Gov. Phil Murphy and Lt. Gov. Tahesha Way on Monday announced Arianna Mouré as the executive director of the New Jersey Puerto Rico Commission. With this appointment, Mouré becomes the first full-time staff member of the commission.
“New Jersey’s Puerto Rican community adds to the unique diversity of our state,” Murphy said. “Arianna has dedicated much of her career and spare time to serving the Puerto Rican community, having deep familial ties in the region. Puerto Rico has so much to offer, and I am thrilled to witness the collaboration that Arianna and the commission will build on between our two regions.”
“Arianna has a great deal of knowledge and passion when it comes to the Puerto Rican community in New Jersey,” Way, who also serves as secretary of state, said. “Following Hurricane Maria, and the many other natural disasters that have struck the island, it’s important that we continue to stay connected and support Puerto Rico and the many families that have come to our state from the region. As the commission continues to take shape, I am eager to work with Arianna to build on the New Jersey-Puerto Rican connection.”
The New Jersey Puerto Rico Commission, which falls under the Department of State, was established in 2020. In 2021, the governor announced 29 appointments to the commission. The commission was established in the wake of Hurricane Maria to build upon efforts to promote interconnectivity between Puerto Ricans living in New Jersey and on the island. In addition, the commission will advance bilateral trade and investment, work on joint policy issues, encourage New Jersey companies to invest in Puerto Rico and more.
New Jersey is home to over 500,000 persons of Puerto Rican descent, and it is estimated that 30,000 Puerto Ricans came to the state after being displaced by Hurricane Maria.
“Gratitude abounds, Gov. Philip Murphy and Lt. Gov. Way, for entrusting me with this remarkable opportunity,” Mouré said. “I eagerly anticipate collaborating with commission co-Chairs Peggy Anastos and Jose Lozano, as well as the distinguished professionals who dedicate their expertise as commissioners to the New Jersey Puerto Rico Commission. Thank you for the honor and privilege.”
Mouré began her legal career as a law clerk for the Monmouth County Assignment Judge where she handled civil, criminal, and family law cases. She later went on to work at private law firms as outside counsel and corporate counsel for private entities and municipalities for eight years.
Prior to her legal career, Mouré was a professional sales representative for global companies covering the northern New Jersey and greater New York City area for five years prior to and during her first year of law school.
