Maite’s family immigrated to the U.S. from Mexico in search of work and a better life in the 1970s, and she was raised in Southern California. Her family has since become naturalized citizens, active voters, and engaged in community service.
While working in the nonprofit sector for many years, Maite realized how much easier life could have been for her parents had they had access to information, resources, and personalized guidance to help them navigate the surroundings of their adopted country upon their arrival to the U.S. To help other families like her own, Maite founded Hispanic Access Foundation.
Maite has more than 15 years of experience developing innovative outreach strategies that effectively mobilize under-represented populations while working with faith and community-based leaders with whom she designs and executes data-driven and measurable outreach initiatives.
Maite formerly served as Vice President of Operations for the Hispanic Council for Reform and Educational Options (Hispanic CREO), increasing Latino parental involvement in education and public policy participation among Latino faith and community leaders. She received an honorary doctorate of Humane Letters from Logos Christian College in Jacksonville, Florida.
More about why she founded Hispanic Access…
“Historically, others have made decisions for Latino communities without their input and leadership. Yet, communities have natural leadership and have been helping their own and addressing issues locally for a long time, without support networks or resources. I imagined a future where community leaders are validated for their knowledge and commitment to help others, have the resources to enhance their work, and have a trusted support network that builds confidence so that they can achieve their dreams.”
In her spare time…
“I love to read, watch old movies, kayak through wetlands, and travel. I am learning traditional Mexican embroidery.”
Her favorite book…
“My favorite book is Canoeing the Mountains by Tod Bolsinger. As a woman of faith, I believe leadership in uncharted territory is critical, and the people who are most prepared to lead the future are those who have been in the margins. They have the skill, knowledge, and holistic approach that is needed to navigate a future that is nothing like the past.”
A person she finds inspirational…
“I greatly admire Janelle Hartley. She is one of our board members. An Afro Latina raised in Queretaro, Mexico, she has overcome many obstacles in her life. She is bold, inquisitive, is her authentic self, and is deeply committed to making a difference.”