Marilyn is a Los Angeles native and first-generation Mexican American with a ten-year residency in South Texas. Marilyn has over six years of experience in the nonprofit sector through socio-economic programs serving the Hispanic population, low-income BIPOC households and at-risk youth within the Central Texas Area. Marilyn has tackled community challenges alongside faith-based partnerships such as Catholic Charities, Haven for Hope and Communities in School of South Texas.
Prior to joining Hispanic Access, Marilyn served under the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services through their foster care program at Upbring. She managed federal, state and local compliance, empowering minority youth social services and ensuring adequate care from local stakeholders towards their holistic wellbeing.
She also currently serves as Co-founder of Saenz & Company, an agroforestry and sustainable asset management firm.
Marilyn earned a B.A. in Sociology with a focus on social global change and social inequality, and a B.A. in English, with International English Honors from St. Mary’s University at San Antonio.
Why she works for Hispanic Access…
"As a Texan, the heat is no stranger! While witnessing its extreme heat and below average winter temperatures, my passion in the past couple of years has shifted to the underlying causes and efforts to net-zero, and therefore, the lack of resources many have encountered in the center of extreme weather, air quality and urban planning. When coming across Hispanic Access, I was called to their intersectional programs for upholding all operations in the value of engagement and benefit to Hispanic/BIPOC communities. I was excited to join an organization where I didn’t have to compromise between the two and create an impact within society and sustainability."
In her spare time…
“In my spare time I enjoy learning new healthy recipes, spending time with family and our cats, watching TV series and reading articles about sustainability or international politics.”
Her favorite book…
“I don’t necessarily have a favorite, but some that quickly come to mind are Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde, Dracula by Bram Stoker, Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis and more recently everything from Joan Didion."
A person she finds inspirational…
“My brother. As children to immigrant parents, we saw the immense hardships they faced while creating the magic and laughter of our childhood with the little that we had. He has guided me to be the best version of myself, academically and professionally in honor of the sacrifices our parents have made. I am eternally grateful for my family’s love, support and encouragement!”