
The New Jersey Governor’s Hispanic Fellows class of 2022 graduated on July 29. Funded and overseen by the State of New Jersey’s Center for Hispanic Policy, Research, and Development (CHPRD) in collaboration with HISPA, the 8-week program prepared 17 college-going Latinos to excel in their future endeavors via internships and professional development workshops. This summer […]

THE TRIP OF A LIFETIME: MY VISIT TO AN AIRCRAFT CARRIER
I am forever grateful to Rear Admiral Dennis Velez, Commander Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10, and everyone who serves with him. Because of them, I had the amazing opportunity to visit the USS George H. W. Bush aircraft carrier and experience firsthand the day-to-day operations of this impressive Warship.
This was the experience of a lifetime. From the unexpected landing—going from 135 mph to 0 in two seconds—to witnessing the sheer magnitude of the initiative (there are over 5,000 members on board!), I was truly in awe. I was inspired by the great commitment to the responsibilities and highly specialized tasks of each person I met—including three TOPGUN pilots. I proudly dined with Admiral Velez and his Flag Aide and connected with them over our shared Puerto Rican heritage. I quietly reflected on George H. W. Bush’s life and legacy of service, which started when he enlisted in the Navy on his 18th birthday. And, of course, the catapult take-off left me speechless; the only way I can describe it is feeling as if I was being pulled into a black hole. As I prepared for it, I repeatedly told myself, “If Ellen Ochoa went to space, I can and will overcome the physical challenge of the catapult” (full disclosure: I suffer from vertigo!).
It was such a great honor to spend 24 hours with so many inspirational leaders that—as an optimizer—I wanted to find little ways to contribute, to contribute ‘mi granito de arena’. I can confidently share that I brought a smile to three Latinas at the carrier store by sharing how proud I was of them and giving them HISPA pins. I connected two young Colombian sailors who had not met and made sure I spoke to them about the importance of peer mentoring. I brought books written by dear friends to the carrier library to diversify their collection of literature and to pass on their amazing contributions. I left behind a ‘serigrafia’ de Puerto Rico so those who are missing home might unexpectedly find this picture and smile remembering their island.
Some have asked me, “What made you say yes to this trip?” I asked myself that, too—especially as we approached landing on the aircraft carrier! My answer? I am always searching for and providing leadership development opportunities for others, and I felt it was my turn to grow. It was my turn to learn from the leadership of individuals like Rear Admiral Velez, the Carrier’s Commanding Officer, Capt. David-Tavis Pollard and the Executive Officer, Capt. Nicholas C. DeLeo. I took in their core values and their vision to embody a legacy of service, grit, humility, and resilience.
These lessons, as always, bring me back to my own work and remind me of the HISPA Role Models. We all come from the public and private sectors, bring stories of grit and perseverance to others, and serve our community with humility. Like those I met at sea, HISPA Role Models are an invaluable group of leaders who together are changing the future of America—one story at a time.

HISPA will expand its outreach in Miami with the support of Visa Foundation and Visa volunteers
Miami, Florida, August 2, 2022 – Today, HISPA announced a $250,000 grant from Visa Foundation to inspire Latino students to discover their potential and ignite their desire to embrace education and achieve success.
HISPA programs unite Latino professionals with students in predominantly low-income, public middle school classrooms to serve as positive examples for our youth and encourage student success. HISPA Role Models emphasize the importance of higher education and introduce potential future careers. Visa Foundation funding will specifically support the expansion of HISPA programs in Miami, Florida.
The grant is a part of the Visa Foundation Gives program, a multi-year initiative launched in 2022 dedicated to addressing local social issues in the communities surrounding Visa’s global offices. The initiative will also enable Visa employees to volunteer with HISPA to further advance its mission and amplify their impact in the community.
“HISPA has worked closely with Visa employees in Miami for the last five years, and their commitment and passion to giving back is truly extraordinary,” said Dr. Ivonne Díaz-Claisse, HISPA Founder and CEO. “With this grant, we will be able to reach many more students, validating their dreams and showing them the many pathways to higher education and high-skill careers. Organizations like Visa, that understand the urgency of our work allow HISPA to make our mission a reality.”
Visa and Visa Foundation are committed to supporting inclusive economies where individuals, businesses, and communities can thrive.
“Youth education and empowerment are key to building thriving communities,” commented Graham Macmillan, President, Visa Foundation. “We are proud to support HISPA in its efforts to uplift students in Miami and across the U.S., helping to create a brighter and more inclusive future for our youth,” he concluded.
For more information about HISPA, visit www.hispa.org and follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter at @HISPAteam.
To learn more about the latest grants, partnerships, programs, and events from Visa and Visa Foundation, visit: Visa.com and visafoundation.org
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About HISPA
HISPA’s mission is to inspire Latino students to discover their potential and ignite their desire to embrace education and achieve success. Since 2007, HISPA has expanded from New Jersey to Texas, New York, Florida, and Pennsylvania and has reached over 22,000 students. In 2020, HISPA was recognized with the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring—the highest national STEM mentoring award bestowed by the White House. Annual support for HISPA is provided by Founding Partners Verizon and Visa, Co-founding Partners and Supporters Merck, the U.S. Navy, Victoria’s Secret & Co., and Bristol Myers Squibb, and Annual Partners Bloomberg, ETS, and PSEG.
HISPA Media Contact
Kelly Grossman
kelly@hispa.org