like to give credit to Mayor Henry for his concern and dedication to action for Fort Wayne’s multicultural and international community.”
Mayor Henry also extends his appreciation to the selection committee that narrowed the pool of candidates.
- Max Montesimo, IPFW
- Mike Trevino, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
- Loaine Hagerty, St. Joseph Community Health Foundation
- Michelle Yamanaka, City of Fort Wayne Community Development
- Al Candioto, City of Fort Wayne Human Resources
- Cherise Dixie, City of Fort Wayne Southeast Advocate
Galindo can be reached at (260) 427-6214 or palermo.galindo@cityoffortwayne.org.
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