HACE Testimonials
Hear from the people whose lives and careers have been transformed through our programs, leadership initiatives, and community resources. From alumni leading change and staff growing through leadership, to scholarship recipients seizing new opportunities and members achieving their goals – these stories showcase the lasting impact of our work.
University Leadership Program Alum
As a participant in HACE’s University Leadership Program (ULP), Jesus G. gained the tools to sharpen his professional skills and the confidence to step into early leadership roles. Just as importantly, he found a strong network of Latino professionals who continue to inspire and encourage him.
Jesus shares, “And now, thanks to HACE, I get to pass down that knowledge to a younger community and help them reach new opportunities.” Now he serves as a cohort leader for HACE’s high school program, El Futuro, Jesus pays it forward by mentoring students and helping them explore new opportunities.
University Leadership Program Alum
Jonathan P. first joined HACE through the University Leadership Program, gaining valuable leadership skills, professional development, and a strong network. Now, as an El Futuro cohort leader, he pays it forward by mentoring high school students and showing them the power of community.
Growing up with limited resources, Jonathan deeply values the impact of mentorship and opportunity. Не shares, “HACE opens doors, broadens your perspective, and surrounds you with a community that helps you reach your potential.“
Elevando Latino Leadership Program Alum
Cristian B. has built a career across higher education, corporate, and government sectors. He has designed leadership programs for college students, launched early-career pipelines in corporate spaces, and led DEI initiatives in government to expand access for historically underserved communities.
Cristian shares, “Every touchpoint with HACE has poured into my own development, inspired my leadership, and reinforced my belief in our community’s potential. To now lead these programs is truly a full-circle moment for me.”
As Vice President of Leadership Programs, Cristian now oversees HACE’s full leadership pipeline, supporting high school students through mid-career professionals and executives. He shapes programs that prepare the next generation of Latino leaders while helping professionals advance into mid-level and executive roles.
Mujeres de HACE Leadership Program Alum
As a professional musician and executive assistant with a career spanning the music industry, nonprofit, corporate, and now higher education, Muñeca T. knew the power of adaptability. But it was through Mujeres de HACE that she found the mentorship, leadership development, and community that helped her embrace her goals with new confidence.
HACE connected her with inspiring Latina leaders and gave her the tools to lead with purpose, both in her career and in the spaces she creates for others. Muñeca shares, “HACE will challenge, inspire, and surrond you with a community that celebrates your growth and success.”
Mujeres de HACE Entrepreneur Program Alum
Sara D. carries with her a legacy of courage and resilience which are qualities that have shaped her mission to uplift others, especially fellow first-generation students and professionals.
Through the Mujeres de HACE Entrepreneur Program, Sara shares “this program taught me about the hidden curriculum of running a business, which was invaluable.“ She found a community that empowered her to step fully into her voice and vision. Since graduating, she’s become a guest speaker for multiple HACE programs and now serves as the Program Lead for the University Leadership Program, mentoring the next generation of leaders.
Mujeres de HACE Leadership Program & Entrepreneur Program Alum
Berenice S. began her career in healthcare, cultivating a strong commitment to service, growth, and community. Through the MDH programs, Berenice built meaningful connections, gained clarity on her goals, and developed the skills to create proposals that help her business grow beyond her immediate network. Berenice also serves as a member of HACE’s Auxiliary Board.
“These experiences have truly planted the seeds for my vision to bloom and expand,” Berenice shares, reflecting on the impact of HACE’s mentorship, leadership development, and community.
Dr. Ervin "Vinny" Caraballo Scholarship Recipient
Daniela is a first-generation Mexican-American student pursuing a degree in Kinesiology, with dreams of becoming a pediatric occupational therapist.
As an undergraduate research assistant, she studies how healthy diets and physical activity-like Latin dancing-impact cognition and psychosocial outcomes among older Latino adults. Her work emphasizes culturally relevant approaches to closing wellness gaps for underserved communities. Through her leadership, Daniela inspires others, promotes inclusive health programs, and paves the way for future Latino leaders.
Daniela shares she is “especially motivated to create programs and resources that reflect the cultural values and unique needs of my community, ensuring that no child or family is left without support or opportunity.“
Dr. Ervin "Vinny" Caraballo Scholarship Recipient
Michelle M. is a first-generation Latina college student, driven by the sacrifices her immigrant parents made to provide a better future for her and her sister. Michelle’s parents instilled a deep love for learning and the belief that education is a pathway to success.
One of Michelle’s biggest goals is to give back to the community that shaped her. She shares, “One of my biggest goals is to create a business or foundation that provides opportunities to Hispanic students. Dr.Ervin ‘Vinny’ Caraballo’s leadership ideals inspire me to act as a bridge between cultures and build pathways for others.“
Michelle’s story is a powerful reminder that education opens doors and that supporting the next generation of leaders is essential to creating pathways to success for first-generation students.
Dr. Ervin "Vinny" Caraballo Scholarship Recipient
Osvaldo G. is a first-generation student at Pitzer College, passionate about community, leadership, and inclusivity. From leading his high school’s Latino Student Organization to co-leading the Latinx Student Union at Pitzer, he empowers others to embrace their heritage and achieve academic success.
Osvaldo shares, “I have enhanced support systems for students of color and organized programs to promote community engagement. My commitment to serving the Latino community mirrors that of Dr.Caraballo.”
As a mentor, resident assistant, and affinity fellow, he continues building a legacy of leadership and positive impact within the Latino community. His work demonstrates the power of representation and mentorship in helping students overcome barriers. Osvaldo’s dedication ensures that future Latino leaders have the guidance and resources to thrive.