Latinos in the United States are facing challenges to their health, safety, food security, livelihoods, and cultural legacy as a result of the severity of climate change's consequences. The impacts of climate change on cultural heritage, and consequently on the mental health, traditional knowledge, and identity of U.S. Latinos, are, nevertheless, often ignored.

Pastor Moses Borjas is from El Paso TX. He and his wife have three daughters and one son. He is passionate about empowering and teaching others on how life is about progression not perfection through the message of the Bible. He also has been involved in Land Conservation in his city and other cities too, teaching others on how to be stewards of the resources we have been given to enjoy.

Why he works for Hispanic Access…

"Hispanic Access is a great organization that not only creates job opportunities for Latinos like me to make a difference, but the working environment is like being around family all the time."

In his spare time…

Love to spend time with my family. Going to the movies, exploring outdoors, and traveling.”

His favorite book…

“The Road to Character by David Brooks and Don’t Drop the Mic by T.D. Jakes.”

A person he finds inspirational…

“My father always was and has been an inspiration in my life. Coming from humble beginnings, he taught me that life's journey was that of a sower. That where ever we would go we planted seeds through our words, decisions and actions. “ Make sure they are good seeds, because we reap what we sow," my father would say.”

Rebeca is part of the Community Navigator team serving Arizona and New Mexico. As a Community Navigator, she serves as a bridge between the Latino community, United States Forest Service, and available federal funding to mitigate climate change.

Her journey took a turn driven by her profound love for the outdoors. Transitioning from her role as an aerospace engineer, she embarked on a new path by going back to school and working on projects at the crossroads of community, sustainability, and advocacy.

She graduated from Arizona State University with a master's degree in sustainability solutions and served as an EDF Climate Corps fellow. Rebeca holds additional accomplishments, including a master's degree in space management from the International Space University and a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Arizona. Originally from Puerto Rico, she exchanged the hot and humid climate for the hot and dry landscapes of Arizona.

Why she works for Hispanic Access…

"I first found out about Hispanic Access through Latino Conservation Week. Seeing people like me enjoy being outside and sharing their conservation efforts was such an encouragement. In 2021, I became the Latino Conservation Week ambassador for Arizona. Experiencing first hand the impact, growth, and positive spotlight on the Latino community through this event motivated me to want to work for Hispanic Access."

In her spare time…

“When I'm not working, I am hiking, planning backpacking trips to the Grand Canyon, or volunteering on the Arizona Trail. Volunteering to maintain trails has allowed me to see much of the state of Arizona and experience its peace and beauty.”

Her favorite book…

“My favorite book is "Heart in the Bony Middle" by Seth Muller, a collection of poetry centered around the Grand Canyon. I return to it repeatedly, drawing inspiration and attempting to grasp the canyon's beauty, history, and the profound sense of awe that lingers long after each hike.”

A person she finds inspirational…

“My mom continues to be a source of inspiration for me. I try to learn as much as possible from her by listening and observing. She makes everyone feel welcome, heard, and understood. She genuinely cares and takes action. My mom serves as a source of encouragement and an example of what a life full of faith and less worry looks like in action.”

Magdalena's role encompasses identifying, guiding, and supporting Latino-serving community-based organizations. She'll assist in recognizing funding eligibility, outlining necessary resources for grant applications, and orchestrating workshops and training sessions dedicated to enhancing climate resilience and bolstering organizational capacity.

Magdalena is an influential Inspirational Community Relations and Engagement Leader, recognized as a Go-To Expert in Community Engagement. She is also known as a Builder of Strategic Alliances with nonprofits and various sectors. With a rich background in nonprofit, government, business, and corporate sectors, Magdalena brings a strong family legacy of community involvement.

Magdalena's educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies from California State University, Los Angeles, and a Certificate in Executive Leadership from the Bloch School of Management at the University of Missouri, Kansas City. Additionally, she holds certificates in Meeting and Event Management and is a Certified Health & Wellness Coach."

Why she works for Hispanic Access…

"While serving as the Multicultural Initiatives Manager at H&R Block, I was tasked with my initial assignment—working on a tax education program that officially commenced with Hispanic Access in 2011. Over the course of six years, I wholeheartedly engaged in this program, deeply valuing the mission, Maite Arce, the Hispanic Access team, and the numerous pastors I collaborated with in Southern California. It had always been a dream to join forces with them, and upon discovering this position, I felt it was the perfect juncture. This position enables me to persist in effecting positive change within our Latino communities."

In her spare time…

“In my spare time, I attend concerts and musical events as I love all types of music. I also enjoy both nature and urban hiking, relishing the experience of being a tourist in my own town. Additionally, I am a film buff. Currently, I'm exploring the Criterion Channel's collection of classic films from around the world that I hadn't had the chance to see before..”

Her favorite book…

“I'm a big fan of biographies, and one that deeply impacted me was 'Leap of Faith: Memoirs of an Unexpected Life' by Queen Noor of Jordan. She, an American, married King Hussein of Jordan. Through her story, I discovered the Arab world, the beauty of Jordan, and a world previously unknown to me. Her role as a humanitarian activist and her fascinating persona left a lasting impression. Interestingly, many years later, I ended up marrying my husband, who is from Jordan.”

A person she finds inspirational…

“Dionicio Morales, my father and the founder of the Mexican American Opportunity Foundation, remains a profound inspiration. Until his final day, he was dedicated to serving our Latino communities. He continued working until a few days before his passing and endured eight years on dialysis at the age of 89. His legacy endures through the countless individuals supported by his programs, those he mentored who are now influential leaders, and his organization that thrives as a statewide entity with an over 100 million dollar budget. Despite facing numerous formidable obstacles in life, his resilience continues to inspire me, particularly during challenging days.”

Rosa is a Community Navigator at Hispanic Access Foundation serving the Florida region. As a Community Navigator, she will be building relationships with Latino-led, Latino-serving, and tribal community-based organizations. Providing them with the necessary guidance throughout the grant submission process to the U.S. Forest Service.

As a first-generation Mexican American, Rosa grew up in Central Florida seeing many disparities in the information and resources available to her community. Her passion for social justice and wanting to create more equitable and inclusive spaces led her to pursue her master’s degree in social work from the University of Central Florida.

Rosa has spent the last decade empowering, advocating, and providing direct services to marginalized communities in the nonprofit and education sectors. She has led community engagement efforts by providing workshops/trainings on mental health, immigration policy, and creating a safe learning environment for all students. She is passionate about serving underrepresented communities and bridging the gap in accessibility to resources.

Why she works for Hispanic Access…

"It’s clear to me that Hispanic Access Foundation leads with their values and their commitment to the Latino community at the forefront of their mission. Throughout my personal and professional career, I have also centered the upliftment and empowerment of my community. It has driven and shaped my work.

I initially came across Hispanic Access in 2022 and during the Latino Conservation Week I hosted a hike in Central Florida. Seeing the impact of Hispanic Access Foundation in the outdoor space made it clear that this is an organization that I want to be a part of and want to be a part of the impact Hispanic Access is making in my community!"

In her spare time…

“In my spare time, you can find me leading hikes in and for my community, kayaking the beautiful Florida springs, or spending time with my family and friends doing what we enjoy most. Eating and exploring new places to eat at!”

Her favorite book…

“Lately, I’ve been more into podcasts, and I’ll usually listen to 1-2 episodes a day from different shows. My go to podcast are Se Regalan Dudas and Café con Pam. I really enjoy listening to genuine conversations they have topics that interest me. They also invite Latino/a specialists, local leaders, and innovators on their shows to share their stories and how their work is making an impact in the Latino community.

I’ll also share a book that shifted my perspective early on in my career and that I still refer to this day is “Woman Who Glows in The Dark” by Elena Avila.”

A person she finds inspirational…

“I feel that I’ve met so many people throughout my life that have inspired me or left a lasting impression on me. From the resiliency and perseverance, I witnessed in my mother to the people within my community that have overcome adversities. Each one of these encounters has inspired me and continue to shape my life.”

As a community navigator, Berliz Morales will be serving as a bridge between Latino/Hispanic serving organizations and the U.S. Forest Service. She will be supporting community-based organizations and non-profit organizations in Puerto Rico in identifying funding eligibility and resources needed to apply for grant funds.

Prior to joining the Hispanic Access Foundation team, she worked as an extension agent and outreach specialist in Puerto Rico Sea Grant and the Caribbean Coastal Ocean Observing System (CARICOOS). During this period she collaborated with multiple community-based organizations and government agencies to establish co-management agreements in protected areas, develop educational campaigns to prevent beach drownings, provide technical support on interactive weather platforms, as well as on tools related to climate change.

Why she works for Hispanic Access…

"After working for more than a decade with communities around Puerto Rico on various environmental issues and projects, she witnessed the great potential that exists in community-based organizations and at the same time the great challenges they face in order to enhance their capacities. She found in the Hispanic Access Foundation an example of how we can build bridges between opportunities, resources and communities and achieve positive changes in our society and our environment."

In her spare time…

“She enjoys spending time with her family, watching detective dramas, having coffee breaks with friends and mountain biking.”

Her favorite book…

“Even though she doesn’t have one at the moment, she wishes to read Agatha Christie novels someday. She also likes photography books, such as “Bajo las Olas” by Héctor T. Ruiz, which shows the wonderful coral reefs of Puerto Rico.”

A person she finds inspirational…

“In her personal life, she finds inspiration in her family. She admires the great sense of empathy that her parents have and the way they contribute to making this world a better one by helping the people around them with the resources they have at their disposal. Likewise, they are a source of inspiration because with hard work they have been able to achieve their goals and overcome adversity. This has served as an example for her to continue achieving her goals and give an example to her son to follow.

In her professional life, she admires the great work that community organizations do to make this world more resilient through research, community engagement and education. She certainly admires that they “ponen la acción donde ponen la palabra.”

Luis is part of the newly founded Community Navigator team and will be serving the Northern California region. As a Community Navigator, Luis will be working to build connections between Latino based community organizations and the resources available to them through our partners at the US Forest Service.

A self described life long learner, Luis has passion for the conservation of our natural world that extends well beyond graduate school. He received his undergraduate degree in biological sciences and a Master of Environmental Science Management in conservation biology from the University of Rhode Island. Following his academic career, Luis worked for three years as an environmental scientist for the Narragansett Bay Commission, which operates wastewater treatment plants in Rhode Island.

As a MANO alumni, Luis has volunteered with non-profit organizations throughout his career focusing on environmental education. He has worked with organizations and institutions including Save the Bay (Rhode Island), Brown University, and the University of Rhode Island. Now living in Marina California, you can find him volunteering at the Monterey Bay Aquarium talking about the ocean with anyone willing to listen.

Why he works for Hispanic Access…

"Ever since my time as a MANO intern back in 2019, I felt a strong connection to Hispanic Access and I knew that it was a place that aligned with my passion for helping people in my community. I am proud to be part of an organization that truly cares about empowering and elevating our community."

In his spare time…

“In my spare time, I like to spend as much time outdoors as possible. Either taking my boxer, Otis, on a nature walk or just spending time with friends at the beach just being outside makes me the happiest. But on the days that being outside is not possible, playing board games with the family would not be bad at all either.”

His favorite book…

“I have two favorite books. Book one is Rain of Gold because it taught me that there is always beauty and magic even when you are going through darkness. Book two is my Peterson Field Guide to Birds of Western North America 5th edition because I like to go birding when I can.”

A person he finds inspirational…

“The person that inspires me most is my mother. After my father passed away when I was young, she raised my brother and I by herself. Never complaining, always encouraging and supportive. My house was never without love and I am the man I am today because of her.”

Evelyn is an Administrative Navigator for the Community Navigator Program where she supports the needs and operation of the program and Community Navigators.

Prior to joining the Hispanic Access Foundation, Evelyn’s career has spanned over 20 years as an Administrative Professional at both Yale-New Haven Health and Yale University. Her previous positions have given her experience in both Academic and Clinical settings.

Why she works for Hispanic Access…

"I have a passion for working in underserved communities, lifting up Hispanic voices and sharing resources to build up the Hispanic community. Hispanic Access does exactly that!"

In her spare time…

“I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I also love reading and watching movies.”

Her favorite book…

“I love to read my Bible as it reminds me of God's beautiful plan and promises. My favorite book has always been “To Kill A Mockingbird” ever since I read it in high school.”

A person she finds inspirational…

“My father is my inspiration, my hero, a warrior.. He has been such a great influence in my life. From picking “Pallitos” in the field at the young age of 15 to support his family, to serving in the military and becoming a Drug Enforcement Agent. He overcame many obstacles and tragic circumstances in his life by God’s grace and strength. He is now battling Alzheimer's disease and I can still see that warrior soul inside of him!”

Community Navigator at the Hispanic Access Foundation, Martin passionately connects Latino-led, Latino-serving, and tribal communities across the United States to transformative capacity-building programs. With an impressive 19-year journey in advocacy in the non-profit world, Martin has been a driving force for equitable public land access, leaving an indelible mark in community leadership, nonprofit organization, immigration resources, community outreach, and government affairs.

One of Martin's notable achievements includes participation of a groundbreaking initiative that increased public land access in underserved Latino communities by 30% at the San Gabriel National Monument, Sand to Snow, Castle Mountain, and Coachella Deserts Monument designation. His strategic approach to community engagement has not only fostered trust but has also resulted in a rise in participation in local faith groups environmental conservation projects.

In addition to his impactful advocacy, Martin brings a unique skill set to the table, including bilingual proficiency and a deep understanding of diverse cultures. His ability to seamlessly bridge cultural gaps has been instrumental in fostering meaningful connections with communities, facilitating smoother collaboration and understanding.

Martin is dedicated to advancing the Hispanic Access Foundation's mission by applying his expertise in community and network building. His work is not just a profession but a commitment to empowering communities and driving sustainable change. Through his role, Martin continues to contribute to the foundation's overarching goals of creating a more inclusive and resilient future for all.

Why he works for Hispanic Access…

"Nearly a decade ago, I had the privilege of collaborating with the Hispanic Access Foundation during my tenure as youth and associate Pastor at a church in Los Angeles, California. Dr. Maite Arce introduced me to this dynamic organization in 2014, and witnessing their unwavering commitment to empowering marginalized communities left an indelible mark on me. The dedication, passion, and genuine care displayed by the Hispanic Access team resonated with my own values as an advocate for community empowerment. Maintaining a close relationship with the organization over the years, I have been consistently inspired by their holistic approach to community development. When the opportunity arose to contribute directly as a member of their team, I knew it was a chance to align my professional journey with my commitment to community advocacy."

In his spare time…

“In my spare time, I love to be with my wife and our two wonderful little kids. Traveling, going out to nature, visiting theme parks, and embarking on wild adventures are some of our favorite things to do. As a pastor, I cherish my role in our church, where I have the privilege to mentor and challenge our community, inspiring them to live a better life.”

His favorite book…

“My favorite book? There are so many I enjoy. Firstly, it's the Bible personally. Where else can you get history, culture, and great worldwide events all in one single place? I also enjoy 'Traction' by Gino Wickman; I keep it on my desk daily. I like 'How to Win Friends and Influence People' by Dale Carnegie, and I also enjoy Dr. Seuss books. 'The Cat in the Hat' books are some of my favorites..”

A person he finds inspirational…

“An inspirational figure in my life is my wife – the most compassionate, caring, and bravest person I have ever met. She exudes strength and grace in the face of challenges from her upbringing. Despite the hurdles, she remains positive, graceful, and elegant, always finding the bright side of things. She is a true inspiration, my backbone, my support, and my personal encourager. Her resilience is nothing short of amazing.”

Andrea is a Mexican American seasoned professional in institutional development, adept at fortifying organizations and guiding them through the planning, monitoring, fundraising, and execution of projects. She is a people person, thriving in dynamic interactions with teams and individuals. Andrea unfailingly discovers pathways to achieve goals and propel the organization forward. Andrea holds a particular interest in initiatives that promote development for women and minority groups.

Before joining the Hispanic Access Foundation, Andrea accumulated a diverse background collaborating with both Mexican and American non-profit organizations and Think Tanks. She excelled in enhancing organizational capacities, mobilizing human capital, and establishing successful fundraising programs. Her expertise encompasses various critical topics including human rights, access to justice, gender-based violence, competitiveness, education, and anti-corruption.

Andrea holds a bachelor’s degree in international relations from Tec de Monterrey and is on the brink of presenting her master’s in public policy thesis. She has also earned several diplomas, including one in Gender Studies Research from El Colegio de México (COLMEX), another in Strategic Social Impact from UCLA, one in International Cooperation for Development from Instituto Mora, a Diploma in Project Management for Development in Latin America and the Caribbean from the Inter-American Development Bank, and a Diploma in International Women’s Health and Human Rights from Stanford University.

Why she works for Hispanic Access…

"I love working for Hispanic Access because our values align incredibly well. As a member of the Hispanic community, as a woman, and as a global citizen, I closely have witnessed the lack of access, along with discrimination and inequalities based on race and gender.

I was eager to find a job where my energy, time, and ideas serve a meaningful purpose. What better place than here, with this team and this mission?"

In her spare time…

“Andrea can’t stay still. In her spare time, she’s either working out, gardening, teaching and practicing yoga, or learning something new. She relishes in hearty laughter, cherishes moments with her dogs, and treasures time spent with her friends and family.”

Her favorite book…

“It depends on the mood and the circumstances in my life when I’m reading it, but “The Unbearable Lightness of Being” by Milan Kundera is one of my all-time favorites. I believe Kundera brilliantly captures the fragility and absence of absolute weight in human life. Every time I read it, the novel presents a different story and challenges my notion of existence and the meaning of life in different ways.”

A person she finds inspirational…

“I find inspiration in two types of individuals. Firstly, those who challenge the status quo and pave the way for the next generation to be free and proud of their true selves. Simone de Beauvoir, a personal favorite of mine as a feminist, embodies this spirit. Secondly, I'm inspired by individuals who persistently grow, learn, and move forward in their lives in pursuit of their happiness. My parents are shining examples of this for me.”