PHILANTHROPIC INNOVATOR TO LEAD MALDEF’S DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY
David Damian Figueroa, respected entertainment industry professional and non-profit advisor, will oversee MALDEF’s corporate and foundation partnerships, communications, special events, and branding initiatives
LOS ANGELES, CA – Thomas A. Saenz, MALDEF President and General Counsel, is pleased to announce the appointment of David Damian Figueroa as Director of Strategic Development Initiatives. Figueroa rejoined MALDEF in August 2009 and will begin his new position on April 20, 2010.
Saenz stated, “David Damian is an unmatched creative thinker and innovative implementer. With his leadership, I know that our development and communications team will be a trend setter, with many singular achievements in strategically positioning MALDEF to facilitate the Latino community's next set of great accomplishments.”
“I’m excited to have the opportunity to be a part of Thomas Saenz’s leadership team and I take my new responsibilities very seriously. I give my commitment to the community and MALDEF’s supporters to do my best in serving this incredible organization,” said Figueroa.
As Director of Strategic Development Initiatives, Figueroa will lead the organization’s efforts to increase partnerships with corporate and philanthropic sectors, improve organizational capacity, and raise the poignancy of MALDEF for all Latinos. In this role, Figueroa will enlist the support of MALDEF’s staff throughout the regional offices, board members and work with Araceli Campos, Corporate Counsel, Joss Jeri, Donor Relations & Grants Compliance Coordinator and Matthew Barragan, Development Associate.
“MALDEF is blessed to have David Damian. He is part of its new leadership which is expanding and taking the organization to new heights. He is a person of integrity and intelligence and is an ideal person we need working for the Latino community,” said Dolores Huerta, renowned civil rights leader.
Figueroa previously served at MALDEF under Antonia Hernandez from 1998 to 2001, as Director of Public Relations & Creative Marketing. Figueroa served as Associate State Director of the Los Angeles County Region for AARP California from 2002 to 2009 where he oversaw the implementation of social campaigns, community alliances, volunteer management and membership development. Figueroa also helped launch AARP’s Segunda Juventud bilingual magazine in Los Angeles.
Prior to committing to service in the non-profit sector full-time, Figueroa had achieved an influential role in the entertainment industry, fostering the success of clients including José José, El Show de Johnny Canales, Boyz II Men, Arista Latin, MCA Polygram, BMI Latin, Motown Latino, Tito Puente, Celia Cruz, Marc Anthony, and India for RMM/Universal.
For the past 20 years, Figueroa has served as a philanthropic advisor to numerous Latino artists and specializes in connecting celebrities to non-profit organizations, such as Familia Unida Living with MS, AltaMed Health Services, The Dolores Huerta Foundation, The Cesar E. Chavez Foundation, and the United Farm Workers of America. Figueroa is a former Commissioner for the City of Los Angeles, a former board member of Clinica Msr. Oscar A. Romero and an advisory board member for PBS flagship television station KCET. He currently serves as an advisor for Shine Global and as a board member for Eva’s Heroes, Eva Longoria Parker’s foundation for children faced with developmental challenges.
“David Damian is one of the most consciously aware citizens and compassionate human beings who have helped develop me into the philanthropist that I am today,” stated Eva Longoria Parker, actress and community activist.
Founded in 1968, MALDEF is the nation's leading Latino legal civil rights organization. Often described as the "law firm of the Latino community," MALDEF promotes social change through advocacy, communications, community education, and litigation in the areas of education, employment, immigrant rights, and political access. For more information on MALDEF, please visit: www.maldef.org.
