Dr. Guillermo Linares Commissioner of the Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs New York, New York

Dr. Guillermo Linares serves as commissioner of the Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs for New York City. As commissioner, he works to ensure immigrants know how to access city services and meets with civic, religious, and business leaders to discuss the needs of immigrant communities. His advocacy on behalf of workers, immigrants, and families started 30 years ago when he was a school teacher.

In 1991, Dr. Linares made history by becoming the first Dominican-American elected to public office in the United States when he won a New York City Council race. As a member of the Council, he advocated for education, health services, and affordable housing. Dr. Linares also served in a national capacity as a member of the White House Initiative for Educational Excellence for Hispanic Americans. President William J. Clinton appointed him in 1999 as chair of this initiative. Dr. Linares immigrated to the United States in 1966. He earned undergraduate and graduate degrees from City College and a professional diploma in administration and supervision from Fordham University. He recently achieved his doctorate in education from Teachers College at Columbia University.