Super User
Colorado River
|
The Colorado River is more than a water source; it is a lifeline for communities across the Southwest. Flowing through the region and supporting millions of people, farms, and ecosystems, the river sustains daily life and deep cultural connections to land and water. For many Latino families living across the Colorado River Basin, the health of the river is closely tied to community well-being, local economies, and traditions that connect people to nature. Our film highlights these connections, sharing the voices and experiences of community members who live, work, and build relationships with the Colorado River. Through their stories, we see how water, land, and culture are deeply intertwined—and why protecting the river matters not only for ecosystems, but for the families and communities who depend on it. At a time when the Colorado River faces growing challenges from drought, climate change, and increasing demand, these perspectives are more important than ever. By listening to the people closest to the river, we can better understand what it means to care for this vital resource and ensure it continues to sustain communities for generations to come. Get Involved
Together, we can care for this vital lifeline for today and for generations to come. |
|
Voices of the River: Latino Stories of the Colorado River
Our new short docuseries, “Voices of the River: Latino Stories from the Colorado River,” centers the lived experiences and personal stories of Latino community members, faith leaders, and conservation advocates whose lives are deeply intertwined with the river. Through their voices, we explore what the river means to our comunidades.
Tanya Azuaje
Tanya has nearly a decade of experience in designing, managing, and implementing projects related to civic participation, democratic governance, human rights, and conflict and peacebuilding in Latin America, Asia-Pacific, and Europe and Eurasia. She has previously held roles at Counterpart International, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, the International Foundation for Electoral Systems, and the United Nations Development Programme. Throughout this work, she has found the greatest enjoyment in working directly with communities that seek to address their unique needs and strengthen their role in shaping the world around them. This passion brought Tanya to join the Hispanic Access’s Forestry grant portfolio team.
Originally from Venezuela, Tanya has lived in ten countries and is now based in Washington, D.C. She holds a B.A. in Anthropology and Religious Studies from the University of Florida and an M.A. in Global Studies from Humboldt University of Berlin, with semesters at Utrecht University in The Netherlands, University of Pretoria in South Africa, and Chulalongkorn University in Thailand. She also holds a certificate in Design Thinking from the Hasso-Plattner Institute at the University of Potsdam. She speaks Spanish, French, German, and is working on her Russian.
Why she works for Hispanic Access…
"I love Hispanic Access’s focus on highlighting Hispanic communities and helping build up Hispanic, Latino, and Indigenous leadership in different spaces. I am particularly excited about our urban forestry work to help bring more green space and tree canopy to areas that deeply need it, and I love working with our partners to make that happen!"
In her spare time…
“I love testing out recipes from around the world and exploring D.C.’s food scene, traveling, spending time outdoors, learning new languages, scouring local estate sales, and gradually turning my apartment into a jungle with new plants.”
Her favorite book…
“Fahrenheit 451 and other works by Ray Bradbury.”
A person she finds inspirational…
“John Robert Lewis.”
Ana Santos
Ana Santos has joined the Hispanic Access Foundation as a Compliance Support Specialist, supporting the organization’s Urban and Community Forestry work under its USDA Forest Service cooperative agreement. In this role she is responsible for compliance planning, subrecipient monitoring, audit readiness and federal reporting in alignment with federal regulations.
Ana brings more than 20 years of experience managing and overseeing federally funded programs with expertise in grants and subaward management and compliance, financial and budget oversight, procurement standards, and risk management. She has managed large, complex portfolios across multiple regions and has a strong track record ensuring compliance, providing technical assistance and supporting effective stewardship of federal resources, while contributing to efforts that strengthen community resilience and prosperity. Ana is bilingual in English and Spanish. She holds a B.A. in International Relations and an M.Sc. in Conflict Analysis and Resolution from George Mason University in Virginia.
Why she works for Hispanic Access…
"I like that I can apply my experience to support and help enhance the capacity of Hispanic organizations and leaders to be effective agents of change in the community and the country."
In her spare time…
“I enjoy hiking/walking and being outdoors as much as possible with my husband and dog and going to concerts.”
Her favorite book…
“The Alchemist, and Joy Ellis series of detective stories.”
A person she finds inspirational…
“Professionally, Chef José Andres because of his support to community resilience and disaster response.”
Wildfires: Latino Communities & the Path of Resilience - A Hispanic Access Whitepaper on Climate Change, Wildfire Risk, and Community Leadership
Wildfires are no longer isolated, seasonal events; they are a national crisis intensified by climate change, land mismanagement, and systemic inequities. Latino communities are on the frontlines: living and working in high-risk areas,
disproportionately exposed to smoke and toxic debris, and often excluded from disaster planning and recovery. Without urgent action, wildfires will continue to deepen disparities in health, housing, and economic stability for millions of Latino families.
Catherine Higareda
As the Development Operations Associate at Hispanic Access Foundation, Catherine supports the organization’s fundraising and operational systems, ensuring donor engagement and development pipelines run smoothly. She brings a strong background in nonprofit work, research, and community-focused initiatives, paired with a deep commitment to equity and access.
Catherine graduated from Cornell University, where she received the J.G. White Award in Spanish Excellence and is fluent in Spanish. She also engaged in several service- and research-based organizations. At the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, she contributed to development and research projects that strengthened partnerships and advanced the foundation’s mission. She has also worked at the American Lung Cancer Screening Initiative at Cornell, the Cornell Undergraduate Research Board, and served as Lead Spanish Interpreter and Translator for GlobeMed’s Latin American campaign, partnering with the Mayan organization AMMID to support community-led health and development initiatives.
Her dedication to public service extends to environmental conservation. Catherine participated in the Cuttyhunk Island Ghost Gear Conservation Project—a week-long marine debris cleanup led by the Center for Coastal Studies and Cornell University—where she worked alongside conservationists and local residents to remove and process more than 500 abandoned lobster traps and over 15,700 pounds of debris from the island’s shoreline.
In addition to her nonprofit work, Catherine has a strong artistic background. She attended a performing arts high school specializing in visual arts, is Adobe certified, and maintains a wide-ranging design portfolio that reflects her lifelong passion for creativity.
Why she works for Hispanic Access…
"I work for Hispanic Access because the mission resonates with both my personal history and professional purpose. Throughout high school and college, I was involved in organizations that focused on uplifting Latino families through education, health, and community engagement. As GlobeMed’s Lead Spanish Interpreter, I saw firsthand how access—to information, resources, and opportunity—can transform entire communities. When I learned more about Hispanic Access, it felt like a natural continuation of the work I’ve always cared about. Being part of an organization that expands opportunity, builds leadership, and invests in communities that shaped my identity feels incredibly meaningful. It’s work that aligns with my values, my experiences, and the type of impact I want to help create."
In her spare time…
“In my free time, I’m usually doing something creative or active. I love painting, drawing, and anything that lets me make art. I also enjoy going to the gym—whether that’s pilates, walking, or weightlifting—and I try to stay consistent with movement. And when I’m winding down, I love watching videos, discovering new art, or revisiting old favorites.”
Her favorite book…
“My favorite book is Aura by Carlos Fuentes. I’ve always been drawn to stories where culture, history, and the supernatural intertwine, especially within the Latin American tradition of magical realism. Aura was the first story that made me fall in love with that eerie, dreamlike blend of reality and the supernatural. I love how authors like Fuentes — and others such as Silvina Ocampo — can weave atmosphere, identity, memory, and imagination into something that feels both familiar and otherworldly. That blend of artistry and cultural depth is what keeps me coming back to those kinds of stories.”
A person she finds inspirational…
“María Félix — La Doña — has always inspired me. She rose from a humble background in Sonora to become one of the most commanding figures of the 20th century. What stands out is not just her extraordinary talent, but the confidence, discipline, and unwavering refusal to compromise that shaped her life. Félix was a leading figure in the Golden Age of Mexican cinema, where she wielded significant creative control on film sets and inspired countless artists, musicians, and writers. Her impact extended beyond cinema to fashion, art, and culture. She was friends with Frida Kahlo, Octavio Paz, Juan Gabriel, and Agustín Lara — was immortalized by painters like Diego Rivera and José Clemente Orozco. Her relationship with Cartier became legendary— walking into their Paris boutique with a live baby crocodile so they could model a necklace after its exact form, and decades later, Cartier honored her with an entire high-jewelry collection. María Félix also used her platform to advocate for social change. She championed female empowerment, women’s equality, indigenous rights, and the preservation of historical architecture in Mexico City. She played an active role in the development of the Mexico City subway system, which today serves millions of people daily, cementing her influence on both culture and civic life. Her life is a testament to building power on your own terms. Fearless, self-defined, and impossible to overlook, she forged a legacy that continues to resonate — and, in her words, ‘Donde estoy yo está la suerte.’”
Diego Gil-Agudelo
Diego is a marine scientist and conservation biologist with over 25 years of experience designing and managing large-scale research and conservation programs. He recently served as Continental Coordinator for the Americas at SERVIR (NASA/USAID/U. Alabama in Huntsville), where he advanced geospatial technologies to support conservation initiatives across Latin America. Previously, Diego worked as Director of Conservation at LightHawk, led research operations at Texas A&M University at Galveston, built pioneering offshore environmental programs for ECOPETROL (Colombia), and led the Marine Conservation Program at the Colombian Marine and Coastal Research Institute (INVEMAR).
A Fulbright Scholar and recipient of Colombia’s prestigious Alejandro Ángel Escobar Award, Diego has authored numerous scientific publications and contributed to international policy frameworks for ecosystem management. His expertise spans marine and coastal ecology, environmental governance, sustainable development, and strategic partnerships, having advised governments, NGOs, and academic institutions.
Diego holds a B.Sc. in Marine Biology at Universidad Jorge Tadeo Lozano and a Ph.D. in Marine Sciences from the University of South Carolina. His work reflects a commitment to integrating science, technology, and collaboration to address global conservation challenges.
Why he works for Hispanic Access…
"Working in the conservation and sustainable development of natural resources has been my passion for over 30 years. The environmental crisis is impacting all of us; unfortunately, some communities, including Latinos, are disproportionately feeling its effects. Conservation can only be done with the ample participation of stakeholders, and Hispanic Access Foundation gives a unique opportunity to work with our communities to find long-lasting solutions."
In his spare time…
“About three years ago, my wife and I relocated to Asheville, NC, with only one idea in our minds: spending more time outdoors. Hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, or just looking at the mountains are some of the things we enjoy doing during the evening and weekends.”
His favorite book…
“Usually, my favorite book is the one I am reading at the moment. Right now, it is “El Murmullo de las Abejas”, by Sofía Segovia. There have been memorable books I have read in the last couple of years, including the tetralogy “La Sombra del Viento” by Carlos Luis Zafón, or “El Amor en los Tiempos del Cólera” by Gabriel García Márquez.”
A person he finds inspirational…
“I have always admired the tenacity of my mom. I saw her overcome many obstacles throughout her life, always being positive and looking for better things to come.”
Public Lands Toolkit: Empowering Latino Communities to Lead and Protect
Many Latino communities bring diverse cultural heritage, deep-rooted connections to the land, and powerful leadership to the movement for equitable access and representation. This toolkit is designed to support individuals and organizations in building on that strength to ensure Latino voices, stories, and stewardship are reflected in our public lands. Whether you’re a grassroots leader, policy advocate, community educator, or engaged resident, this toolkit is for you.
Hispanic Heritage Month 2025
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month - Elevating our Comunidad
As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15th to October 15th, let’s recognize the histories, achievements and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans nationwide. During this month and throughout the year, Hispanic Access Foundation works to elevate the voices of Latino and Hispanic Americans.
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. Check out our brand film “Mejor Juntos” to learn more.
Hispanic and Latino Americans have diverse, unique stories to be told. Throughout the year, we feature the stories of our network members across our programs who are becoming leaders in their communities.
.............................................................................
- HELP US TRANSFORM LATINO LIVES - DONATE TODAY -
MANO Project Sunset
The MANO Project will conclude at the end of October 2025 after more than a decade of advancing equity in conservation careers. Since its launch, the program has placed over 800 young professionals, partnered with more than 80 federal agencies and host sites, and built a thriving alumni network. While this chapter is closing, workforce development remains a core pillar of the Hispanic Access Foundation. We are actively designing a reimagined national strategy to expand leadership pathways for Latino professionals across conservation, STEM, public health, climate resilience, and more, while continuing to support and engage our alumni.
Read the full announcement here.
Thank You!
We are deeply grateful to the partners, mentors, and supporters who made the MANO Project possible. Your commitment to hosting fellows, guiding their growth, and opening doors for Latino talent has transformed lives and strengthened the conservation field. Together, we built a network of leaders whose impact will continue for years to come.
Looking Forward
We greatly value your partnership and look forward to continuing our work together as we enter this next chapter. As we design a reimagined workforce model, we will be reaching out to partners for input, engagement, and opportunities to co-create pilot programs that open new pathways for Latino professionals. Hispanic Access provides a safe space for anyone interested in advocating for Latinos. Regardless of your background, experience, or geographic location, we have a space for you, and now more than ever, we need driven individuals like you to join our networks and continue advocating for Latinos. Stay connected by following us on social media and subscribing to our newsletter for updates, opportunities, and ways to get involved in shaping what comes next.