This month, I will be profiling the leadership stories of several amazing Hispanic nonprofit leaders. National Hispanic Heritage Month began in 1968 and is observed from from September 15 to October 15. It honors the history, culture and contributions of Americans whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. Each year has a different theme of celebration. According to the official website:

This year’s theme recognizes the strength and hard work of Hispanic Americans, whose zeal for family and country has helped shape society.

I want to start by highlighting the awesome affinity group: Hispanics in Philanthropy (HIP). HIP’s mission is to strengthen Latino communities by increasing resources for the Latino and Latin American civil sector; by increasing Latino participation and leadership throughout the field of philanthropy; and to foster policy change to enhance equity and inclusiveness. This month, HIP features a great Q & A with Albert Ruesga, President and CEO of the Greater New Orleans Foundation. It is well worth the 5 minute read, even if simply for this lovely sentiment from Albert:

I have many heroes and heroines.  In the work of philanthropy, it’s always the men and women who have no ego and who do great work.  I hesitate to attempt naming them for fear of leaving anyone out.

In other domains, I’m not so hesitant to name names: Martin Luther King, Jr., father of us all; Gottlöb Frege, the first man to provide an essentially modern definition of number; and José Martí, the Cuban patriot and poet who wrote:

Yo he visto en la noche oscura
llover sobre mi cabeza
los rayos de lumbre pura
de la divina belleza.

Alas nacer vi en los hombros
de las mujeres hermosas:
y salir de los escombros,
volando, las mariposas.

We can all agree that the hard work and dedication of our Hispanic nonprofit leaders deserves the highest recognition. I’m excited and honored to be able to use this space to provide coverage of their efforts. Stay tuned for more great interviews and stories shared by some of the best nonprofit leaders in our sector!

Coming Up: Meet Ian Bautista, President of United Neighborhood Centers of America (UNCA)