November 21, 2017
Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2017
LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Rick Snyder today announced the reappointments of Juan Marinez of Okemos, Carlos Pava of Grand Rapids, Ivonne Soler of Livonia, and Jesse Venegas of Royal Oak to the Hispanic/Latino Commission of Michigan.
Housed within the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, the 15-member commission develops and maintains a unified policy and plan of action to serve the needs of Michigan's Hispanic and Latino residents.
"These individuals have shown their commitment to helping Michigan’s Hispanic and Latino community and I thank them for their continued service,” Snyder said.
Marinez retired from Michigan State University as program director for MSU and served as a regional Extension supervisor for MSU Extension. Through the MSU Extension and Michigan’s Integrated Food and Farming Systems, Marinez conducted an education program for 26 new immigrant Hispanic blueberry farmers in South West Michigan along with serving as a Michigan State University advisory board member for the Sustainable and New Immigrants Small Farms Program. He holds an associate’s degree from Elkhart Institute of Dental Technology and a bachelor’s degree in social work from Michigan State University.
Pava is the COO and co-founder of Voices for Health, Inc. He is a licensed trainer for the Community Interpreter International and a certified healthcare interpreter. Pava holds an associate’s degree from Grand Rapids Community College and a bachelor’s degree in psychology and business administration from Michigan State University.
Soler is an associate attorney at Butzel Long. She previously worked as a project coordinator for the Detroit Parent Network and an assistant conference coordinator for Wayne State University School of Medicine. Soler is a member of the Hispanic Bar Association of Michigan, the Butzel Long Women’s Leadership Initiative and Pro Bono Committee, and Wild Dogs, a non-profit organization that focuses on providing soccer equipment and coaching services for low income youth. Soler holds a bachelor’s degree from Wayne State University in political science and a law degree from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law.
Venegas is the vice president and general manager for Ideal Setech, LLC. He is the Vice-Chair on the board of directors for the Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and a past member of the Business Advisory Board at Crockett Technical High School in Detroit. Venegas is also a member of Iron Workers Local 25, the Detroit Athletic Club, and the Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Vermont and completed the Advanced Minority Business Executive Program through Tuck Executive Division at Dartmouth College.
Members will serve three-year terms expiring Dec. 10, 2020. Their appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
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