Rounding out the month-long commemoration of Hispanic Heritage Month, state Sen. Marie Alvarado-Gil (D-Jackson) presented a check for $200,000 to the Stanislaus Community Foundation, kick-starting the development of the Latino Leadership Fund.

Secured directly through the state budget, the money will support programs and leaders among Stanislaus County’s Latino community, with a focus in the areas of civic engagement, leadership development, education equity, health equity, and economic advancement. 

Alvarado-Gil has met on several occasions with president and CEO Marian Kaanon and chief strategy officer Maria Cortez of the Stanislaus Community Foundation to discuss the needs of the county.

Alvarado-Gil said she came away impressed with the collaborative work of the foundation to bring a transformative impact. 

“For decades, tireless advocates have worked to put a stop to the chronic disinvestment in our community and I am truly honored to have the opportunity to join together and mark a turning point,” said Alvarado-Gil. “Our Latino voice is now at the table and the impact will continue to grow.”

In June, Senator Alvarado-Gil also announced $5 million in funds to support infrastructure projects in South Modesto, an area that is 85 percent Latino.

“It was an honor to host Sen. Alvarado-Gil to share some of the many projects that are taking root in our region,” said Kaanon. “Her support of these projects, and the people behind them, is invaluable. We are grateful for Sen. Marie Alvarado-Gil's support of the Latino Leadership Fund.”

Alvarado-Gil is the first Latina to represent Senate District 4, which includes all of Stanislaus County and 12 other counties.

It’s the largest district, area-wise, in the state.

Latinos now comprise a majority of the region’s population at 47.9 percent – an estimated 264,000 people. At the same time, Latino membership on county boards, commissions or councils stood at approximately 2 percent, according to Alvarado-Gil’s office.