WHO
WE ARE
HISPA is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that mobilizes professionals to eradicate one key reason our youth do not pursue education: a lack of role models. Through HISPA’s educational programs, our volunteers emphasize the importance of academics and demonstrate that all students can overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams.
OUR MISSION
HISPA seeks to inspire students to discover their potential and to ignite their desire to embrace education and achieve success.
OUR VISION
To contribute to America’s future by inspiring students’ academic performance and achievement.
BACKGROUND & NEED
“Together, we can succeed.”
In 2007, Dr. Ivonne Díaz-Claisse spoke at a nearby school. She shared the obstacles she faced growing up in Puerto Rico with a love for math: teachers doubted her ability and discouraged her from pursuing her degree. She found a role model in a Puerto Rican professor who had earned his Ph.D. in math in the U.S. Inspired, she went on to do the same.
While working for AT&T, she volunteered at a school and after sharing her story, a young Latina student approached her and said, “I love chemistry. Now I know I can pursue a Ph.D., too.” Her mission became clear: students could not aspire to something they didn’t see. She founded HISPA to address this need.
Unless students believe they can achieve, they are at an increased risk of dropping out. This has huge consequences as jobs demand more education.
Research shows that early intervention, especially during the middle school years, is key to reducing dropout rates. It also points to a strong correlation between having a role model and a student’s pursuit of higher education. HISPA unites students with successful, relatable role models during this critical period to increase students’ awareness of education as a means to succeed.
Dr. Ivonne Díaz-Claisse – HISPA Founder and CEO
AWARDS, HONORS & RECOGNITIONS
HISPA became a UnidosUS affiliate organization in 2024. In 2020, HISPA received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring (PAESMEM), the highest national mentoring award bestowed by the U.S. government upon mentors who work to expand STEM talent.
Other awards and recognitions include: New Jersey Business and Industry Association’s INNOVATE100 Award (2024); Colgate-Palmolive’s PRIMERA Award for Empowerment in Education (2024); and McDonald’s NY Metro Owner’s Association’s Premios Héroes Award (2024); Prospanica’s Brillante Award for Community Service Excellence (2018); Color Magazine’s All-Inclusive Awards’ Change Agent Award – Individual (2017); White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics “Bright Spot in Hispanic Education” (2015); New Jersey Hispanic Leadership Association Education Award (2014); Princeton University Service Award for exemplary service and dedicated leadership (2013); Latino Institute 2013 award for supporting Latino students at all levels; New Jersey Institute of Technology Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers Educator of the Year Award (2012); Verizon Hispanic Support Organization Community Service Award (2012); Save Latin America, Inc. Tres Próceres Award (2011); and New Jersey Hispanic Research and Information Center Distinguished Maria De Castro Blake Outstanding Community Service Award (2010). Dr. Ivonne Díaz-Claisse was also inducted into Trenton YWCA’s Women’s Hall of Fame in 2014.
