LEWISTON, Idaho – Lewis-Clark State College’s Erika Allen, director of College Advancement, has been appointed by Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter to serve on the Idaho Commission on Hispanic Affairs.
Allen, who came to LCSC a year ago after serving as the Director of Development for the Northwest Children’s Home in Lewiston, has accepted the position and expresses excitement about her newly assigned responsibilities.
“It is a honor to serve in a leadership capacity for the Idaho Commission on Hispanic Affairs,” said Allen. “The Commission’s focus of addressing educational, health services, economic, and public policy needs specific to Idaho’s growing Hispanic community is a cause I am passionate about.”
“I can’t think of anyone more qualified,” LCSC President J. Anthony Fernandez said. “Erika has been actively involved in many public service roles and this will only add to her exceptional resume as a leader.”
The Idaho Commission on Hispanic Affairs is a non-partisan state agency which provides services to the Hispanic Community and serves as a liaison between the community and government entities. It lists its mission statement as: “Working toward economic, educational, and social equality, the Commission identifies and monitors programs and legislation, and researches problems and issues facing Idaho's Hispanic community. The Commission identifies solutions and provides recommendations to the governor, legislature, and other organizations concerning issues facing the State's Hispanic population.”
“Being of Mexican-American decent, I personally identify with the advocacy and public policy work of the Idaho Commission on Hispanic Affairs,” Allen said. “What better way to give back to my community than to be part of a team that is playing a vital role in shaping the future of our state.”
Allen’s duties include gathering and disseminating information; conducting hearings, conferences, and special studies; stimulating public awareness; coordinating with and assisting other public and private organizations that serve Hispanic people; serving as an advisor to the governor, legislature, and other state departments; and proposing and evaluating programs and prospective legislation.
More information about the Commission can be found at icha.idaho.gov. Allen can be contacted directly for comment at 208-792-2457 or elallen@lcsc.edu.