Advisory Commission on African American Affairs
The purpose of the Commission is to gather information regarding African American Pennsylvanians’ experiences and needs; review, evaluate, and assess programs affecting them; provide the Governor with information and recommendations regarding how best to meet their needs; and provide information about programs and services that may be relevant to African American Pennsylvanians’ needs. The Commission and its Executive Director also serve as an extension of the Governor’s office in their respective communities and are responsible for communicating the priorities and accomplishments of the Governor and his Administration. This effort seeks to spread awareness and increase access to programs and services provided by the Commonwealth that benefit every-day Pennsylvanians.
With eight years of dedicated service in the United States Marine Corps and an Operation Enduring Freedom veteran, Anette Nance embodies the values of honor and commitment. Anette is a distinguished alumna of the University of Pittsburgh, where she earned her master’s degree in social work with a focus on community organization and social action, complemented by a certificate in Human Services Management. Her bachelor’s degree in psychology further enhances her expertise as a social service practitioner.
Anette’s advocacy work within the veteran space has garnered recognition at local, regional, and national levels. Notably, she was among the ten student veterans nominated as a finalist for the esteemed 2020 Student Veteran of the Year award, conferred by Student Veterans of America, headquartered in Washington, D.C.
As a master’s-level social worker, Anette actively participates in several nonprofit boards, including the Age Friendly- Greater Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work Alumni, and The Sons of God Ministry Inc. In April 2021, she took on the esteemed role of Commissioner on Governor Wolf’s Commission on African American Affairs, where she also served as the Co-Chair for the Public Health Committee.
Anette’s contributions to the Pittsburgh region have been celebrated widely. In 2021, she received the prestigious PUMP’s 40 Under 40 honor, recognizing her creative vision and unwavering passion that enrich the community. The School of Social Work at the University of Pittsburgh bestowed upon her the Rising Star Distinguished Alumni Award, acknowledging her significant impact on the social work field within a decade of graduating.
In January 2022, Anette’s commitment to public service led her to become a Council Member of the Braddock Hills Borough Council, where she diligently serves as the Chairperson for the Health and Sanitation committee. Additionally in March 2023, she was awarded the SWAG (Social Worker Appreciation of Greatness) for her consistent efforts in the field of social work. Alongside her many achievements, Anette is pursuing her doctorate in Community Engagement at Point Park University, further expanding her knowledge and expertise.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Anette is a woman of faith, a loving wife, and a devoted mother of two. Her purpose-filled mindset serves as a guiding force in all her endeavors, inspiring those around her to reach for their full potential.
Advisory Commission on Asian American & Pacific Islander Affairs
The purpose of the Commission is to gather information regarding AAPI Pennsylvanians’ experiences and needs; review, evaluate, and assess programs affecting them; provide the Governor with information and recommendations regarding how best to meet their needs; and provide information about programs and services that may be relevant to AAPI Pennsylvanians’ needs. The Commission and its Executive Director also serve as an extension of the Governor’s office in their respective communities and are responsible for communicating the priorities and accomplishments of the Governor and his Administration. This effort seeks to spread awareness and increase access to programs and services provided by the Commonwealth that benefit every-day Pennsylvanians.
Razin Karu was born and raised in India and has been living in the US since 2013. He received his AA with honors in history from Bucks County Community College, where he also founded the Bucks Muslim Students Association, a chapter of the Bucks College Dems and also served as the student government president from 2016-2017. He was the first person of color to hold the office. He then transferred to Temple University, from where he received his BA in history and political science, with minors in global studies and economics. Razin is passionate about civic engagement, social justice, interfaith relations, and volunteering.
He most recently serves as the Executive Director of the Muslim Society of Delaware Valley (2022-23) where he directed all programs and activities for the Muslim Youth Center of Philadelphia (MYCP) and the Islamic Cultural Center of Willow Grove (ICCWG) and lead the organization’s strategic planning. Prior to that, Razin served as the outreach coordinator at ICNA Relief PA (2018-2022) where he worked on programs focusing on a diverse set of community needs, including refugee services, hunger prevention, disaster relief, educational empowerment, and more. Razin serves as a member of the Bucks County New Americans Advisory Commission and is a very active member of the Indian community in Bensalem.
Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs
The purpose of the Commission is to gather information regarding Latino Pennsylvanians’ experiences and needs; review, evaluate, and assess programs affecting them; provide the Governor with information and recommendations regarding how best to meet their needs; and provide information about programs and services that may be relevant to Latino Pennsylvanians’ needs. The Commission and its Executive Director also serve as an extension of the Governor’s office in their respective communities and are responsible for communicating the priorities and accomplishments of the Governor and his Administration. This effort seeks to spread awareness and increase access to programs and services provided by the Commonwealth that benefit every-day Pennsylvanians.
Olga Negrón was the first elected Latino Councilwoman in the City of Bethlehem, and when elected, she was the only woman of color in City Council. In 2017, Negrón was re-elected with the highest votes citywide. She is no stranger to community organizations and to the people of Pennsylvania from decades in public service on numerous boards, commissions, and committees, including PCCD Crime Prevention & Community Revitalization Advisory Council, appointed by former Governor Edward G. Rendell; member of the Governor’s Advisory Council on Public Library, appointed by Governor Tom Wolf; and Vice-Chair of the Pennsylvania Latino Convention. Olga worked as a community organizer, executive director for several non-profit organizations, Neighborhood Coordinator for the City of Allentown and as the Legislative Assistant for a State Representative. After almost a decade working as an office manager and marketing director for HGSK law firm, Negrón joins the Shapiro administration as the executive director for GACLA.
Olga hails from Naranjito, Puerto Rico. She moved to Bethlehem’s south side in June 1996 where she raised, as a single mother, her three daughters, Dr. Corazón Irizarry, multilingual OBGYN; Isis Irizarry, Esq. multilingual immigration attorney; and Paloma Irizarry, PA Certified Doula. Negrón is among 30 people nationwide, and the only one from Pennsylvania, whose stories are cited in a book published in 2014 that asserts the “War on Poverty” can be won. Olga is happily married to Magisterial District Judge Nicholas E. Englesson.
Negrón is a well-known public servant and is regarded as the guardian angel of the underdog, always fighting for justice, righting wrongs, empowering women and girls, and being the steady voice for the voiceless.
Advisory Commission on LGBTQ Affairs
The purpose of the Commission is to gather information regarding LGBTQ Pennsylvanians’ experiences and needs; review, evaluate, and assess programs affecting them; provide the Governor with information and recommendations regarding how best to meet their needs; and provide information about programs and services that may be relevant to LGBTQ Pennsylvanians’ needs. The Commission and its Executive Director also serve as an extension of the Governor’s office in their respective communities and are responsible for communicating the priorities and accomplishments of the Governor and his Administration. This effort seeks to spread awareness and increase access to programs and services provided by the Commonwealth that benefit every-day Pennsylvanians.
Ashleigh Strange (they/them) is the executive director of the Governor’s Advisory Commission on LGBTQ Affairs effective March 2024.
In this position, Ashleigh engages with federal, state, and local agencies to promote effective utilization of government programs impacting LGBTQ Pennsylvanians and works with the Commission to educate the community on existing resources. They previously worked as Communications Director for Pennsylvania Stands Up and Make the Road Pennsylvania.
They graduated in 2016 from the University of Alaska Fairbanks with a bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism. They serve as Board Chair on the PA Stands Up Institute board and Vice-Chair of the Planned Parenthood Pennsylvania Advocates Board. Ashleigh is from Fairbanks, Alaska. They currently reside in Allentown, Pennsylvania with their partner, Chloe, cat, Nike, and several failing plants.
Advisory Commission on Next Generation Engagement
The purpose of the Commission is to gather information regarding Next Generation Pennsylvanians’ experiences and needs; review, evaluate, and assess programs affecting them; provide the Governor with information and recommendations regarding how best to meet their needs; and provide information about programs and services that may be relevant to Next Generation Pennsylvanians’ needs. The Commission and its Executive Director also serve as an extension of the Governor’s office in their respective communities and are responsible for communicating the priorities and accomplishments of the Governor and his Administration. This effort seeks to spread awareness and increase access to programs and services provided by the Commonwealth that benefit every-day Pennsylvanians.
Ruby Mundok (she/her) serves as the Executive Director of Governor Shapiro’s Advisory Commission on Next Generation Engagement. After volunteering as a chapter lead with Students for Shapiro during the 2022 election, she understands the importance of youth engagement in government first-hand. In this position, Ruby works with students, stakeholders, and legislators across the Commonwealth to advocate for the next generation of Pennsylvanians.
Prior to this role, Ruby served on Governor Shapiro’s Inaugural Committee, working to include young Pennsylvanians in the inauguration celebrations and acknowledge their crucial role in winning the 2022 election. She was the first intern in the Shapiro Davis Administration as a part of the Office of Digital Strategy. In addition to her work within the Shapiro Administration, she recently graduated from Millersville University with a bachelor’s degree in Media Arts Production. While at Millersville, Ruby was the producer of Millersville University Television’s “Ville News” and was actively involved in bridging the gap between students and state government by hosting voter registration drives, presenting alongside Governor Tom Wolf and PA Representative Jordan Harris about the importance of PASSHE scholarships, and beginning her work with Governor Shapiro as a senior.
Ruby was born and raised in Lancaster, Pennsylvania and currently resides there with her dog Walter – and despite growing up in South Central PA, is a dedicated Steelers fan.
Advisory Commission on Women
The purpose of the Commission is to gather information regarding Pennsylvania women’s experiences and needs; review, evaluate, and assess programs affecting them; provide the Governor with information and recommendations regarding how best to meet their needs; and provide information about programs and services that may be relevant to Pennsylvania women’s needs. The Commission and its Executive Director also serve as an extension of the Governor’s office in their respective communities and are responsible for communicating the priorities and accomplishments of the Governor and his Administration. This effort seeks to spread awareness and increase access to programs and services provided by the Commonwealth that benefit every-day Pennsylvanians.
Ashley N. Walkowiak currently serves as the Executive Director of the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Women. Ashley is sought after for her expertise in trauma-informed policy and practice which has been honed both within state government and in her community. She sits on the PA Interagency Human Trafficking Workgroup and the steering committee for PA’s statewide maternal health plan.
Prior to her current role, Ashley was Policy Director at the PA Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs, preceded by her role as Director of Policy, Intergovernmental Affairs, & Mediation at the PA Human Relations Commission where she implemented policy, as well as legislative and community-sensitive strategies, to further civil rights protections for Pennsylvania’s marginalized populations. Most folks recognize Ashley from her years spent in the PA Office of Victim Advocate where she worked to advance the rights and interests of crime victims.
Ashley is a mother of three and the wife of a combat veteran. Because of her own sexual violence survival journey, Ashley is passionate about healing and creating a safe and welcoming Pennsylvania for all citizens.
Ashley spent four years serving on the Cumberland County Commission for Women. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Children’s Advocacy Centers of Pennsylvania and has received various awards for her advocacy efforts, including City & State’s Forty Under 40, Central Penn Business Journal’s Women of Influence, and the YWCA Women of Excellence award.