Hispanic Access Foundation is partnering with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) through its MANO Project, along with Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANRRS) and the Doris Duke Conservation Scholars Program (DDCF) to implement their 2024 Directorate Resource Assistant Fellows Program (DFP). The program is an 11-week Fellowship focusing on projects supporting FWS’ conservation priorities from mid-May and June 2024 to August and September 2024 and will include direct hire authority (DHA) eligibility permanent positions in FWS.

Hispanic Access Foundation’s conservation programs bring Latino voices to the forefront of conservation and climate policy and stewardship. We activate Latino leaders and provide them the resources they need to create a more sustainable and equitable future. Despite being among the fastest growing populations throughout the US, and in some areas the primary driver of population and economic growth, Latino communities are often absent from environmental decision-making, even as they are particularly vulnerable to the consequences of climate disasters. With more of a voice in decision-making and advocacy, Latinos become an invaluable constituency of the environmental movement and a pillar for systemic change and justice.

Sharon Dorsey is a graduate student at Virginia Tech studying fish and wildlife conservation with a focus on an endangered coastal bird known as the piping plover. Hailing from Baltimore, Maryland, her passion for conservation started early on with her interest in outdoor sports and conservation issues around the metropolitan region of Baltimore and Washington DC.

Natalie De la Torre Salas is a dynamic professional with a career in archaeology and heritage conservation. Originally from Puerto Rico, her journey into the world of archaeology and her dedication to preserving cultural heritage has led her to become an influential voice in the field. Moreover, her involvement with the Hispanic Access Foundation has allowed her to champion the cause of climate justice and heritage preservation within the Latino community.

Most first-generation immigrants around the world know the main challenge to succeeding in a new country is learning the culture and societal norms and adapting to the new way of life. Latino immigrants in the U.S. are no exception. The ability to navigate the workforce, be part of a new society, and reach financial stability is the reward; the price is the loss of family traditions and cultural identity.

In the world of forestry and conservation, there are individuals whose dedication and passion guide them toward making a significant impact on our environment. One such individual is Luis Vidal, the Northern California Reforestation Manager for American Forests.

Today, on September 24, U.S. Department of Interior (DOI) Secretary Deb Haaland visited Molok Luyuk (Condor Ridge), a proposed expansion area of the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument in Northern California. Tribal and community leaders, as well as Representative John Garamendi and Senator Alex Padilla, have all called upon President Biden to use the Antiquities Act to expand the National Monument. In response, Maite Arce, president and CEO of the Hispanic Access Foundation, released the following statement:

Paola Bonilla has always known community service as the pillar of her path in life. Since a young age, this Boricua has felt a connection to grassroots organizations, as well as contributing with her knowledge and passion for wildlife and science.

I  grew up in the Los Angeles area, a  45-minute drive from the beach. The salt smell of the ocean, the sounds of seagulls and the cool ocean breeze will be forever associated with my childhood memories. I grew up under the assumption that visiting the coast was my right.

Susana Sanchez-Young’s illustrations are almost musical: They are catchy, buoyant, and expressive. The East Bay-based mom of two is the founder of The Designing Chica and an art director at the Los Angeles Times.