“We are thrilled to welcome Catherine to our development team,” said Maite Arce, president and CEO of Hispanic Access Foundation. “Catherine’s experience and capabilities will significantly strengthen our fundraising operations and contribute to our ability to expand our impact on Latino communities nationwide.”

Higadera joins the organization with extensive experience in nonprofit research, development, and community-focused initiatives. She has contributed to development and research projects at the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, supported public health and screening initiatives through the American Lung Cancer Screening Initiative at Cornell, and played a central role in community-led international development efforts for GlobeMed’s Latin American campaign.

Higadera is a graduate of Cornell University, where she earned the J.G. White Award in Spanish Excellence and engaged in multiple service-oriented and research-based organizations. Her professional background reflects strong organizational skills, experience with data and reporting tools, and a demonstrated commitment to advancing equitable access for Latino communities—key qualifications for this role.

“I was drawn to Hispanic Access because its mission aligns deeply with both my personal history and professional purpose,” said Higadera. “Throughout my academic and service experience, I saw how access to information, resources, and opportunity can transform entire communities. When I learned more about Hispanic Access, it immediately felt like a natural continuation of the work I’ve always cared about.

Higadera’s expertise in research, development operations, and bilingual communication will enhance the organization’s ability to manage its growing development portfolio and deepen its relationships with funders and partners.