On April 18 at the Montgomery County Courthouse, Maritza Padua was sworn into Gov. Tom Wolf’s Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs (GACLA), which is a group dedicated to advising the governor on legislation and policies that particularly impact Latino communities.

Padua, an employee of Keystone First Health Plan, is a native of North Philadelphia with a Puerto Rican heritage. In her role with Keystone First, she leads new business development and manages more than 30 events annually throughout Montgomery County and in parts of Philadelphia. Prior to joining Keystone First, she served as special assistant to Philadelphia Councilwoman Maria Quiñones-Sánchez.

Surrounded by government officials, colleagues, community partners and loved ones, Padua was sworn into the commission by Hon. Gregory Scott of Montgomery County.

“Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine myself working alongside Governor Wolf and the impressive group of commissioners he has appointed to represent the counties across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,” Padua said. “I am both humbled and honored by the opportunity to serve the Latino population in Montgomery County.”

Maritza Padua, Keystone First public affairs and marketing specialist; and Meg Grant, Keystone First director, public affairs and marketing. | Maritza Padua and her husband, Joe Santiago.