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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Julian Teixeira
(202) 776-1812
jteixeira@nclr.org
Key internal promotions announced
NCLR (National Council of La Raza) is pleased to announce that Albert Steven Jacquez has joined the organization as its new Director of Legislative, Congressional and Political Affairs. In addition, Janis Bowdler has been promoted to Director of Economic Policy, and Jennifer Ng’andu will now serve as the organization’s Director of the Health and Civil Rights Policy Projects. The recent hire and promotions within NCLR’s Office of Research, Advocacy and Legislation will help elevate NCLR’s work in these strategic areas.
“NCLR has a long tradition of policy accomplishments on social and economic issues that matter to the Latino community, as well as a reputation for strong leadership and deep expertise in policy issues. These staffing enhancements continue our noteworthy legacy in this area of work,” said Eric Rodriguez, Vice President, Office of Research, Advocacy and Legislation.
As the new Director of Legislative, Congressional and Political Affairs, Mr. Jacquez will be responsible for building and nurturing relationships with congressional offices and the Executive branch, advancing public policy issues that are important to the nation’s Hispanic community. Prior to joining NCLR, Jacquez was a principal at Strategic Solutions Washington, where he served as senior advisor and federal policy representative for the William C. Velazquez Institute. He also held the position of administrator for the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation and was the chief of staff for Congressman Esteban E. Torres. He holds a master’s degree in public affairs from the University of Texas and a bachelor of arts degree from Whittier College.
“Mr. Jacquez’s experience and leadership come at a crucial juncture when leaders in government are looking for ideas and solutions to address the nation’s most pressing social and civil rights issues affecting Latinos,” Rodriguez said. “He will be a key voice for our community and institution as we strive to pass immigration reform, settle on our nation’s fiscal priorities and work to protect the rights of Latino workers.”
Janis Bowdler previously served as the Director of the Wealth-Building Policy Project. In her new role, Ms. Bowdler will continue to lead NCLR’s housing and wealth-building issue areas, as well as integrate NCLR’s work in economic development and retirement issues into one cohesive strategy. She holds a master’s degree in urban policy from Cleveland State University and is a graduate of Malone College, where she received her bachelor’s degree in political science and history.
Jennifer Ng’andu, formerly Deputy Director of the Health Policy Project, will continue to lead NCLR’s health policy work, and in her new position she will be in charge of the organization’s civil rights project, a portfolio with traditional antidiscrimination and equal opportunity issues that also addresses critical policies in juvenile justice, telecommunications and LGBT rights. As a graduate of Duke University, she holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology.
“Ms. Bowdler and Ms. Ng’andu bring their leaderships skills and talent to crucial areas of our work,” Rodriguez stated. “Ms. Bowdler will lead NCLR efforts on key economic issues as we steer our way out of the Great Recession while Ms. Ng’andu will help lead in an era when the civil rights agenda is evolving.”
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