Magdalena's role encompasses identifying, guiding, and supporting Latino-serving community-based organizations. She'll assist in recognizing funding eligibility, outlining necessary resources for grant applications, and orchestrating workshops and training sessions dedicated to enhancing climate resilience and bolstering organizational capacity.

Magdalena is an influential Inspirational Community Relations and Engagement Leader, recognized as a Go-To Expert in Community Engagement. She is also known as a Builder of Strategic Alliances with nonprofits and various sectors. With a rich background in nonprofit, government, business, and corporate sectors, Magdalena brings a strong family legacy of community involvement.

Magdalena's educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies from California State University, Los Angeles, and a Certificate in Executive Leadership from the Bloch School of Management at the University of Missouri, Kansas City. Additionally, she holds certificates in Meeting and Event Management and is a Certified Health & Wellness Coach."

Why she works for Hispanic Access…

"While serving as the Multicultural Initiatives Manager at H&R Block, I was tasked with my initial assignment—working on a tax education program that officially commenced with Hispanic Access in 2011. Over the course of six years, I wholeheartedly engaged in this program, deeply valuing the mission, Maite Arce, the Hispanic Access team, and the numerous pastors I collaborated with in Southern California. It had always been a dream to join forces with them, and upon discovering this position, I felt it was the perfect juncture. This position enables me to persist in effecting positive change within our Latino communities."

In her spare time…

“In my spare time, I attend concerts and musical events as I love all types of music. I also enjoy both nature and urban hiking, relishing the experience of being a tourist in my own town. Additionally, I am a film buff. Currently, I'm exploring the Criterion Channel's collection of classic films from around the world that I hadn't had the chance to see before..”

Her favorite book…

“I'm a big fan of biographies, and one that deeply impacted me was 'Leap of Faith: Memoirs of an Unexpected Life' by Queen Noor of Jordan. She, an American, married King Hussein of Jordan. Through her story, I discovered the Arab world, the beauty of Jordan, and a world previously unknown to me. Her role as a humanitarian activist and her fascinating persona left a lasting impression. Interestingly, many years later, I ended up marrying my husband, who is from Jordan.”

A person she finds inspirational…

“Dionicio Morales, my father and the founder of the Mexican American Opportunity Foundation, remains a profound inspiration. Until his final day, he was dedicated to serving our Latino communities. He continued working until a few days before his passing and endured eight years on dialysis at the age of 89. His legacy endures through the countless individuals supported by his programs, those he mentored who are now influential leaders, and his organization that thrives as a statewide entity with an over 100 million dollar budget. Despite facing numerous formidable obstacles in life, his resilience continues to inspire me, particularly during challenging days.”