Ellen works across Hispanic Access Foundation departments and with current and potential project partners to design and draft winning grant proposals. She has spearheaded projects ranging from environmental justice to informal STEM education, Christian parenting, citizen science, and more. Before coming to Hispanic Access, Ellen worked for various minority-serving organizations including the United Nations, the Peace Corps, and Self Reliance Foundation/Hispanic Radio Network. She received her B.A. in psychology from Wellesley College and her M.A. in international relations from Johns Hopkins University's School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) and completed exchange programs at M.I.T. and Universidad de Cordoba in Spain.

Why she works for Hispanic Access…

"I've lived in nine countries and enjoy working with people of different cultural backgrounds. Above all, it's important to me to serve high-need communities."

In her spare time…

“I am fascinated by pioneering psychiatrist Alfred Adler and do everything I can to spread the word about his technique of early memory interpretation.”

Her favorite book…

“I love Guns, Germs and Steel by Jared Diamond. The best scientific rebuttal to racism.”

A person she finds inspirational…

“I admire Senator Tammy Duckworth. She lost both legs serving her country in Iraq and still serves as a political leader now.”

Before coming to Hispanic Access Foundation, I worked in the Community Management industry as an Administrative Assistant, helping various managers with the day to day operations of managing communities and properties. This also included assisting people with their requests and goals in their community. I have 10+ years of administrative experience and working with communities.

Why she works for Hispanic Access…

"I work for Hispanic Access because I feel that I align with their Mission to assist the Latino community. I want to help elevate the Latino communitie's voices and be able to provide the resources and assistance needed. That is exactly what Hispanic Access provides!"

In her spare time…

“In my spare time I love to spend time with my kids, whether it be playing video games, watching their favorite shows or just talking and having time as a family. I spend my time at my son's football games and at both my daughters' dance performances. They both dance Ballet Folklorico. I love to be present at their performances and games. I also like to tend to my little backyard farm of chickens.”

Her favorite book…

“I don't have a favorite book at the moment, but I can definitely remember reading the Harry Potter series and just being able to have that magical escape. So I would say that anything that I read that provides that escape, is my favorite!”

A person she finds inspirational…

“A person that I find inspirational would be my Mom. Growing up I have seen her learn and push through in everything that she does, persevere. She is constantly taking classes, reading books, researching and anything she can do to better herself. She has taught me that no matter what stage you are in life, you can always do what you set yourself to do. A Lot of me setting my goals and pushing through to achieve them has been from learning from her and watching her always pushing through and always learning.”

Latinos in the United States are facing challenges to their health, safety, food security, livelihoods, and cultural legacy as a result of the severity of climate change's consequences. The impacts of climate change on cultural heritage, and consequently on the mental health, traditional knowledge, and identity of U.S. Latinos, are, nevertheless, often ignored.

Pastor Moses Borjas is from El Paso TX. He and his wife have three daughters and one son. He is passionate about empowering and teaching others on how life is about progression not perfection through the message of the Bible. He also has been involved in Land Conservation in his city and other cities too, teaching others on how to be stewards of the resources we have been given to enjoy.

Why he works for Hispanic Access…

"Hispanic Access is a great organization that not only creates job opportunities for Latinos like me to make a difference, but the working environment is like being around family all the time."

In his spare time…

Love to spend time with my family. Going to the movies, exploring outdoors, and traveling.”

His favorite book…

“The Road to Character by David Brooks and Don’t Drop the Mic by T.D. Jakes.”

A person he finds inspirational…

“My father always was and has been an inspiration in my life. Coming from humble beginnings, he taught me that life's journey was that of a sower. That where ever we would go we planted seeds through our words, decisions and actions. “ Make sure they are good seeds, because we reap what we sow," my father would say.”

Rebeca is part of the Community Navigator team serving Arizona and New Mexico. As a Community Navigator, she serves as a bridge between the Latino community, United States Forest Service, and available federal funding to mitigate climate change.

Her journey took a turn driven by her profound love for the outdoors. Transitioning from her role as an aerospace engineer, she embarked on a new path by going back to school and working on projects at the crossroads of community, sustainability, and advocacy.

She graduated from Arizona State University with a master's degree in sustainability solutions and served as an EDF Climate Corps fellow. Rebeca holds additional accomplishments, including a master's degree in space management from the International Space University and a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Arizona. Originally from Puerto Rico, she exchanged the hot and humid climate for the hot and dry landscapes of Arizona.

Why she works for Hispanic Access…

"I first found out about Hispanic Access through Latino Conservation Week. Seeing people like me enjoy being outside and sharing their conservation efforts was such an encouragement. In 2021, I became the Latino Conservation Week ambassador for Arizona. Experiencing first hand the impact, growth, and positive spotlight on the Latino community through this event motivated me to want to work for Hispanic Access."

In her spare time…

“When I'm not working, I am hiking, planning backpacking trips to the Grand Canyon, or volunteering on the Arizona Trail. Volunteering to maintain trails has allowed me to see much of the state of Arizona and experience its peace and beauty.”

Her favorite book…

“My favorite book is "Heart in the Bony Middle" by Seth Muller, a collection of poetry centered around the Grand Canyon. I return to it repeatedly, drawing inspiration and attempting to grasp the canyon's beauty, history, and the profound sense of awe that lingers long after each hike.”

A person she finds inspirational…

“My mom continues to be a source of inspiration for me. I try to learn as much as possible from her by listening and observing. She makes everyone feel welcome, heard, and understood. She genuinely cares and takes action. My mom serves as a source of encouragement and an example of what a life full of faith and less worry looks like in action.”

Magdalena's role encompasses identifying, guiding, and supporting Latino-serving community-based organizations. She'll assist in recognizing funding eligibility, outlining necessary resources for grant applications, and orchestrating workshops and training sessions dedicated to enhancing climate resilience and bolstering organizational capacity.

Magdalena is an influential Inspirational Community Relations and Engagement Leader, recognized as a Go-To Expert in Community Engagement. She is also known as a Builder of Strategic Alliances with nonprofits and various sectors. With a rich background in nonprofit, government, business, and corporate sectors, Magdalena brings a strong family legacy of community involvement.

Magdalena's educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies from California State University, Los Angeles, and a Certificate in Executive Leadership from the Bloch School of Management at the University of Missouri, Kansas City. Additionally, she holds certificates in Meeting and Event Management and is a Certified Health & Wellness Coach."

Why she works for Hispanic Access…

"While serving as the Multicultural Initiatives Manager at H&R Block, I was tasked with my initial assignment—working on a tax education program that officially commenced with Hispanic Access in 2011. Over the course of six years, I wholeheartedly engaged in this program, deeply valuing the mission, Maite Arce, the Hispanic Access team, and the numerous pastors I collaborated with in Southern California. It had always been a dream to join forces with them, and upon discovering this position, I felt it was the perfect juncture. This position enables me to persist in effecting positive change within our Latino communities."

In her spare time…

“In my spare time, I attend concerts and musical events as I love all types of music. I also enjoy both nature and urban hiking, relishing the experience of being a tourist in my own town. Additionally, I am a film buff. Currently, I'm exploring the Criterion Channel's collection of classic films from around the world that I hadn't had the chance to see before..”

Her favorite book…

“I'm a big fan of biographies, and one that deeply impacted me was 'Leap of Faith: Memoirs of an Unexpected Life' by Queen Noor of Jordan. She, an American, married King Hussein of Jordan. Through her story, I discovered the Arab world, the beauty of Jordan, and a world previously unknown to me. Her role as a humanitarian activist and her fascinating persona left a lasting impression. Interestingly, many years later, I ended up marrying my husband, who is from Jordan.”

A person she finds inspirational…

“Dionicio Morales, my father and the founder of the Mexican American Opportunity Foundation, remains a profound inspiration. Until his final day, he was dedicated to serving our Latino communities. He continued working until a few days before his passing and endured eight years on dialysis at the age of 89. His legacy endures through the countless individuals supported by his programs, those he mentored who are now influential leaders, and his organization that thrives as a statewide entity with an over 100 million dollar budget. Despite facing numerous formidable obstacles in life, his resilience continues to inspire me, particularly during challenging days.”

Rosa is a Community Navigator at Hispanic Access Foundation serving the Florida region. As a Community Navigator, she will be building relationships with Latino-led, Latino-serving, and tribal community-based organizations. Providing them with the necessary guidance throughout the grant submission process to the U.S. Forest Service.

As a first-generation Mexican American, Rosa grew up in Central Florida seeing many disparities in the information and resources available to her community. Her passion for social justice and wanting to create more equitable and inclusive spaces led her to pursue her master’s degree in social work from the University of Central Florida.

Rosa has spent the last decade empowering, advocating, and providing direct services to marginalized communities in the nonprofit and education sectors. She has led community engagement efforts by providing workshops/trainings on mental health, immigration policy, and creating a safe learning environment for all students. She is passionate about serving underrepresented communities and bridging the gap in accessibility to resources.

Why she works for Hispanic Access…

"It’s clear to me that Hispanic Access Foundation leads with their values and their commitment to the Latino community at the forefront of their mission. Throughout my personal and professional career, I have also centered the upliftment and empowerment of my community. It has driven and shaped my work.

I initially came across Hispanic Access in 2022 and during the Latino Conservation Week I hosted a hike in Central Florida. Seeing the impact of Hispanic Access Foundation in the outdoor space made it clear that this is an organization that I want to be a part of and want to be a part of the impact Hispanic Access is making in my community!"

In her spare time…

“In my spare time, you can find me leading hikes in and for my community, kayaking the beautiful Florida springs, or spending time with my family and friends doing what we enjoy most. Eating and exploring new places to eat at!”

Her favorite book…

“Lately, I’ve been more into podcasts, and I’ll usually listen to 1-2 episodes a day from different shows. My go to podcast are Se Regalan Dudas and Café con Pam. I really enjoy listening to genuine conversations they have topics that interest me. They also invite Latino/a specialists, local leaders, and innovators on their shows to share their stories and how their work is making an impact in the Latino community.

I’ll also share a book that shifted my perspective early on in my career and that I still refer to this day is “Woman Who Glows in The Dark” by Elena Avila.”

A person she finds inspirational…

“I feel that I’ve met so many people throughout my life that have inspired me or left a lasting impression on me. From the resiliency and perseverance, I witnessed in my mother to the people within my community that have overcome adversities. Each one of these encounters has inspired me and continue to shape my life.”

As a community navigator, Berliz Morales will be serving as a bridge between Latino/Hispanic serving organizations and the U.S. Forest Service. She will be supporting community-based organizations and non-profit organizations in Puerto Rico in identifying funding eligibility and resources needed to apply for grant funds.

Prior to joining the Hispanic Access Foundation team, she worked as an extension agent and outreach specialist in Puerto Rico Sea Grant and the Caribbean Coastal Ocean Observing System (CARICOOS). During this period she collaborated with multiple community-based organizations and government agencies to establish co-management agreements in protected areas, develop educational campaigns to prevent beach drownings, provide technical support on interactive weather platforms, as well as on tools related to climate change.

Why she works for Hispanic Access…

"After working for more than a decade with communities around Puerto Rico on various environmental issues and projects, she witnessed the great potential that exists in community-based organizations and at the same time the great challenges they face in order to enhance their capacities. She found in the Hispanic Access Foundation an example of how we can build bridges between opportunities, resources and communities and achieve positive changes in our society and our environment."

In her spare time…

“She enjoys spending time with her family, watching detective dramas, having coffee breaks with friends and mountain biking.”

Her favorite book…

“Even though she doesn’t have one at the moment, she wishes to read Agatha Christie novels someday. She also likes photography books, such as “Bajo las Olas” by Héctor T. Ruiz, which shows the wonderful coral reefs of Puerto Rico.”

A person she finds inspirational…

“In her personal life, she finds inspiration in her family. She admires the great sense of empathy that her parents have and the way they contribute to making this world a better one by helping the people around them with the resources they have at their disposal. Likewise, they are a source of inspiration because with hard work they have been able to achieve their goals and overcome adversity. This has served as an example for her to continue achieving her goals and give an example to her son to follow.

In her professional life, she admires the great work that community organizations do to make this world more resilient through research, community engagement and education. She certainly admires that they “ponen la acción donde ponen la palabra.”

Luis is part of the newly founded Community Navigator team and will be serving the Northern California region. As a Community Navigator, Luis will be working to build connections between Latino based community organizations and the resources available to them through our partners at the US Forest Service.

A self described life long learner, Luis has passion for the conservation of our natural world that extends well beyond graduate school. He received his undergraduate degree in biological sciences and a Master of Environmental Science Management in conservation biology from the University of Rhode Island. Following his academic career, Luis worked for three years as an environmental scientist for the Narragansett Bay Commission, which operates wastewater treatment plants in Rhode Island.

As a MANO alumni, Luis has volunteered with non-profit organizations throughout his career focusing on environmental education. He has worked with organizations and institutions including Save the Bay (Rhode Island), Brown University, and the University of Rhode Island. Now living in Marina California, you can find him volunteering at the Monterey Bay Aquarium talking about the ocean with anyone willing to listen.

Why he works for Hispanic Access…

"Ever since my time as a MANO intern back in 2019, I felt a strong connection to Hispanic Access and I knew that it was a place that aligned with my passion for helping people in my community. I am proud to be part of an organization that truly cares about empowering and elevating our community."

In his spare time…

“In my spare time, I like to spend as much time outdoors as possible. Either taking my boxer, Otis, on a nature walk or just spending time with friends at the beach just being outside makes me the happiest. But on the days that being outside is not possible, playing board games with the family would not be bad at all either.”

His favorite book…

“I have two favorite books. Book one is Rain of Gold because it taught me that there is always beauty and magic even when you are going through darkness. Book two is my Peterson Field Guide to Birds of Western North America 5th edition because I like to go birding when I can.”

A person he finds inspirational…

“The person that inspires me most is my mother. After my father passed away when I was young, she raised my brother and I by herself. Never complaining, always encouraging and supportive. My house was never without love and I am the man I am today because of her.”

Evelyn is an Administrative Navigator for the Community Navigator Program where she supports the needs and operation of the program and Community Navigators.

Prior to joining the Hispanic Access Foundation, Evelyn’s career has spanned over 20 years as an Administrative Professional at both Yale-New Haven Health and Yale University. Her previous positions have given her experience in both Academic and Clinical settings.

Why she works for Hispanic Access…

"I have a passion for working in underserved communities, lifting up Hispanic voices and sharing resources to build up the Hispanic community. Hispanic Access does exactly that!"

In her spare time…

“I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I also love reading and watching movies.”

Her favorite book…

“I love to read my Bible as it reminds me of God's beautiful plan and promises. My favorite book has always been “To Kill A Mockingbird” ever since I read it in high school.”

A person she finds inspirational…

“My father is my inspiration, my hero, a warrior.. He has been such a great influence in my life. From picking “Pallitos” in the field at the young age of 15 to support his family, to serving in the military and becoming a Drug Enforcement Agent. He overcame many obstacles and tragic circumstances in his life by God’s grace and strength. He is now battling Alzheimer's disease and I can still see that warrior soul inside of him!”