Three local Latinos are taking on important roles in Hazleton that could help shape the city’s future.

Rossanna Gabriel, who leads the Hazleton Integration Project—an organization that supports children and families through educational, sports, and cultural programs—was elected to a special commission, becoming the first Latina ever elected to any position in the city. This group, known as the Government Study Commission, will review how Hazleton’s government operates and determine whether changes are needed. Voters elected Rossanna and six other members to serve on the commission.

In exclusive remarks to Impacto, Rossanna explained why she decided to run: “I launched my candidacy alongside a group of Hispanics seeking Latino representation—someone who could communicate in our own language the decisions being made in a city where the majority of residents are Hispanic,” she said.

In November 2026, after an 18-month process, the commission will present its recommendations to voters in the form of a ballot question. It will be up to the people to decide whether to adopt them.

Also stepping into a leadership role is Robert Collado, a bilingual businessman and reporter from Hazleton, who was appointed by Governor Josh Shapiro to serve on the State Council on Aging. In this volunteer position, Robert will help ensure that older adults—especially those in Luzerne County—receive the care and services they need. His swearing-in ceremony was held on June 19 at The Pines restaurant in downtown Hazleton, with Judge Alexandra Kokura officiating.

Collado joins Guillermo Lara as another Hazleton Latino serving on a state commission. Lara was reappointed as a commissioner of the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs (GACLA), representing Luzerne County’s Latino community. Lara was sworn in by Judge Kadara on Tuesday, July 22, in a ceremony also held at The Pines. The event brought together elected officials, local candidates, and other city leaders. According to Lara, GACLA plays a vital role in promoting equity, access, and representation in areas such as education, economic development, and civic participation. “I look forward to continuing this work with passion and commitment to our communities,” he said.

When asked about her role in swearing in both Lara and Collado, Judge Kadara told Impacto: “It’s always nice to be involved in ceremonies like this where active members of the community are elevated to a level where they can assist with government affairs and help in other ways.”

These appointments come just as the administration of President Donald Trump withdrew a lawsuit that sought to divide the city into five districts so that Hispanic voters could form a majority in at least one of them. Although the majority of Hazleton’s population is Latino, there are still no Latinos on the City Council.