Mayor Convenes First Meeting of the Committee on Multicultural Affairs

Last updated on July 31, 2019

 Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer Convenes First Meeting of the Committee on Multicultural Affairs

July 31, 2019 - ORLANDO, FL – Today, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer convened the inaugural meeting of his Committee on Multicultural Affairs. The recently appointed committee is comprised of 17 community leaders that represent diversity in race, gender, age, religious beliefs, national origin, cultural background, profession, sexual orientation and gender identity.

“As a city, we remain focused on continuing to find ways to work together to embrace diversity, equality and fairness in Orlando and throughout the nation,” said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. “The Committee on Multicultural Affairs will further our efforts to ensure that our residents and visitors feel welcomed, included and respected in the City of Orlando.”

The formation of the Mayor's Committee on Multicultural Affairs came out of the development of the city’s Trust Act Policy and Resolution, passed in July 2018, to foster continued, ongoing collaboration with the local multicultural community. The committee will help the city further the following goals:

  • Explore ideas and identify new opportunities to continue enhancing the engagement and strengthening the relationship between minority communities and city government.
  • Ensure greater integration and collaboration with multicultural communities.
  • Further ensure, as a community, that the diverse needs of residents continue to be met.
  • Ensure all residents feel welcomed, respected and accepted.

During the meeting today, members met with Mayor Dyer and District 2 City Commissioner Tony Ortiz in addition to hearing a presentation from the city’s Office of Multicultural Affairs on the City of Orlando’s existing multicultural programs and resources.

"As Orlando becomes more diverse, representation from different cultures within our community is paramount for our residents to feel they are being heard and their opinions and suggestions are reflected in the manner we practice government. This formula allows for good collaboration and communication, which combined with good planning and transparency translates into the quality of life for our precious community," said District 2 City Commissioner Tony Ortiz.

Members of the Committee on Multicultural Affairs, include:

  • Yog Melwani, Chair
  • Gaby Ortigoni, Vice Chair
  • Sherry Parramore, Secretary
  • Rasha Mubarak
  • Miguel Kaled
  • Ben Friedman
  • Melissa Marantes
  • Jim Coffin
  • Coco Johnson
  • Rev. Dr. Rolus Frazier
  • Dr. Marie Jose Francois
  • Christopher Cuevas
  • Sandi Vidal
  • George Wallace
  • Wendy Doromal
  • Esteban Garces
  • Madeliene Francois

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