This June, Native Americans in Philanthropy and Hispanics in Philanthropy convened together in Albuquerque, New Mexico, for the HIP-NAP Joint Conference: Transforming Philanthropy Together. Bringing together Native and Latine philanthropic professionals, Tribal leaders, funders, grassroots organizers, and youth leaders, the conference became a powerful space for healing, connection, and cross-cultural strategy.
For both organizations, this collaboration represented more than a partnership—it was a commitment to amplifying Indigenous and Latine voices in philanthropy and charting a shared path toward increased progress and momentum.
The choice of Albuquerque carried deep meaning. By convening here, HIP and NAP invited philanthropy to reckon with the region’s rich, complex histories and cultures. From opening discussions to closing plenaries, the land and its stories were the backdrop and foundation for every conversation.
We are especially grateful to the local cultural performers who grounded each day in expressions of art, song, dance, and storytelling that centered the conference in culture and place.
We are also thankful to the many local leaders and guides who facilitated our site visits to landmarks, organizations, and sacred sites. The success of these visits was made possible through our partners, including: Somos Un Pueblo Unido, the Semilla Project, Meow Wolf Foundation, Vital Spaces, Make Santa Fe, Trees, Water & People, The Pueblo of Jemez, Native American Community Academy (NACA), Indigenous Farm Hub, the Ts’uyya Farm, G4GC, NewMexicoWomen.Org, the Transgender Resource Center of New Mexico, SouthWest Organizing Project (SWOP), La Plazita Institute, Partnership for Community Action, and Southwest Creations Collaborative.
Over three days, participants joined learning tours, workshops, plenaries, breakout sessions, and networking sessions that sparked dialogue about how philanthropy can meet current challenges through shared solutions and solidarity.
Throughout, the energy was rooted in balance: acknowledging the urgency of our times while also making space for healing and relationship-building. Attendees left not only with strategies and insights but also with a renewed sense of community and shared purpose.
The conference opened with a powerful plenary featuring Ana Marie Argilagos, President & CEO of Hispanics in Philanthropy, and Erik Stegman, CEO of Native Americans in Philanthropy. Together, they set the tone for the convening by reflecting on the shared histories and distinct experiences of Latine and Indigenous communities, and the urgent need for philanthropy to meet this moment with courage and collaboration. Their conversation emphasized why this joint gathering was more than symbolic—it was a call to action for funders to invest in strategies that honor cultural knowledge and build long-term solidarity.
One of the highlights of the conference was the Native Americans in Philanthropy Awards Reception, held at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, where we celebrated two leaders who embody the values of generosity, resilience, and service to community.
Alvin Warren (Santa Clara Pueblo), Vice President of Policy & Impact at the LANL Foundation, received the Distinguished Grantmaker Award, established to honor Board Member emeritus Louis T. Delgado. This award recognizes those who advance the role of philanthropy between Native communities and mainstream philanthropy.
LaDonna Harris (Comanche), Founder of Americans for Indian Opportunity, was honored with the Flying Eagle Woman Award. Named in memory of (O'Peqyaw-Matamoh) Ingrid Washinawatok El-Issa, an internationally recognized humanitarian who dedicated her life to advancing Native Peoples' rights, women’s leadership, sovereignty, and human rights worldwide, the award recognizes extraordinary leaders carrying forward her legacy. LaDonna’s lifelong advocacy and leadership made her a deeply fitting recipient.
Spotlighting youth leadership has always been central to NAP’s conferences, and this year was no different.
The Indigenous Tomorrows Fund (ITF) breakfast focused on how the program invests in the vision and leadership of young people through participatory grantmaking and demonstrates how philanthropy can better follow the lead of youth-driven solutions. Participants shared how ITF is supporting projects that address urgent issues like food justice, community health and wellness, and healing across generations.
A second breakfast brought together two key parts of the NAP family: the Native Youth Grantmakers alumni and NAP’s Board of Directors. Held on the final day of the conference, it set the tone by breaking down any false barriers between “Leadership” and our emerging leaders. In a candid, casual setting, both groups could openly connect with one another, demonstrating how healthy and sustainable philanthropy must always include youth voices.
Ending on a High Note: Featured Guests on the Final Day
The conference closed with an extraordinary lineup of guests whose voices and experiences energized attendees and set an inspiring tone for the day.
In a special armchair conversation, legendary labor and civil rights leader Dolores Huerta joined acclaimed filmmaker Gregory Nava to discuss legacy, movement-building, and storytelling’s role in driving social change. As Nava prepares a biopic on Huerta’s life, they reflected on decades of organizing for farmworker rights, racial and gender justice, and civic engagement, exploring how film and narrative can uplift grassroots struggles, preserve collective memory, and inspire new generations while prompting reflection on who gets to tell the stories that shape our future.
Paola Ramos, journalist and author, joined Jazmin Chavez, HIP’s VP of Movement Building and Infrastructure, for a conversation about Ramos’s new book, Defectors: The Rise of the Latino Far Right and What It Means for America. In a moment when Latine communities face targeted policies, rhetoric, and disinformation, Ramos and Chavez unpacked the political, cultural, and generational forces driving these shifts—and what they mean for solidarity, resistance, and the future of American democracy.
Finally, Deb Haaland (Pueblo of Laguna), Secretary of the Interior, returned home to New Mexico to share insights on Indigenous leadership, policy, and advocacy. Her presence was especially meaningful, bringing a sense of home and connection to the gathering. She spoke about centering Native voices in decisions that impact communities, lands, and sovereignty, and highlighted how government, philanthropy, and community organizations can support Native self-determination. Her remarks underscored the power of Indigenous leadership to shape policy, protect cultural and environmental resources, and create pathways for future generations.
Together, these guests brought insight, inspiration, and energy, leaving the conference on a note of vision, possibility, and momentum.
As we carry forward the energy, insights, and connections from this year’s gathering, we’re thrilled for the Native Americans in Philanthropy 2026 Annual Conference, taking place in Riverside, California, on April 14–16, 2026. This upcoming gathering will be another opportunity for Tribal leaders, youth, funders, and philanthropic professionals to come together to share strategies, amplify voices, and advance progress across Native communities.
Join us in Riverside to continue these conversations, strengthen connections, and chart the next chapter of Indigenized philanthropy together.