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.

"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, www.elpasoinaustin.com, 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. 

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