WASHINGTON, DC — In response to the executive proclamations signed on June 11th that alter protections for three vital Pacific marine national monuments—portions of Papahānaumokuākea National Marine Sanctuary and Marine National Monument, Muliāva (Rose Atoll) Marine National Sanctuary and Marine National Monument, and the Mariana Trench Marine National Monument—Maite Arce, President and CEO of Hispanic Access, issued the following statement:

“For decades, marine national monuments have served as some of our planet’s most vital conservation tools, helping ensure that unique ocean ecosystems remain safe, resilient, and intact for future generations. These special public waters are natural and cultural treasures that have long enjoyed a proud history of protection under the Antiquities Act. 

“The recent proclamations to lift these protections open nearly 500,000 square miles of highly sensitive ocean ecosystems to commercial fishing fleets and industrial extraction. These actions undermine years of public, scientific, and stakeholder effort to safeguard these regions. While commercial fishing is an important use of our oceans, industrial extraction is not compatible with the core mission of protected marine areas. True progress relies on walking alongside local and Indigenous leaders to ensure that policy decisions honor community-driven stewardship, peer-reviewed science, and the public interest. 

“For Latino communities and many others across the nation and the Pacific, environmental stewardship is deeply intertwined with cultural heritage and community well-being. In Hawaiʻi, where Latinos represent 10% of the population and are the fastest-growing ethnic group, our regional networks understand the urgency of protecting fragile ecosystems from unsustainable industrial practices. Opening these pristine waters places critical habitats, deep-sea corals, and threatened marine wildlife at great risk. 

“Peer-reviewed research confirms that marine sanctuaries like Papahānaumokuākea successfully protect wildlife while actively supporting the long-term health and recovery of nearby commercial fisheries. Safeguarding these sacred waters provides an essential refuge for marine life to withstand the compounding impacts of climate change. We urge decision-makers to uphold the century-long bipartisan legacy of the Antiquities Act and ensure that efforts to manage our oceans do not undermine the protections that communities and ecosystems value most. 

“We remain committed to working alongside community leaders, conservation partners, and families from all backgrounds to advance collaborative solutions that strengthen our public waters, support local communities, and preserve the conservation legacy that benefits current and future generations.” 

For years, Hispanic Access has worked alongside community leaders, conservation partners, and families to raise awareness about the importance of protecting our nation’s cultural and natural heritage. This work reflects our belief that everyone deserves a healthy natural environment, and that protecting marine monuments means protecting opportunities for future generations to connect with, enjoy, and steward the places they call home. 

Our Conservation Network member Virginia Delgado shared, "Learning that protections for Papahānaumokuākea were rolled back right after I advocated for them at Capitol Hill Ocean Week was heartbreaking. As a Latina working in conservation in Hawaiʻi, I know that our islands thrive because of community-driven stewardship and a shared commitment to intergenerational preservation. Opening these sacred waters to commercial fishing goes against everything our cultures and even modern science teach us; research shows these protections actually increase catch rates for fishermen over time. On an island, community is everything, and that community inherently extends to the oceans. We must continue protecting these resources for generations to come.”

Hispanic Access Foundation is proud to announce a new partnership with Switchback focused on strengthening collaboration across the outdoor industry, conservation space, and community-led initiatives that connect people to the outdoors. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to fostering deeper connections to land, water, ocean, and outdoor spaces while creating opportunities for collaboration among conservation leaders, outdoor brands, community organizations, and advocates working to shape the future of outdoor recreation and stewardship.

Rooted in Hispanic Access Foundation’s mission and vision, the collaboration will support efforts that strengthen community engagement, encourage knowledge-sharing, and inspire collective action around conservation and community resilience. Together, Hispanic Access and Switchback will help create spaces where leaders, entrepreneurs, advocates, and organizations can connect, collaborate, and build lasting impact across the outdoor sector.

“At Hispanic Access, we believe that building a stronger outdoor movement starts with ensuring Latino communities have access to, representation, and opportunities to lead within the industry,” said Maite Arce, President and CEO of Hispanic Access Foundation. “Our partnership with Switchback represents an important step toward creating a more connected and all-encompassing outdoor industry that reflects the diversity of the communities it serves nationwide.”

As part of the partnership, Hispanic Access Foundation will participate in Switchback Spring 2026, taking place June 16–18, 2026, in New Orleans. The event will convene outdoor industry leaders, emerging brands, conservation organizations, and community partners from across the country for several days of collaboration, networking, and industry dialogue.

“Partnering with Hispanic Access Foundation reflects Switchback's commitment to building a more inclusive outdoor industry. Their work connecting Latino communities to public lands and outdoor spaces aligns directly with what we believe the future of this industry must look like, diverse, accessible, and representative of everyone who calls these places home. We're proud to welcome them to the Switchback community,” said Joe Jackson, Switchback Marketing Manager.

This partnership represents Hispanic Access Foundation’s continued commitment to advancing conservation leaders, strengthening community resilience, and creating opportunities for future generations to connect with and care for the outdoors.

To learn more about Hispanic Access Foundation and its work, visit Hispanic Access Foundation.

To learn more about Switchback, visit Switchback.

Hispanic Access Foundation is strengthening community health and wellness by equipping trusted local leaders with the tools, training, and networks needed to improve quality of life. Through initiatives focused on mental health, faith communities, urban forestry, and wellness nationwide, the organization is helping communities build healthier, more resilient futures.

"Our health initiatives are rooted in the understanding that wellness extends beyond healthcare—it includes mental and emotional well-being, strong community connections, and healthy environments," said Maite Arce, President and CEO of Hispanic Access Foundation. "By connecting local leaders with resources and opportunities, we help communities build lasting solutions that improve overall well-being."

One example is Iglesias Sanas, Comunidades Sanas (Healthy Churches, Healthy Communities), a cornerstone of Hispanic Access Foundation's Leadership Institute. The initiative equips faith and community leaders with the knowledge, resources, and networks needed to advance health and wellness in the communities they serve.

Recently, Hispanic Access Foundation convened a cohort gathering in Puerto Rico, bringing together leaders from across the country to share successes, strengthen collaboration, and identify new opportunities to expand access to critical health resources.

Mental health remains a key focus of the program. To date, 60 faith leaders have completed Mental Health First Aid training, enabling them to recognize signs of mental health challenges, provide initial support, and connect individuals with professional care. By empowering trusted community leaders, the program helps reduce stigma and create supportive spaces where people feel comfortable seeking help.

Through leadership development and community partnerships, Iglesias Sanas continues to expand access to health information, mental health resources, and wellness support nationwide.

Hispanic Access Foundation is also advancing wellness through its urban forestry initiative.  One of the subgrantees through the program, Bosque Comunitario de la Fe: Un Corredor Ecológico Urbano en la Florida Central (Community Forest of Faith) in Orlando's Azalea Park neighborhood, is leading a wellness workshop series through November 2026, in partnership with the Renacer Foundation. The evidence-based curriculum combines health education and community engagement, covering topics such as mental health first aid, stress management, emotional resilience, goal setting, healthy coping strategies, and nature-based wellness practices.

As residents work together to plant and care for trees, they help create cooler, healthier neighborhoods while experiencing the mental, emotional, and social benefits of community engagement and connection to nature.

The Central Florida project reflects Hispanic Access Foundation's broader vision for health—one that recognizes the connection between physical, mental, environmental, and social well-being.

Alongside the wellness workshops, Corpus Care expands access to health resources through digital programming and community activities, while Observatorio Ambiental provides technical expertise to support conservation practices that improve neighborhood livability. These partnerships have driven strong grassroots engagement, with multigenerational events involving local families and digital outreach reaching more than 48,700 people.

Through initiatives like Iglesias Sanas and Community Forest of Faith, Hispanic Access Foundation continues to strengthen the leadership, partnerships, and community networks that help people thrive.

Hispanic Access Foundation is launching a Latino Financial Empowerment Initiative focused on expanding access to culturally relevant financial education and strengthening financial well-being through trusted community networks. The program reflects Hispanic Access Foundation’s continued commitment to advancing economic mobility and ensuring Latino individuals and families have access to the knowledge, tools, and support needed to build long-term financial stability and prosperity.

Launching in May 2026 in Los Angeles and Las Vegas, the program will provide free financial workshops hosted in trusted faith and community spaces. The interactive sessions are designed to help participants build financial confidence, strengthen everyday money management skills, and connect with resources that support long-term financial well-being. It advances Hispanic Access Foundation’s Economic Mobility pillar by helping Latino individuals and families access opportunities, knowledge, and support systems that contribute to long-term financial stability and generational prosperity.

“Latinos are essential contributors to our nation’s growth and economic future, yet many families continue to face barriers to accessing trusted financial education and support,” said Maite Arce, president and CEO of Hispanic Access Foundation. “Through our Latino Financial Empowerment Initiative, we are creating opportunities for families to gain knowledge, build confidence, and strengthen their financial futures in spaces where they already feel connected, supported, and empowered.”

Workshops will include practical financial education, bilingual Spanish-English instruction, and optional one-on-one tailored support. By partnering with congregations and community leaders, the program seeks to strengthen the relationships and support systems that help communities thrive. The initiative combines culturally rooted community engagement with accessible financial education to help Latino families build greater financial confidence and long-term stability.

The Latino Financial Empowerment Initiative is part of Hispanic Access Foundation’s Economic Mobility pillar, which focuses on expanding pathways to opportunity, financial well-being, and long-term prosperity for Latino communities nationwide. To learn more about Latino Financial Empowerment, visit:
https://hispanicaccess.org/what-we-do/issues/economic-mobility/financial-empowerment

Leaders from Hispanic Access Foundation’s Por La Creación Faith-Based Alliance joined community advocates, conservation partners, and coalition leaders from across the state at California Advocacy Day, organized by Power in Nature, to advocate for policies that protect public lands, improve air quality, and strengthen access to the outdoors for communities across California.

Por La Creación is a national network of Latino faith and community leaders advancing conservation and stewardship through education, community engagement, and advocacy rooted in culture and shared values.

The event brought together organizations committed to California’s 30x30 conservation goals and highlighted the growing leadership of Latino communities in advancing solutions that protect natural resources and support healthier communities. Through meetings with legislators and staff, Por La Creación leaders emphasized the importance of community-informed conservation policies that create lasting benefits for families and future generations.

“As people of faith, we are called to care for creation and serve our communities,” said Juan Rosas, Program Manager of Lands & Nature and Por La Creación Network. “Our leaders showed that Latino faith communities are not only participating in conservation conversations — we are helping lead them with values rooted in stewardship, compassion, and action.”

Por La Creación leaders participated in advocacy efforts focused on expanding neighborhood-level air quality monitoring, supporting air filtration systems for schools and homes, protecting public lands, and increasing opportunities for families to connect with nature and outdoor spaces.

Leaders also highlighted the importance of California’s 30x30 initiative — a statewide effort to conserve 30% of the state’s lands and coastal waters by 2030 — and how it can help ensure Latino communities have cleaner air, healthier neighborhoods, greater access to parks and open spaces, and a stronger voice in conservation efforts shaping their communities. Advocates also discussed legislative priorities related to biodiversity, wildlife connectivity, Indigenous water rights, and long-term access to public lands throughout California.

The participation of Por La Creación leaders reflects Hispanic Access Foundation’s commitment to cultivating Latino leadership and strengthening communities through civic engagement, collaboration, and advocacy that creates lasting impact. To learn more, visit https://hispanicaccess.org/what-we-do/initiatives/por-la-creacion-faith-based-alliance.