Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the appointment of Elia Bruggeman, Sonia Hohnadel, and Adriana O’Meara to the Council on the Affairs of Chicano/Latino People.

Elia Bruggeman, of Sleepy Eye, is currently pursuing a doctorate in education at Minnesota State University-Mankato and is on a leave of absence as high school principal at the Sleepy Eye High School. She received a B.S. in secondary education and a M.S. in Spanish language and literature from Minnesota State University-Mankato. Bruggeman is a resident of the first Congressional district and is appointed to a four-year term which ends January 4, 2010. She was first appointed to the council in 2002.

Sonia Hohnadel, of Moorhead, currently serves as communications coordinator and administrative assistant to the provost of Tri-College University in Fargo. She previously served as a member of the Moorhead Public School Board. Hohnadel is a resident of the seventh Congressional district and is appointed to a four-year term which ends January 4, 2010. She replaces Ruben Mendez on the council.

Adriana O’Meara, of Minnetonka, currently serves as executive director of ANDERI International. She previously served as a financial trader in the Emerging Markets/Latin American Division at Cargill, Inc., in Minnetonka. O’Meara received a B.A. in international relations and political economics from the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. She is a resident of the third Congressional district and is appointed to a four-year term which ends January 4, 2010. She replaces Luis Bartolomei in an at-large seat on the council.

The Council on Affairs of Chicano/Latino People advises the Governor and Legislature on the issues of importance to Minnesota’s Hispanic community. The Council also serves as a liaison between the Hispanic community and local, state and federal government. The board is made up of eleven members appointed by the Governor, as well as two members each from the State Senate and State House of Representatives.