The San Antonio Area Foundation welcomes two new members joining its 2024 Board of Directors: Mari Aguirre Rodriguez and Robert Hernandez.
Since graduating from UTSA in 2003, Rodriguez has consistently engaged in community-driven work on behalf of San Antonio – including entrepreneurship, education, nonprofit and public service sectors.
In 2013, Rodriguez launched Opt In – a business and consulting service. Previously, she worked with Generation TX, the Rackspace Foundation and served as City of San Antonio District 7 representative.
With each new professional role, Rodriguez has made it her mission to create new opportunities for others. Her approach to her work is based in positive, lasting impact that can be felt far beyond just her own immediate community.
“I want to make a difference in all I do,” Rodriguez shared. “I care about projects and issues that will change our city, state and country for the better. This filter helps me determine my roles and projects.”
Rodriguez comes to the Area Foundation with a clear vision for how the partnership can create a brighter future for our community.
“I hope to be able to provide support and guidance for new leadership,” she said. “I have helped onboard over 10 new leaders and hope to bring that kind of knowledge to the organization.”
Hernandez’s background is similarly filled with examples of community-based roles and projects. With more than 20 years of nonprofit administration experience, Hernandez has made it a point to consistently align his work with his life mantra: engage, educate and empower.
After graduating from the University of Incarnate Word with a degree in banking and finance, Hernandez has gone on to have an illustrious career and a multitude of titles: Vice President and Community Development Officer at PNC; Director of Philanthropy and Finance at Prosper West; Director of Individual Giving and Corporate Relations at the Dallas Zoo.
Throughout his career, Hernandez has made positive contributions to underserved communities. In Dallas, he developed strong ties with the Communities Foundation of Texas. Now back in San Antonio, Hernandez sees the great potential in becoming part of what the Area Foundation is doing to help and boost our community.
“The Area Foundation provides a truly meaningful impact to San Antonio,” Hernandez said. “You have very passionate staff, very passionate board members – how can you not want to be part of that? Collectively, they’re very focused on inclusivity and reaching a broader audience. As a Latino, that really resonates for me.”
Interested in finding out more about the Area Foundation and our work in the community? We offer many opportunities for the public to get involved, from helping evaluate scholarship applications to supporting our grantmaking by donating to one of our main impact areas. Check out our website to learn more and feel free to reach out to see how we could connect!
