Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month 2023 with Megan L. Cerezo-McManus

Sep 19

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 WOC is delighted to feature the profile of Megan Cerezo-McManus, who shares the ties between her lived experience as a Hispanic woman and the impact they make in their professions.

In Her Own Words

Why is a community like WOC important for Hispanic or Latina nonprofit professionals?

Megan L. Cerezo-McManus, Event Specialist, John Jay College of Criminal Justice

Affiliations within WOC:

2023 WOC Spotlight Award Recipient
2021 Radiant Leadership Institute Inaugural Cohort Graduate
WOC Greater New York Advisory Committee
WOC Literary Society Steering Committee

The WOC community is important because it a safe space where we can be seen, heard, and celebrated. There have been many instances in my career where I have been the only woman of color in the room, which at times felt very isolating and lonely. I often felt unsure of myself and struggled to understand the microaggressions that I faced in the workplace.

Through WOC, I found the vocabulary to understand what I was feeling and the tools to address it. I also found a wonderful collective of women who have empowered me to believe that I belong.

This community means everything to me because it uplifts us, challenges us, and implores us to recognize our power and use that power to change the face of fundraising and philanthropy.

How has Hispanic culture impacted the way that you see your work in fundraising and philanthropy?

My culture taught me to work for something greater than myself and has played an integral role in why I chose to work in fundraising and philanthropy. Hispanic culture is all about taking care of others, performing selfless acts of service, and providing people with an environment where they feel safe and welcomed.

This innate hospitality allows me to make deep and meaningful connections with others, and I take this principle with me in everything I do in my career.

As an events professional, my job is to bring people together over wonderful food and drink in an inviting atmosphere, much like what I would see in my abuela’s casa on a Saturday night. In fundraising, I take the values that my family instilled in me and use them to create transformational experiences that showcase impact and meaningful opportunities that result in philanthropic support.

Many of the organizations I have worked for serve predominantly Hispanic and Black communities. My culture has formed me into a person who approaches this field with empathy for the communities I serve because I am a part of them. I see my friends and my neighbors, and I want to extend the same kind-heartedness that I would want someone to extend to me.

Who is a Latina fundraiser or philanthropy professional who inspires you?

One Latina professional who inspires me is Dr. Karen Caraballo, former Chief Executive Officer of Puerto Rico Rise Up, an organization that provides disaster relief for Puerto Rican communities.

I am inspired by Dr. Caraballo because when I look at her, I see where I would like to be in my career. She gives me hope in knowing that the path up the ladder is possible for me.

How have you connected with other women of similar Hispanic backgrounds through WOC?

I have connected with other Hispanic women through a variety of WOC’s programs and events such as Mentor Match, the Radiant Leadership Institute, the WOC Literary Society, and other networking opportunities.

I always appreciate the opportunity to connect with other Hispanic women and women of color so that I can continue to learn with and from my peers.