Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month 2023 with Evelyn R. Hernandez, MPA
WOC is pleased to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and shine a light on our members who are blazing trails in fundraising and philanthropy.
This week we’re thrilled to feature the profile of Evelyn R. Hernandez, MPA, whose heritage inspires her work in our sector.
In Her Own Words
Why is a community like WOC important for Hispanic or Latina nonprofit professionals?
Evelyn R. Hernandez, MPA, Development Officer, NewYork-Presbyterian
Affiliations within WOC:
Mentor Match
WOC is an invaluable community for a Latina fundraiser.
Across the nation, only 7.8% of all fundraisers are Hispanic or of Latino ethnicity, and representation matters.
The lack of representation of women of color, specifically Latinas, in the fundraising and philanthropic sector makes it challenging for these professionals to advance in their careers, remain in the field or even aspire to become fundraisers. More often than not, you are the only Latina frontline fundraiser on a development or institutional giving team.
Having the ability to connect with other women of color who understand what that lived experience in the field is like is incredibly beneficial. I am especially grateful for the mentorship program through which I have met exceptional leaders. Yolanda has created a wonderful community of professional women in the fundraising sector.
How has Hispanic culture impacted the way that you see your work in fundraising and philanthropy?
My culture has instilled in me a desire to think beyond myself. I was raised to always put family and community first. We are there for each other to celebrate the good times and rally to help each other during the bad times.
I have chosen to work for nonprofit organizations because regardless of my role, those are the places where I can be of most help to my community.
Who is a Latina fundraiser or philanthropy professional who inspires you?
In 2019, Fatima Shama was the keynote speaker at Fundraising Day in New York City. At the time I had only been a fundraiser for about a year.
Back then, Fatima was the Executive Director of the Fresh Air Fund. I found her passion for helping the youth in her community so inspiring. At that moment, I realized how important the mission of an organization is for me to be a successful fundraiser.
When you identify with the mission an organization, that desire to help shines through and enables you to connect in a deeper way with donors. Your ability to convey why someone should support an organization is amplified. Authenticity is important to me and I bring that to all of my interactions.
How have you connected with other women of similar Hispanic backgrounds through WOC?
I have connected with members through Mentor Match, WOC’s virtual programs, and last year in person at the New York City WOC Around the World event. It is always a pleasure to meet Latina fundraisers who are making a difference and serving their communities. I look forward to connecting with many more as the local chapter of WOC is launched this month.
Connect
Mentor Match
