Maite Arce’s leadership is defined by humility, integrity, and a deep connection to people. As a self-taught CEO, she founded the Hispanic Access Foundation in 2010, transforming it from zero reach and budget to a national organization impacting 2.1 million people annually with a $10 million budget. Her journey is rooted in her immigrant story of adversity, love, support and progress, guided by the values instilled by her parents: work ethic, family devotion, service, and a drive for improvement.
Maite leads with a moral compass, driven by her faith and dedication to service. Her diverse experiences span community healthcare for farmworkers and indigenous populations, public radio education, Spanish-language helplines, state-based education reform, and environmental advocacy. Through her efforts, she has built a network of 6,000 U.S. Latino faith leaders reaching 2 million immigrants.
Her superpower lies in her ability to foster long-term relationships with community leaders, helping them solve problems and implement programs through collaboration. This approach has led to significant growth, collaboration, and sustainability in local Latino leadership. Her network has expanded to include U.S. Latino nonprofit leaders and young professionals, influencing fields like health, finance, STEM education, workforce, and the environment.
Maite's work has contributed to impactful public policies, including the Great American Outdoors Act, the Land and Water Conservation Fund, and the designation of National Public Lands Monuments like Castner Range in Texas and the San Gabriel Mountains in California. She has also been a pioneer in integrating the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) into her organization, enhancing leadership and management practices.
In recognition of her contributions, Maite was awarded a PhD in 2021 - Honoris Causa in Organizational Leadership from Logos Christian University. Her accolades include the 2023 Women Leaders of Faith on the Frontline Award from the U.S. Department of Health, the 2022 Environmental Leaders Award from The Center for Rural Affairs, and the 2021 Eagle Award from the Asociación de Ministerios Evangélicos Nacional.
Maite Arce exemplifies a leader dedicated to the growth and empowerment of communities, making her an influential figure in both philanthropic, charitable and professional spheres.
More about why she founded Hispanic Access…
“Historically, others have made decisions for Latino communities without their input and leadership. Yet, communities have natural leadership and have been helping their own and addressing issues locally for a long time, without support networks or resources. I imagined a future where community leaders are validated for their knowledge and commitment to help others, have the resources to enhance their work, and have a trusted support network that builds confidence so that they can achieve their dreams.”
In her spare time…
“I love to read, watch old movies, kayak through wetlands, and travel. I am learning traditional Mexican embroidery.”
Her favorite book…
“My favorite book is Canoeing the Mountains by Tod Bolsinger. As a woman of faith, I believe leadership in uncharted territory is critical, and the people who are most prepared to lead the future are those who have been in the margins. They have the skill, knowledge, and holistic approach that is needed to navigate a future that is nothing like the past.”
A person she finds inspirational…
“I greatly admire Janelle Hartley. She is one of our board members. An Afro Latina raised in Queretaro, Mexico, she has overcome many obstacles in her life. She is bold, inquisitive, is her authentic self, and is deeply committed to making a difference.”