Governor Terry McAuliffe has appointed one of Albemarle County Public Schools’ top community-builders to the Virginia Latino Advisory Board.
Gloria Peña Rockhold, the division’s community engagement manager, will serve a four-year term.
“I am honored to have this opportunity to serve the Commonwealth and the needs of a community that is so important to our progress in Virginia,” Rockhold said. “Among my priorities will be to focus on closing the opportunity gap that exists between Latino students and the general student population.”
In her capacity, Rockhold and her fellow Board members will advise the Governor on the many economic, professional, cultural, educational and governmental issues that impact the Latino community.
Rockhold said she hopes to increase the number of Latino teachers who can serve as role models to Latino students.
“The lives of these children also will be improved if we can increase the engagement of Latino families with their children’s education,” Rockhold said. “Too often, Latino parents do not have the experience to know how to support their children in considering a college education.”
“We need to change that for the benefit of our entire community,” Rockhold added.
The Advisory Board meets quarterly and will convene again in Richmond Sept. 16.
