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Hispanic Heritage Month (celebrated Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 each year) invites us to honor the strength, resilience, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities. This year, celebration is tempered by the challenges our communities continue to face — from inequities in health and education to the growing weight of political and social rhetoric that too often impacts immigrant and Spanish-speaking families. Still, even in this reality, there is pride in our history, hope in our leadership, and determination in our collective voice.
At Health Forward Foundation, Hispanic Heritage Month is both a reminder of what we carry forward and a call to deepen our commitment to equity and justice alongside our community partners.
We — Adriana Pecina, Andrés Domínguez, and Tara Gonzales Hacker — offer this reflection as Latino leaders at Health Forward, honoring our heritage and the role we play in advancing equity through philanthropy.
Latina and Latino leadership in philanthropy
In the late 1990s, Latina and Latino voices in philanthropy were scarce.
Adriana recalls launching her career at the Kauffman Foundation as an immigrant from Mexico, a first-generation college graduate raised in Kansas City’s Westside, and often the only Latina in the room. “I leaned on Hispanics in Philanthropy and the Foundation’s support to grow. Today, seeing Black and Brown leaders in philanthropy inspires me, yet challenges remain. Now more than ever, our immigrant and Spanish-speaking families facing racial profiling and fear, need funders to prioritize equity, listen, and invest in community wisdom.”
Much has changed. Andrés notes how immigrant communities that were once concentrated in historic neighborhoods like the Westside or Argentine are now spread across the metro, creating opportunities for all nonprofits to serve Latino families. This shift has brought greater representation inside philanthropy itself, as more Latino leaders shape funding decisions in ways that reflect personal experiences.
That growth in representation was evident earlier this year when Health Forward hosted informal gatherings for Latinos working in philanthropy here in Kansas City. What began as a small idea turned into a powerful moment of connection. Nearly 20 participants from more than seven local foundations came together to share stories, build relationships, and reflect on their collective impact. Seeing so many young Latino and Latina professionals serving in leadership roles across philanthropy was both energizing and affirming of how far our community has come.
For Tara, returning home to Kansas City after years working nationally has been a full-circle moment: “As a multi-racial Latina and homegrown Kansan, stepping into philanthropy at Health Forward has been a powerful journey. I’m learning and unlearning while inspired by the vibrant Latine presence in our philanthropic community. It’s deeply meaningful to contribute to work that uplifts our communities and advances health equity.”
National perspectives Local progress is strengthened by national connection. This summer, Kansas City hosted the UnidosUS National Conference under the theme “Stronger Communities. Stronger America.”
Sharing insights at UnidosUS alongside this powerful group of leaders! Pictured from left to right: Miriam Calderon (W.K. Kellogg Foundation), our President/CEO Qiana Thomason (Health Forward Foundation), moderator Ramon Murguía, DeAngela Burns-Wallace (President & CEO, Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation), and Mayra Aguirre (President, Hall Family Foundation)
Adriana describes the experience as deeply motivating: “Surrounded by more than a fifteen hundred Latino leaders and allies, I felt proud to see Health Forward’s mission align with UnidosUS — advancing mobility, preserving communities, and supporting civic engagement. The energy reinforced how united and resilient our community truly is.”
That spirit of solidarity extended beyond Kansas City. Andrés and Tara attended the first-ever joint conference between Hispanics in Philanthropy (HIP) and Native Americans in Philanthropy (NAP) in Albuquerque. Nearly 1,500 advocates gathered on ancestral Pueblo, Navajo, and Apache lands. As keynote speaker Dolores Huerta reminded participants, “sí se puede” is not only history but also a call to break down barriers and work together. Andrés reflected: “We have much to learn from one another.”
This Hispanic Heritage Month, we hold space for both the challenges our communities face and the resilience that continues to guide us. Our heritage is shaped by joy, creativity, and leadership — qualities we carry with us into our work. Together, we remain committed to walking with our communities, lifting up voices, and building a future of equity, strength, and hope.
