Riverland Community College’s Multicultural Student Advisor Miguel Garate was nominated and selected to be part of Salute to Minnesota at the Chicano Latino Affairs Council 30th Anniversary dinner "Minnesotanos...A Cornerstone of Minnesota's Future" on October 15 in St. Paul. Salute to Minnesota was a video presentation that recognized Latino individuals, nonprofit organizations, and businesses that have contributed, served, and championed the Latino community in Minnesota.
Garate has been Riverland’s multicultural advisor since 2000. He received a degree in accounting and studied law in Mexico. He completed the Blandin leadership program through the Austin community and is active in many organizations, including the Mower County United Way and mentor programs, Austin Human Rights Commission, Austin Welcome Center, Chicano-Latino Career Day, Unidos Servicios Trabajando (United Services Networking), Minnesota Network of Latinos in Higher Education and interpreter services in Austin.
In 2007, Garate was honored for his support of and collaboration with Centro Campesino projects and campaigns. Centro Campesino is an Owatonna, Minnesota-based non-profit, membership organization founded to improve the lives of migrant workers and rural Latina/os and to create a strong southern Minnesota Latino/a voice.
The Chicano Latino Affairs Council (CLAC), is a statewide government agency created by the legislature in 1978. The primary mission of CLAC is to advise the governor and the state legislature on the issues of importance to Minnesota's Chicano Latino community.
In addition, CLAC serves as a liaison between local, state and federal governments and Minnesota's Chicano Latino community. CLAC also serves as an information and referral agency to ensure that Chicano Latinos in Minnesota are connected to the appropriate government agencies and community based organizations to address their concerns, which range from immigration and education to discrimination and social welfare. |
