Latino Community Foundation appoints Alejandra Y. Castillo and Antonia Hernández to Board of Trustees

Nationally recognized leaders in philanthropy, civil rights, economic development, and community empowerment join LCF’s governing board

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Latino Community Foundation (LCF) today announced the appointment of Alejandra Y. Castillo and Antonia Hernández to its Board of Trustees. Together, they bring decades of leadership spanning philanthropy, civil rights, economic opportunity, public policy, and community development.

Their appointments further strengthen the Foundation's mission to unleash the civic and economic power of Latinos and build a more prosperous future for Latino families and communities across the country.

“Alejandra Castillo and Antonia Hernández are visionary leaders who have expanded opportunity and advanced equity throughout their careers,” said Julián Castro, Chief Executive Officer of the Latino Community Foundation. “Alejandra's national leadership in economic development and workforce innovation, combined with Antonia's groundbreaking work in civil rights and philanthropy, will bring an invaluable perspective to our board. At a pivotal moment for our communities, their experience and commitment will help guide the Foundation's continued growth and impact.”

Alejandra Y. Castillo

Alejandra Y. Castillo is a nationally recognized executive whose leadership spans the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Most recently, she served as U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development, where she oversaw nearly $8 billion in federal investments and helped support the creation or retention of more than 800,000 jobs nationwide. She is widely recognized for advancing regional economic competitiveness, innovation ecosystems, workforce development, and inclusive growth. Castillo previously served as CEO of YWCA USA and as National Director of the Minority Business Development Agency at the U.S. Department of Commerce.

“I am excited to join the Latino Community Foundation's Board of Trustees at a time when Latino communities are driving America's economic and civic future,” said Alejandra Y. Castillo. “I look forward to helping advance strategies that expand opportunity, strengthen communities, and ensure Latino families have the tools they need to succeed for generations to come.”

Antonia Hernández

Antonia Hernández is one of the nation's most respected civil rights and philanthropic leaders. She recently concluded a transformative two-decade tenure as President and CEO of the California Community Foundation, where she helped grow the organization's assets from approximately $540 million to $2.3 billion while overseeing more than $3.4 billion in grants supporting communities throughout Los Angeles County. Prior to leading the Foundation, Hernández built a distinguished career as a civil rights attorney, served as counsel to the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, and led MALDEF, the nation's premier Latino civil rights organization.

“Throughout my career, I have believed in the power of community-driven leadership and philanthropy to create lasting change,” said Antonia Hernández. “The Latino Community Foundation has become one of the most important institutions investing in Latino civic and economic power. I am honored to join the board and support its work to ensure Latino communities continue to thrive and lead.”

The Latino Community Foundation welcomes Castillo and Hernández as it continues to expand its investments in civic engagement, economic mobility, leadership development, and community-driven philanthropy.

About the Latino Community Foundation

The Latino Community Foundation (LCF) is on a mission to unleash the civic and economic power of Latinos. LCF has the largest network of Latino philanthropists in the country and has raised over $100 million to build Latino civic and political power. Through philanthropy, community partnerships, and leadership investments, LCF supports organizations and initiatives that advance economic opportunity, civic participation, and long-term prosperity for Latino communities nationwide. It is the largest Latino-serving foundation in the nation.

Through its Building a Flourishing Latino Future growth and expansion strategy, LCF is deepening its impact across California and expanding community and funder partnerships throughout the Southwest and the nation to meet the rising influence and needs of Latino communities. In 2023, LCF named former U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julián Castro as its CEO. For more information, please visit latinocf.org.