Whether we are helping Latinos improve their financial literacy, explore new workforce opportunities, become environmental stewards or advocate for better health, trust and a commitment to equity is at the core of everything we do. Our initiatives, programs and grassroots outreach efforts are aimed at empowering and inspiring individuals to improve themselves and their families and, in turn, strengthen their communities and their country.

And how we do it is what makes us unique.

Hispanic Access Foundation connects Latinos to opportunity by exposing them to reliable and relevant resources, promoting civic engagement and serving as their trusted and trustworthy partner. We have developed extensive, trust-based community networks, including those in communities that are the hardest to reach, that when combined with our robust technology, operations, media and communications platforms guarantees success.

Our ability to cultivate leaders and develop advocates and connect them with our partners ensures long-term successes and systemic change.

Our Mission & Vision

Hispanic Access Foundation connects Latinos and others with partners and opportunities to improve lives and create an equitable society. One day, every Latino in America will enjoy good physical health and a healthy natural environment, a high-quality education, economic success and civic engagement in their community with the sum of improving the future of America.

Our Core Values

• Trustworthy: Integrity, Do what you say you will do, Self-care
• Dedicated: Initiative, Self-Motivated, Loyal, Focused, Versatile, Able to Adapt
• Service to Community: Mission-focused, Teamwork, Belonging, Collaborative
• Hispanic Access First: Prioritizes Organization's Vision and Sustainability First, Culture of Philanthropy
• Excellence: High Quality & Standards, Outstanding, Never Settles, Always Looking to Improve

Our Proven Process 

Before coming to Hispanic Access Foundation, Christine served as an executive assistant and legal secretary for a San Antonio law firm for 14 years and then went on to work for six years under the Chairman of the Hispanic Council for Reform and Educational Options (Hispanic CREO). She has received formal training in working for executives and has dedicated her career to the field of administration.

Christine was born in Cibolo, Texas and is the third of six children raised in a predominantly German farming community. Her parents instilled in the siblings values—such as a strong work ethic, commitment, and the importance of family—which she has had the privilege of imparting to her three children and grandson.

Why she works for Hispanic Access…

“I admired and wanted to be a part of the way Hispanic Access provides our youth opportunities for success and prosperity which they might not otherwise have in this country.”

In her spare time…

Christine can be found with family and friends.

Her favorite book…

“The Murmur of Bees by Sofia Segovia. Even though it is fiction, this novel rings true with my beliefs that, in the end, good conquers evil.” 

A person she finds inspirational…

“On a national level, there are those such as Cesar Chavez and Martin Luther King. Then, there are those not-so-famous heroes who work hard to preserve and protect their heritage and culture in the U.S. I admire those who work for nonprofit organizations that make a lasting difference for generations to come, and those who work hard to provide opportunities to fulfill the dreams and aspirations of the underserved.”

Hispanic Access Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that fosters the
development of Latino leaders and elevates their voices in areas where they are underrepresented.

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Donations made to Hispanic Access Foundation (EIN: 27-2589206) are tax deductible.  

For so many of us in the West, experiences such as getting lost in the beauty of a mountain vista or being made new by a clear-running river reflecting diamond sparkles of sunshine are among the prime reasons we live here. These are places where one can feel the spirit and become connected to God’s creation. And often we have set aside these places, including irreplaceable treasures such as the Grand Canyon or Yosemite National Park, as protected public lands for all Americans to enjoy.

It’s no secret that the Latino community is one of the nation’s fastest growing populations. By 2050, the Latino population will surpass 100 million, about double what it is today, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Robert brings more than 20 years of communications, marketing, design, and social media experience to Hispanic Access Foundation. Throughout his career, he has worked with numerous nonprofit, public-policy, and service-oriented organizations focused on serving underrepresented audiences. Robert has provided communications support to Hispanic Access Foundation since its founding in 2010, and he assumed a full-time role in September 2013.

Prior to joining Hispanic Access, Robert served as the president of Fanger Public Relations, where he led communications projects and campaigns for clients such as Hispanic CREO, GEO Foundation, Starfish Initiative, IUPUI School of Public Health, Center for Education Reform, and several others. Before launching his public relations firm, Robert served as the communications director for the Milton and Rose D. Friedman Foundation, which was created by the Nobel Laureate economist in 1996. His work appeared in many of the nation’s largest newspapers, including USA Today, Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Washington Post and Los Angeles Times, as well as on some of the largest broadcast programs including CNBC, Kudlow and Company and ABC’s 20/20.

Robert has also served as a communications director and consultant for many congressional and statewide political campaigns. In addition, he has taught college courses on internet/online communications and strategy. Robert is a graduate of the Pulliam School of Journalism at Franklin College and holds an M.B.A. from Purdue University.

Maite Arce’s leadership is defined by humility, integrity, and a deep connection to people. As a self-taught CEO, she founded the Hispanic Access Foundation in 2010, transforming it from zero reach and budget to a national organization impacting 2.1 million people annually with a $10 million budget. Her journey is rooted in her immigrant story of adversity, love, support and progress, guided by the values instilled by her parents: work ethic, family devotion, service, and a drive for improvement.

Maite leads with a moral compass, driven by her faith and dedication to service. Her diverse experiences span community healthcare for farmworkers and indigenous populations, public radio education, Spanish-language helplines, state-based education reform, and environmental advocacy. Through her efforts, she has built a network of 6,000 U.S. Latino faith leaders reaching 2 million immigrants.

Her superpower lies in her ability to foster long-term relationships with community leaders, helping them solve problems and implement programs through collaboration. This approach has led to significant growth, collaboration, and sustainability in local Latino leadership. Her network has expanded to include U.S. Latino nonprofit leaders and young professionals, influencing fields like health, finance, STEM education, workforce, and the environment.

Maite's work has contributed to impactful public policies, including the Great American Outdoors Act, the Land and Water Conservation Fund, and the designation of National Public Lands Monuments like Castner Range in Texas and the San Gabriel Mountains in California. She has also been a pioneer in integrating the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) into her organization, enhancing leadership and management practices.

In recognition of her contributions, Maite was awarded a PhD in 2021 - Honoris Causa in Organizational Leadership from Logos Christian University. Her accolades include the 2023 Women Leaders of Faith on the Frontline Award from the U.S. Department of Health, the 2022 Environmental Leaders Award from The Center for Rural Affairs, and the 2021 Eagle Award from the Asociación de Ministerios Evangélicos Nacional.

Maite Arce exemplifies a leader dedicated to the growth and empowerment of communities, making her an influential figure in both philanthropic, charitable and professional spheres.

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.”

Today, the Latino Conservation Alliance released the following statement upon the introductions of Latino Conservation Resolutions in the US House of Representatives and Senate.