PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Nelly Jiménez-Arevalo has been named the first-ever director of Montgomery County’s Immigrant Affairs.
For nearly a decade, Jiménez-Arevalo served as the executive director and CEO of ACLAMO, a nonprofit that connects Latino community members and others with educational programs and social services.
Neil K. Makhija, chair of the county Board of Commissioners, says her new role will serve Montgomery County’s population of more than 100,000 immigrants and ensure the area remains a welcoming destination for all people. She will lead initiatives connecting immigrants to housing solutions, health care, legal assistance, workforce development, and more.
“Montgomery County recognizes the challenges many immigrant families face, from navigating complex legal systems to confronting discrimination and economic barriers,” said Jamila Winder, vice chair of the Board of Commissioners. “With decades of experience working closely with our diverse populations and nonprofit partners, Nelly Jiménez-Arévalo is a skilled and dedicated advocate for expanding access to essential resources.”
Jiménez-Arevalo cited her own emigration 27 years ago from Caracas, Venezuela, in a statement, saying she has since "dedicated her life to making sure everyone who makes Montgomery County home feels welcome and supported to thrive and achieve great things."
“I’m so honored to join the county as director of Immigrant Affairs and to continue working to empower our diverse communities,” said Jiménez-Arévalo said. “...I take great pride in the work I do to connect communities and make them stronger.”