On Saturday, December 7, Hispanic Access Foundation’s “Senderos a la Ciencia” (Pathways to Science) STEM educational program brought Latino youth to Mystic Aquarium to experience an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at marine conservation and career opportunities at a special aquaculture and marine rescue event. The program is a five-year-long project seeking to build the next generation of Latino professionals in health and STEM.

Hispanic Access Foundation is thrilled to announce that Maite Arce, Founder and CEO of Hispanic Access Foundation, has been selected as one of the "100 Most Committed Latinos to Climate Action 2024" by Sachamama. The recognition highlights her unwavering dedication to environmental advocacy, sustainability promotion, and advancing solutions to addressing the climate crisis.

Hispanic Access is proud to announce the appointment of Patricia Patrón as the organization’s new Chief of Programs. With an impressive career spanning over 18 years of executive leadership in healthcare, behavioral health, human services, and community-based organizations, Patricia will spearhead the development and implementation of programs that uplift Latino communities nationwide.

Born in Germany to a Mexican mother and a German father, Tanya’s early years were marked by a blend of two distinct worlds. However, her upbringing in San Antonio, Texas, solidified her connection to her Mexican heritage and shaped her path toward environmental justice. For Tanya, nature was always a refuge; it was a place where she didn’t have to worry about fitting into any specific cultural mold.

On October 11th, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) designated the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary (CHNMS), making it the first Tribally nominated marine sanctuary in the U.S. and the first sanctuary designated in California in over 25 years. Today’s designation triggers a 45-day Congressional and State review, with final approval expected by December 2024. It represents a significant victory in preserving the Chumash people's cultural and ecological heritage while advancing the Biden Administration’s America the Beautiful initiative to protect 30% of U.S. lands and waters by 2030.

To celebrate Latino Conservation Week and Hispanic Heritage Month, Hispanic Access Foundation is hosting a film screening in partnership with New England Aquarium to debut their newest film “Beyond Borders: Tales of Monarcas, Rivers and Two Nations.” The film highlights four different Latino leaders throughout the country, whose livelihoods depend on natural resources like clean air and water. Those natural resources – especially those stemming from the Mississippi River and greater watershed – are in danger from climate change, pollution, overuse of resources, and nature loss.

Today, Hispanic Access Foundation announced the ownership transition of Our Heritage, Our Planet Film Week to the Next 100 Coalition, who will continue in its tradition of celebrating the visual and storytelling traditions of Latino, Black, Indigenous, and people of color's voices and experiences in connection to our heritage and our planet.

Hispanic Access is honored to announce its partnership with Columbia Sportswear, who has provided the organization with in-kind support for the MANO Project program interns and alumni. The in-kind partnership with the MANO Project hopes to remove barriers for interns to participation in fieldwork, fosters diverse voices and perspectives in conservation efforts, and empowers the next generation of environmental stewards.

Fabiola Torres Toledo, a biologist and conservationist from Puerto Rico, has always felt a deep connection to nature. Growing up between the coastal town of Hatillo and the mountains of Utuado, her early life was marked by experiences that shaped her love for the environment. Whether it was surfing with her father, exploring the beach, or helping her family with farming tasks, Fabiola’s upbringing fostered an appreciation for the ocean and the land.

On September 6, the designation of the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary (CHNMS) entered its final phase when the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released its final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). This marks a major milestone in preserving the Chumash people's rich cultural and ecological heritage while reinforcing the administration’s commitment to environmental protection.