ROCKVILLE, Md., Feb. 26, 2021— Mayra Cruz-Solís, civic engagement specialist and Hispanic outreach liaison with the Montgomery County Council; Dr. Claudia Campos, co-founder of Latinas USA; Olga Balcázar, member of Latinas USA; Gricelda Ventura, entrepreneur and member of Proyecto Cívico Latino; and Rosario Reyes, community leader in Gaithersburg, will be the featured guests on this week’s “El Momento Cívico / The Civic Moment,” airing on Friday, Feb. 26 at 2 p.m. on Radio America (WILC 900AM).  

Ahead of National Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day on Mar. 8, the guests will highlight the importance of nonprofits and local community organizations in assisting under-represented women of color, who have been severely impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.  

Dr. Campos will discuss how she co-founded Latinas USA, and address the ways that women’s roles in the family sphere have evolved amid the pandemic. Ms. Balcázar will share her experiences as a member of the organization, and talk about the support it has provided her.  

Ms. Ventura will discuss how Proyecto Cívico Latino has made a positive impact for her and her family by helping her develop her entrepreneurship skills.  

Then to wrap up the show, Ms. Reyes will discuss her positive experiences receiving support from Montgomery County nonprofits such as CASA de Maryland and Linkages to Learning at Gaithersburg Elementary School, and how she has stepped up to give back to her community during the pandemic, including becoming a volunteer to test the Covid-19 vaccine through the Department of Health and Human Services.

“El Momento Cívico / The Civic Moment” is one component of the Latino Civic Project, which was spearheaded by Councilmember Nancy Navarro. Topics include civic engagement, the functions of County government and various agencies and public policy issues. Councilmember Navarro started the Latino Civic Project in 2012 to promote and strengthen civic participation among Latinos and immigrants. More information on Councilmember Navarro’s Latino Civic Project including the program’s achievements is available at: https://tinyurl.com/yb3mqgx9.  

The Montgomery County Council and Radio America have entered a partnership that provides the Latino community with key information on issues and programs. The partnership also provides a forum for residents to express views and ask questions. The partnership includes the weekly one-hour show each Friday on the Washington metropolitan area’s most popular Spanish language station. Lilian Mass is the show’s host. 

Each week, the show features guests talking about important issues before the Council and provides information about programs offered by the County to help residents.