MEET THE BOARD

We'd like to introduce you to our 2019 Board of Directors.  They're our superstars!

ABOUT OUR FOUNDER

ABOUT US

YHPAA's mission:

DAR. GOZAR. AVANZAR.

The Young Hispanic Professional Association of Austin (YHPAA) aims to provide leadership and professional development opportunities for young Latino professionals to empower and connect with the Greater Austin community since 2006. We strive to be the premier Latino organization positively shaping the landscape of our communities. YHPAA supports and encourages higher education through scholarships and mentorship programs while providing resources to members for professional, community, and personal development.

MEET THE BOARD

We'd like to introduce you to our 2021 Board of Directors.  They're our superstars!

Past Presidents:
2019-2020  Shelly Cruz

2018-2019   Pamela Guerra-Garcia 
2017-2018   Enrique Legarreta

2016-2017   Chris Cordova 
2015-2016   Melissa ayala 
2014-2015   felicia pena 
2013-2014   ramiro diaz
2012-2013   roger de leon
2010-2012   matthew danner 
2009-2010  javier valdez

2006-2009  linda medina-LOPEZ

"Always keep learning and growing. The only way to go is up!" -- Linda Medina-Lopez

After having moved from El Paso to Austin in 2002, Linda found herself in a new city with the potential for new opportunities. Austin quickly rose to the top being named the #1 city for Hispanics and Best City for Young Professionals. It was a challenging time trying to connect with other like minded individuals.  She wanted to grow professionally and give back to the community. After 6 months of brewing and brainstorming she founded the Young Hispanic Professional Association of Austin (YHPAA) in 2006.  YHPAA's purpose is to serve as the principal resource for young Hispanics professionals where they can build a foundation for their professional, community and personal development.

Committed to education and equity, Linda currently serves as the Associate Director of State and District Partnerships for the College Board. In her role, she creates partnerships with school districts to help them achieve their college readiness goals. Linda is passionate about unlocking educational opportunities for students, especially low-income and first generation. She has over 20 years of experience in fund development, program management and public affairs.

Linda's passion, drive, and leadership have created successful organizations and initiatives for education and in the community. She serves on the Austin Community Foundation's Hispanic Impact Fund Steering Committee, a giving network that supports the economic security of Hispanic Central Texans. In 2007, she co-founded the El Paso in Austin Network, , a network that connects and recognizes fellow El Pasoans in Austin to the city that raised them and gave them roots. The network provides scholarships for deserving El Paso seniors coming to Austin to study. Throughout the years she has served on the numerous boards including Leadership Austin, City of Austin Commission for Women, SXSWedu Advisory Council, UTEP Alumni Association - Austin Chapter, Chair of the Concordia University Alumni Association and Chair of I Live Here, I Give Here's See Jane Give event. She received her Master's in Education with Honors from Concordia University Austin and Bachelor's in Education from the University of Texas at El Paso. She's a proud graduate of Leadership Austin 2009, Hispanic Austin Leadership 2008 and Emerge 2007. Linda enjoys being a mentor to college students and young professionals and motivates them to reach their goals.

In her spare time, she plays in the Round Rock Tennis Association League and loves doing life with her husband and twin boys.

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