Message from the Executive Director
 Rosa Tock
As the summer ends, my work at MCLA is also ending. I am starting to prepare my last two months at the agency this fall. As we informed you in May, I am retiring after 32 years in public service both in Guatemala and in Minnesota. I have worked 12 years for the Council, six of which I had the great honor to serve as its Executive Director. My last day is October 31.
It brings me joy to reflect on the last nine years serving the State of Minnesota. I started as a Legislative Liaison in the area of Health Equity at MCLA, and I leave as its Executive Director. It was an extraordinary opportunity to continue strengthening the Council in so many ways and on so many fronts: as a trusted institution within government and in the community; as an entity helping elevate the voices of our diverse communities at the state level through public affairs and advocacy; as an agency to motivate more younger generations to work in public policy, and public life.
This work would have not been possible without the contribution of talented teams of dedicated public servants who helped and are helping to shape and implement our vision in some of the most tumultuous years that I can recall since I migrated to Minnesota in 2005.
As a bridge builder, I learned the importance of sustaining relationships by listening to people. When we listen, carefully and intentionally, we can deliver for our communities beyond our personal interests and help to create the common good. We need all voices at the table to create change and address the most complex challenges of our times. Empowering new leaders and propelling them into their careers is vital to inspire others to make a difference and represent our interests effectively.
In the next newsletter I will be sharing more about my journey, as I prepare to pass the torch to the next leader who will take the helm of this esteemed institution. The Council was created almost 50 years ago by Latinos, with Latinos, and for Latinos. We understand the challenges, the struggles before us. We know we are resilient and clever. As we face our challenges and develop our strategies to overcome them, we must practice solidarity. These are crucial times to stay united and coordinate all of our efforts to preserve democracy and our republican institutions. Our Latino voices and experiences are essential in this fight. Latinos are not a problem, we are the solution.
Muchas gracias!
Encuesta Comunitaria
Ayuda a tu Consejo a representarte mejor
MCLA se está asociando con Análisis y Desarrollo de Gestión (MAD), una división independiente del gobierno estatal, para encuestar y escuchar a nuestras comunidades. El objetivo es comprender los problemas más importantes que nos afectan actualmente, a entender mejor cómo los programas estatales existentes benefician a la población latina y a determinar qué más debería hacer el estado para garantizar su prosperidad y bienestar.
Solo te tomará15 minutos. Responde en este enlace. Escoge la opción Español
Tu respuesta a esta encuesta es completamente confidencial y anónima, pero tu opinión ayudará a MCLA a educar y asesorar a los legisladores de forma más auténtica sobre las aspiraciones de nuestras comunidades.
Si tienes alguna pregunta, comunícate con:
Aaron Sepulveda, Director Legislativo y de Políticas en Educación: [email protected]
MCLA Community Needs Assessment Survey
Help your Council represent you better
MCLA is partnering with Management Analysis and Development (MAD), a separate state government division, to survey and hear from our communities. The goal is to understand the most important issues currently affecting our communities, to have a better sense of how existing state programs benefit Latinos/es, and to learn what more the state should be doing to ensure Latino/e prosperity and wellbeing.
Your response to this survey is completely confidential and anonymous, but your voice will help MCLA more authentically educate and advise legislators on the aspirations of our communities.
It only takes less than 15 minutes! Respond here.
If you have any questions, please contact:
Aaron Sepulveda, Legislative and Policy Director in Education: [email protected]
MCLA in the Community
Our Team Continues to Visit Towns in Greater Minnesota to Hear from Latino Communities
In preparation for the next legislative session that starts on February 17, 2026, our team at MCLA has been attending and sharing resources in various events this past month. Aaron Sepulveda, Legislative and Policy Director in Education, and David Campana, Legislative and Policy Direction in Economic Development, have been talking with dozens of Latino members and other leaders in Willmar, St. Cloud, St. James, Medina, and Mankato. We want to thank our Council member Rosa Perez for connecting us with other partners in the community!
Some of the preliminary results of these conversations point at topics that will need further consideration during the next legislative session such as housing affordability; taxation; mental health programs and supports, especially in rural areas. Increased fear and anxiety around immigration detentions and raids are constantly named as a factor deterring students and parents in their ability to go to school, which will have an impact in the academic success of Latino students, already hardly hit by the Covid-19 pandemic five years ago.
With this in mind, we are excited to continue our community engagement in the next months and learn more about the issues and how MCLA can support our communities with other peer organizations.
CLUES Fiesta Latina, Saint Paul: September 13, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
ACHLA's Latino Fest, Rochester: September 20, 12 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Other Opportunities
Volunteer with MCLA
📣 Volunteer on MCLA's Board! We are still accepting applications!
🏛️ Are you interested in serving on MCLA's board to help strategize and advise staff to successfully accomplish its mission and purpose? Do you want to make a difference and support legislation and public policies that advance Latine interests, dreams, and aspirations?
💥 There is still one open vacancy. Join MCLA to serve and make a difference:
✔️ A member representing Congressional District 6
👉 If interested, apply now with the Secretary of State here.
🗣️ Governor Walz appoints the Council's community members.
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📣 ¿Te interesa formar parte de la junta directiva de MCLA para ayudar a diseñar estrategias y asesorar al personal para que cumpla con éxito su misión y propósito? ¿Quieres marcar la diferencia y apoyar leyes y políticas públicas que promuevan los intereses, sueños y aspiraciones de la comunidad latina?
💥 Hay una vacante todavía disponible. Ven y únete al Consejo para servir y marcar la diferencia:
✔️ Miembro que represente al Distrito Congresional 6
👉 Si te interesa, postúlate ahora con la Secretaría de Estado en este enlace.
🗣️El Gobernador Walz nombra a los miembros comunitarios del Consejo.
Do you have an event or job openings you want to share with the community? Let us know! Email: [email protected]
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