Together, Let Us Take It One Step Further
By: Evelyn Hernandez, Executive Director of Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving, CUNY School of Medicine
During this Hispanic Heritage Month, I am especially grateful to share my insights. I have often heard that Latinos need to unite to effect change. I believe that, because within the fundraising and philanthropy space I have found community. In community there is unity. However as a collective we must take it one step further.
You see, there are not a lot of fundraisers who look like me and it is not due to a shortage of talent, ability or desire to serve. There is, however, a lack of opportunity, a lack of access, and a lack of representation. When I joined Women of Color in Fundraising and Philanthropy in 2020, I discovered a group of women of color who do what I do, who care about this profession, who are in it for the right reasons, and who care about their communities. I thought to myself, maybe I do belong here. I also received mentorship from women of color who understood what I shared on a deeper level, who knew exactly what I meant when I questioned whether it was worth remaining in the fundraising profession.
We should all have a brave space to express ourselves, to talk about what affects Latinos in this profession, especially those who are explicitly fundraising for vulnerable communities—many of whom are Latino.
However, because I knew there were other Latinas who questioned their place in this space, I applied for a volunteer role with the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) to share my perspective more broadly and take it one step further. In January 2024, I was selected as a General Member of the AFP Global Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access (IDEA) Committee. Fortuitously, I was then tapped to lead the AFP Latinx Affinity group. I am thankful for this expanding community within AFP, open to all individuals who identify as Latinx and Hispanic (including non-members and our allies). We should all have a brave space to express ourselves, to talk about what affects Latinos in this profession, especially those who are explicitly fundraising for vulnerable communities—many of whom are Latino.
Recently, I was appointed Co-Facilitator of AFP Global’s FORGE IDEA Chapter Leaders Advisory Council. Our group of volunteers representing AFP chapters around the world will identify issues and workshop solutions to improve the member experience through the framework of FORGE: Fairness, Openness, Respect, Grace and Empathy. The overarching goal of FORGE is to create a true culture of belonging. I bring this up because we are not only seeking to make impactful changes throughout AFP but within the fundraising profession overall.
Fundraisers, by nature, are mission driven individuals called to make a difference not only in the organizations that we work for but also in our own communities
I am grateful to Yolanda F. Johnson, Founder of WOC, for her vision to create this community these past six years. As a member of WOC, I continue to be inspired by Yolanda and my WOC mentors, who validated everything I questioned and supported my decision to continue my fundraising journey. It has led me to roles in service and leadership that I had not considered before. My WOC sisters reminded me I belong.
Fundraisers, by nature, are mission driven individuals called to make a difference not only in the organizations that we work for but also in our own communities. This Hispanic Heritage Month, I celebrate every Latino who chooses to work in this space and who remains despite the barriers, the places where we are misunderstood, the indifference or being overlooked. We are a vibrant melding of rich cultures who together make up a strong, resilient, compassionate community. United, we can amplify our voices, support one another and lift each other up.
To all the fundraisers who look like me and wonder if they are on the right career path, know that you belong. You are not here by chance. And, whether by becoming a member of WOC, taking part in AFP’s FORGE initiative or attending a Latinx Affinity Group meeting, I hope you will join me and take it one step further.
Evelyn Hernandez
Executive Director of Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving, CUNY School of Medicine
Evelyn Hernandez (she/her) is the Executive Director of Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving at CUNY School of Medicine. She is a seasoned relationship builder who is responsible for the overall leadership, management, and oversight of alumni relations and annual fund programs. Evelyn collaborates with senior leadership on alumni engagement strategies to promote a culture of philanthropy and support of the school.
Evelyn holds a Master of Public Administration, with a concentration in Ethical Leadership, and a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Marist University. Evelyn is also a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) signifying her commitment to ethical fundraising and best practices. In 2025, she was invited to join the newly formed Grievance Committee of CFRE International.
An active member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), Evelyn was selected in 2024 to join the AFP Global Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access Committee and began serving as Co-Lead of the AFP Global Latinx Affinity Group. Her role as Co-Lead allows her to be in community with Latino fundraisers across the nation. Being Latina is an important part of Evelyn’s identity, so she is grateful to be able to integrate this part of herself into her professional life.
A native New Yorker and life-long learner, Evelyn believes education is a human right and is passionate about making an impact in higher education and the future of medicine. She has worked in the healthcare space for over 14 years; most recently at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital as a frontline fundraiser.
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