A New Chapter in HACES Leadership

We are pleased to share an important leadership update at HACES and to express our sincere gratitude for the continued support of our community.

HACES’ founder, Maria Elena Jonas, will be stepping back from day-to-day operations and transitioning into an advisory role. Maria Elena’s vision and leadership laid the foundation for HACES, and she will continue to support the organization through strategic guidance and relationship-building.

Effective January 1, 2026, Alicia Garcia has been appointed Executive Director of HACES.

This transition has been thoughtfully planned and aligns with the Board’s strategic goals to ensure a seamless and healthy leadership change that supports the continued growth of our organization and programs.

Alicia has been part of the HACES team since 2020, most recently serving as Director of Programs, where she worked closely with staff and partners to expand services, strengthen programs, and respond to evolving community needs. Her deep understanding of our work and the communities we serve positions her well to lead HACES into its next chapter.

“My vision for HACES is to expand access to services, deepen community partnerships, and invest in our staff. I am deeply grateful to our founder, Maria Elena Jonas, for her faith and trust in me as we step into this next chapter.”
— Alicia M. Garcia, Executive Director

HACES’ mission, programs, and commitment to serving the immigrant community remain unchanged. We value the relationships we have built together and look forward to continuing our collective impact under this new leadership.

Warm Regards,