Margaret focuses on grant writing and individual giving for Hispanic Access Foundation.

Margaret earned her B.A. in business from Sweet Briar College. After finishing her undergraduate degree, Margaret attended the University of Lynchburg where she obtained her M.A. in nonprofit leadership studies. Prior to joining Hispanic Access, she served as the Graduate Assistant for Equity and Inclusion at the University of Lynchburg and worked with Concern Worldwide as a Major Gifts Fellow. She  is passionate about diversity, equity, and inclusion, and is dedicated to serving Latino communities.

Why she works for Hispanic Access…

“Hispanic Access' trust-based, community-centered practices highlight that the organization cares about the needs and perspectives of the people it works with. These values serve as a great foundation to build long lasting, positive relationships and make sustainable impact.”

In her spare time…

Margaret loves to cook, appreciate and create art, dance, and soak up the sunshine.

Her favorite book…

“Anything by Madeline Miller. She gives voices to the overlooked characters in ancient epics and allows them to be heroes in their own way. Whenever I finish one of her books, I feel a little sad, because I've gotten so invested in the stories and the characters.”

A person she finds inspirational…

“Tarsila do Amaral is an inspiration to me, both as an artist and a Latina woman. She was an incredible painter, and although she trained in Paris, she was able to infuse her Latin American identity into her work, which created a unique and vibrant style that is so beautiful and visually engaging. She may not be as well known internationally as some others, but her skill has made her the pride of Brazil, and in my opinion, one of the best artists of the 20th century.”

I grew up on the Westside of El Paso. My dad loved to go to the El Paso Museum of Archaeology, right next to Castner Range in Northeast El Paso, then take us on the area trail. We would always stop when we drove across town, walking the trail, envisioning the stories of early settlers, and enjoying the different seasons. In Spring, the poppy flowers were a blanket of yellow and orange. As an adult, I realized how unique Castner Range is–the wildlife, rocks, mountains, trees, and other plants you can't see in other parts of the nation.

As the 2022 session of the Maryland General Assembly gets under way, a coalition of environmentally minded lawmakers is expected to propose legislation that would protect 30% of the state’s lands and waters by 2030 — in keeping with a nationwide movement known as 30 by 30.

Hispanic Access Foundation is pleased to announce the hiring of Crystal Strong, Yashira Valentín Feliciano and Victoria Pedrosa, who will all serve as program associates for the MANO Project. In their role, they will assist the MANO Project in connecting, building and developing thoughtful Latino leaders who share a passion for serving and strengthening their communities.

It's that time of year where we make our New Year's resolutions, and some in the Latino community are reaching out for help sticking to their plans. The pandemic brought extreme hardships, but the economic recovery and labor shortage also present new opportunities to move up the ladder or find a better-paying job.

On December 20, 2021, the Biden-Harris administration released its first annual progress report on the America the Beautiful initiative to conserve 30 percent of U.S. lands and waters by 2030. In response to the release of the progress report, Maite Arce, president and CEO of Hispanic Access Foundation, released the following statement:

The Hispanic Access Project is teaming up with the National Park Service, the U.S. Forest and Fish and Wildlife services, and other agencies to diversify staff by tapping college students and recent graduates for MANO fellowships.

As a member of Hispanic Access Foundation’s MANO Project, Victoria works to place young BIPOC people throughout the country in meaningful paid federal internships.

Victoria has dedicated her life to public service and has found the most rewarding experiences in doing so. Growing up in Southern California, Victoria discovered a love for the outdoors and equity early on and has supported conservation efforts and advocacy ever since. In college, she studied environmental science and sociology to better understand the intersection between environmental and social issues. Her research ranged from analyzing transnational labor alliance campaigns to natural resource management in Kings Canyon National Park.

Victoria has volunteered with the Sierra Club and was engaged with her environmental science and sustainability club on campus as well. She also participated as a MANO intern in Kings Canyon National Park providing environmental education programming in Spanish and English and conducting natural resource management research. After college, she accepted an AmeriCorps service position to advise and mentor high school environmental service-learning clubs in the Greater Seattle area.

Why she works for Hispanic Access…

“I am passionate about empowering Latino and underrepresented communities to be key advocates and leaders within the environmental sector. Being able to help connect and build leaders of color to protect public lands is why I love working for Hispanic Access.”

In her spare time…

”I love to spend time outdoors as much as I can—hiking, swimming, reading, hammocking, biking, camping, slacklining, gardening, and basking in the sun. If the sun is out so, am I!”

Her favorite book…

“My favorite book is Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer. Kimmerer is an Indigenous woman from the Potawatomi Nation who uses the wisdom of her ancestors and her scientific knowledge as a botanist to help us understand what plants and the earth can teach us. I love this book because it celebrates our reciprocal relationship with the living world in a very intimate way. She reminds us how we depend on the Earth and the Earth depends on us as well.”

A person she finds inspirational…

“Someone I find inspiring in the Seattle community where I live is Nyema Clark, founder and Director of Nurturing Roots Farm. Nyema focuses her efforts on addressing food and environmental justice issues within her community by sharing her knowledge and expertise in community farming, food empowerment, social justice, and education. Her strength and passion for her community is truly inspiring to me and many others.”

Crystal came to Hispanic Access with an extensive professional background delivering social services involving immigrant communities, children and youth in foster care, veterans, residential treatment and wilderness therapy, and a variety of healthcare settings. She holds a Master of Social Work degree from Virginia Commonwealth University and is deeply committed to creating access and equity for all within the mental health, public health, and environmental health sectors. With a deep love for the outdoors, Crystal also strives to encourage communities to find connection with nature and wellness.

Why she works for Hispanic Access…

“I am passionate about delivering programs and services that enhance people's quality of life and make a positive social impact. I was excited by the various ways that Hispanic Access is accomplishing just that and more; I leapt at the opportunity to join. Doesn't hurt that the team is an incredibly smart, kind, and passionate bunch!”

In her spare time…

“In my free time I enjoy being active outdoors, preferably in water if it's available. I also love going to the cinema or seeing live shows (remember those?). The more snacks, the better!”

Her favorite book…

“A book I recently guzzled down was Why We Swim by Bonnie Tsui. This book deeply explores this question, and (surprise!) the reasons are many. From survival, to competition, to therapy, to health. This book is a love letter to swimming. A swooning note to a hobby, a sport, a state of mind.”

A person she finds inspirational…

“I find great inspiration in Brené Brown and her work. A notable researcher, writer, and teacher, Brené is inspirational to me because she has reminded the world in recent years of the uncomfortable, life-giving link between vulnerability and courage. Important to note, I am a social worker by trade and am very much biased.”

Yashira serves on the MANO Project, helping to place and support hundreds of young BIPOC professionals in paid federal internships across the country.

Yashira has been interested in STEM since childhood, when she participated in science fairs, and, as an adult, has had her work published in academic journals. She received an undergraduate degree in industrial biotechnology and a Master of Engineering in civil and environmental engineering from the University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez. Since then, Yashira has become an active team member, leader, mentor, and environmental science educator/spokesperson who creates bridges between academia and communities through public outreach.

Before coming to Hispanic Access Foundation, Yashira volunteered with Lead Up Mentoring Network and the Clean Water Science Network Mentorship Program. Over her career, she has collaborated with institutions including the University of Michigan; South Dakota State University; the University of Massachusetts; the Environmental Protection Agency; the Army Geospatial Research Laboratory; North Carolina State University; the Community Leadership on the Environment, Advocacy, and Resilience (CLEAR) program from Catalyst Miami; the Climate Reality Project; Sierra Club Puerto Rico; the Caribbean Climate Change School from 350.org and Voices GY; and the National Disaster Preparedness Training Center.

Why she works for Hispanic Access…

“I want to work in a place where I can help others and see how my contributions impact them for the better. I am specifically interested in supporting Latinos and people of color, and the sectors I focus on include student outreach, STEM, and environmental science and climate change. Hispanic Access Foundation has been the right fit for me—a place where I am able to move toward all my goals while working alongside others who are also striving to deliver the best for our community.”

In her spare time…

“You can find me practicing yoga and meditation, reading books, listening to music and podcasts, dancing salsa and merengue, searching for local coffee shops everywhere I go, traveling, going on weekend impromptu trips, and sharing time with family and friends.”

Her favorite book…

“I do not have a favorite book at the moment, but I do enjoy books of any genre where I can immerse my mind and allow it to wander, imagine, and create its own story so much that it feels like the plot is or could be real. Who doesn't love a good story?”

Who she finds inspirational…

“I consider my family an inspiration. They are the reason I wake up every day wanting to become a better version of myself and wanting to be there for others. My family gave their all for me to achieve what I have as a first-generation college graduate. Surviving cancer has also inspired me and taught me to overcome obstacles and fight to do what I love. I view others' lives and my own as a gift to learn about everybody's unique story and to contribute in a positive manner.”