My Year at LCF as the First Aida Álvarez Policy & Civic Leadership Fellow

Serving as the first Aida Álvarez Policy & Civic Leadership Fellow, named after the nation’s first Latina to ever serve in a presidential cabinet, has been a period of tremendous growth both professionally and personally.

This transformative experience not only reaffirmed my purpose, but it evolved into a greater understanding that life in public service is an unfinished process. Getting the opportunity to learn about California’s nonprofit ecosystem directly from the Latino community is what makes this fellowship exceptional to traditional policy leadership opportunities.

Here are some of my most memorable highlights at the Latino Community Foundation (LCF):

Change not Charity

In the first round of grants from the Latino Power Fund, the $50M philanthropic initiative that aims to build civic power in Latino communities, LCF invested $1.4 million in 35 Latino-led grassroot organizations advocating for the equitable distribution of the American Rescue Plan.

What I learned from this grant cycle is that philanthropy is more – and should be more – than just a transaction. We are in the pursuit of meaningful change, not charity. Ending disinvestments in Latino communities is how we build civically engaged movements and dismantle systemic inequities. In order to truly promote justice and peace, philanthropy should double down and provide unrestricted funding to help BIPOC communities achieve their community agendas. To date, LCF and our partners have leveraged over $300M to support community-driven priorities across California.

Meeting the TransLatin@ Coalition team, one of our ARP Grantee Partners, at their offices in Los Angeles, CA

The IX Summit of the Americas: Los Angeles

International issues are domestic issues. This past May, I brought LCF onto the world stage to present the Digital Transformation Political Recommendations at the Hemispheric Dialogue, representing the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean at the IX Summit of the Americas. In collaboration with my thematic working group, I implored governments to recognize internet access as a human right and to develop a Universal Declaration of Digital Rights. Alongside stakeholders, I exchanged ideas on how to create a more robust cyber society that is inclusive of all people. It was also a real treat to hear President Biden, Vice President Harris, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and Administrator of USAID Samantha Power speak throughout the Summit.

Presenting the Digital Transformation Policy Recommendations at the Hemispheric Dialogue for the IX Summit of the Americas in Los Angeles, CA

Meeting Latino Community Leaders

The love, culture, and power that LCF utilizes as a catalyst for change is what inspires people to unleash their inner gift. The most rewarding experience of my fellowship was meeting Latino community leaders. It was a true privilege to share hugs, hopes, laughs, and sometimes tears at our LCF events. The gift of collective healing helped us discover one another and evolved our pain into purpose. Hearing Latinos across the state share their heartfelt dreams for a better life despite their daily struggles compels me to work harder to ensure that Latinos are embedded into the fabric of our democracy and economy.

The first retreat for the third cohort of the Latino Nonprofit Accelerator in Napa Valley, CA

My LCF Familia

And last but certainly not least, my LCF familia. LCF operates with a dynamic team of people who share the vision of a better tomorrow for our Latino communities. There’s an energy that is so rare to find and its source derives directly from the passion of our team. Every single team member has their own unique DNA woven in the mission of LCF, and in return, we have LCF’s DNA woven in our hearts. I know this is true for me. I’m internally grateful for everything that this phenomenal team has taught me. I’m a better person because of them.

The LCF Team at LinkedIn San Francisco Headquarters for the El Poder Latino Event

Although transitions can be scary, the unforgettable experience I received at LCF combined with the access to a network of influential Latino leaders is what alleviates some of the nerves that come with embarking on a new journey. Afterall, change is never truly easy. But before I entered LCF my only prayer was to work for Latinos alongside Latinos whose professional trajectories were born out of their own personal history. I can confidently say that prayer was answered.

By: Francisco “Franky” Barajas, Aida Álvarez Policy & Civic Leadership Fellow