Today, President Obama issued a Presidential Memorandum providing guidance to our nation’s public lands agencies on increasing the diversity and inclusion of the histories, cultures, knowledge and people represented in our public lands systems. In addition, President Obama designated three new national monuments — Freedom Riders National Monument, Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument and Reconstruction Era National Monument — that protect historic sites, histories and cultural resources important to communities of color.

Maite Arce, President and CEO of the Hispanic Access Foundation, released the following statement in response to yesterday’s confirmation hearing for Rep. Ryan Zinke, the nominee for Secretary of Interior:

Whether we are helping Latinos improve their financial literacy, explore new workforce opportunities, become environmental stewards or advocate for better health, trust and a commitment to equity is at the core of everything we do. Our initiatives, programs and grassroots outreach efforts are aimed at empowering and inspiring individuals to improve themselves and their families and, in turn, strengthen their communities and their country.

And how we do it is what makes us unique.

Hispanic Access Foundation connects Latinos to opportunity by exposing them to reliable and relevant resources, promoting civic engagement and serving as their trusted and trustworthy partner. We have developed extensive, trust-based community networks, including those in communities that are the hardest to reach, that when combined with our robust technology, operations, media and communications platforms guarantees success.

Our ability to cultivate leaders and develop advocates and connect them with our partners ensures long-term successes and systemic change.

Our Mission & Vision

Hispanic Access Foundation connects Latinos and others with partners and opportunities to improve lives and create an equitable society. One day, every Latino in America will enjoy good physical health and a healthy natural environment, a high-quality education, economic success and civic engagement in their community with the sum of improving the future of America.

Our Core Values

• Trustworthy: Integrity, Do what you say you will do, Self-care
• Dedicated: Initiative, Self-Motivated, Loyal, Focused, Versatile, Able to Adapt
• Service to Community: Mission-focused, Teamwork, Belonging, Collaborative
• Hispanic Access First: Prioritizes Organization's Vision and Sustainability First, Culture of Philanthropy
• Excellence: High Quality & Standards, Outstanding, Never Settles, Always Looking to Improve

Our Proven Process 

Before coming to Hispanic Access Foundation, Christine served as an executive assistant and legal secretary for a San Antonio law firm for 14 years and then went on to work for six years under the Chairman of the Hispanic Council for Reform and Educational Options (Hispanic CREO). She has received formal training in working for executives and has dedicated her career to the field of administration.

Christine was born in Cibolo, Texas and is the third of six children raised in a predominantly German farming community. Her parents instilled in the siblings values—such as a strong work ethic, commitment, and the importance of family—which she has had the privilege of imparting to her three children and grandson.

Why she works for Hispanic Access…

“I admired and wanted to be a part of the way Hispanic Access provides our youth opportunities for success and prosperity which they might not otherwise have in this country.”

In her spare time…

Christine can be found with family and friends.

Her favorite book…

“The Murmur of Bees by Sofia Segovia. Even though it is fiction, this novel rings true with my beliefs that, in the end, good conquers evil.” 

A person she finds inspirational…

“On a national level, there are those such as Cesar Chavez and Martin Luther King. Then, there are those not-so-famous heroes who work hard to preserve and protect their heritage and culture in the U.S. I admire those who work for nonprofit organizations that make a lasting difference for generations to come, and those who work hard to provide opportunities to fulfill the dreams and aspirations of the underserved.”

Hispanic Access Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that fosters the
development of Latino leaders and elevates their voices in areas where they are underrepresented.

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Donations made to Hispanic Access Foundation (EIN: 27-2589206) are tax deductible.  

For so many of us in the West, experiences such as getting lost in the beauty of a mountain vista or being made new by a clear-running river reflecting diamond sparkles of sunshine are among the prime reasons we live here. These are places where one can feel the spirit and become connected to God’s creation. And often we have set aside these places, including irreplaceable treasures such as the Grand Canyon or Yosemite National Park, as protected public lands for all Americans to enjoy.

It’s no secret that the Latino community is one of the nation’s fastest growing populations. By 2050, the Latino population will surpass 100 million, about double what it is today, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Robert brings more than 20 years of communications, marketing, design, and social media experience to Hispanic Access Foundation. Throughout his career, he has worked with numerous nonprofit, public-policy, and service-oriented organizations focused on serving underrepresented audiences. Robert has provided communications support to Hispanic Access Foundation since its founding in 2010, and he assumed a full-time role in September 2013.

Prior to joining Hispanic Access, Robert served as the president of Fanger Public Relations, where he led communications projects and campaigns for clients such as Hispanic CREO, GEO Foundation, Starfish Initiative, IUPUI School of Public Health, Center for Education Reform, and several others. Before launching his public relations firm, Robert served as the communications director for the Milton and Rose D. Friedman Foundation, which was created by the Nobel Laureate economist in 1996. His work appeared in many of the nation’s largest newspapers, including USA Today, Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Washington Post and Los Angeles Times, as well as on some of the largest broadcast programs including CNBC, Kudlow and Company and ABC’s 20/20.

Robert has also served as a communications director and consultant for many congressional and statewide political campaigns. In addition, he has taught college courses on internet/online communications and strategy. Robert is a graduate of the Pulliam School of Journalism at Franklin College and holds an M.B.A. from Purdue University.